Shared room getting your kids down? What to free up some space and be the hero for the day? Create your own DIY bunk beds and save yourself some money in the process. Use the following five steps and you’ll have your own bunk beds in no time flat.
Cutting the Frames
Since you’ll want the bunk bed to be as strong and as sturdy as possible, use materials that are strong such as a good 6/4 white pine. Be sure that you have two twin bunk mattresses available for measuring to ensure you cut the materials the right size to fit the frame around the mattress. Measure the mattresses and cut four boards using a circular, miter or radial arm saw to fit around the frame.
You’ll also need to rip down some pieces 1″ wide to fit along the bottom rail to hold the bunk slats in place. These are attached to the bottom of the inside of the frame with finish nails and wood glue.
Next cut four 5/4 boards to fit across the bottom of the frame for supporting the bed. Secure these evenly across the top of the rail you nailed to the inside of the frame. Secure them in place with a few finish nails and wood glue.
Once you’ve completed the first frame, simply repeat to create the second frame for the bunk bed.
Assembling the Bottom Frame
To keep the beds up off of the ground, you’ll need to add the first posts to the frame. Cut four posts from some stock 4×4. You can also make your own posts beforehand by gluing two or more 2×4’s together.
Measure and cut each post to the desired height of the bunk bed. Measure up each post at least 1′ and place each post into the corner of each frame. With the help of a friend, lift up the frame to the mark and secure the bed frame to the post with a few well-placed wood screws. Repeat the process for all four corners.
Cut the Plywood
Cut to fit a sheet of ½” plywood to fit into the frame. Secure with a few drywall screws and move to the next step. Cut four 16″ long dead blocks of 2×4 and screw them to the top of the posts. Make sure they are at the right height. The top of the dead blocks should be where the bottom of the second bed frame will sit.
Assembling the Top Frame
Now with the help of a friend (or several) lift the top frame over the top of the posts and rest them on the provided dead blocks. Secure the frame to the posts using some more well-placed wood screws.
Cut the Second Sheet of Plywood
Finish off the project by cutting the second sheet of plywood and installing it on the second frame. Place the mattresses on the bunk and set up a ladder on the side for the kids to enjoy.