DIY Network

Building An ATV Bed DIY to the Rescue forges through all terrain... From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-706

Hand over the keys!

With his love of all things action packed, Christopher gets a bed fit for four-wheelin' in the woods. Amy Devers, Karl Champley, and Christopher's parents, Tim and Natalie South construct an all-terrain bed complete with a trundle bed for guests.

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Materials:

self adhesive stencil (can be found at a sign store)
plywood (at least as big as the stencil)
painters' tape
level
pencil
jig saw
metal file
squeegee
saw
strips of one by two wood
inch and a quarter screws
3- inch screws
5- inch lag bolts
wheels
castors

Steps:

1. Start by securing the stencil smoothly to the plywood with painters tape (Figures A & B).

2. Use a level to follow the template and make straight cut lines to follow (Figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

3. Following the cut lines, cut out the ATV shape with a jig saw. It is a good idea to use a thin blade when cutting out a decorative pattern like this (Figures D & E). Re-tape down the loose edges as you go, to keep the pattern tight to the wood.

Figure D

Figure E

4. Sand off the edges with a metal file and brush off the sawdust (Figures F & G).

Figure F

Figure G

5. Tape down half of the stencil securely to the plywood (Figure H). Remove the backing on the other half of the stencil and press into place (Figure I). When applying the stencil it is easier to stick down only half the stencil at a time to keep it from wrinkling and sticking to itself. It is also helpful to have another person help on a project like this.

Figure H

Figure I

Use a squeegee to smooth the stencil as it is applied to the plywood cutout and make sure no air bubbles get trapped inside (Figure J). Repeat the process to the second half of the stencil (Figure K).

Figure J

Figure K

6. Carefully peel back the protective coating from the top (Figures L & M).

Figure L

Figure M

7. Use this ATV form to create another form for the back side of the bed. Simply lay this piece face up on a sheet of plywood and trace out the shape. Then using the jigsaw, cut out the form, and sand edges with the metal file.

Cut strips of 1 x 2 wood to attach to the plywood cut out for additional strength (Figure N). Use inch and a quarter screws to attach the plywood together (Figure O). If the screws are much longer they may poke through.

Figure N

Figure O

Figure P

8. Finish by using a router on the edges for a smooth rounded finish (Figure P).

9. In the bedroom, mark the wall at the studs (Figure Q) and then screw the bed frame to the wall with 3 inch screws (Figures R & S).

Figure Q

Figure R

Figure S

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