How to make a DIY bunk bed
Bunk beds will always be popular with children and parents alike. Children like bunk beds because they allow more floor space for play - and normally become a part of the play process. Parents like bunk beds because of their space-saving design.
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See actual design below
Personally, I'm not a fan of bunk beds, having two boys who like to push everything to the limit. But when fitted with side rails, there is no reason why bunk beds can be safe, as long as children understand the limits of what they can and cannot do!
Your local Builders Warehouse will have everything you need to make this bunk bed. You will need 50 x 76mm PAR pine for the frame assembly. When buying PAR pine for this project, make sure that all pine is straight and has no 'wet spots' or heart-wood. If there are any defects, it's best to buy extra pieces so that you can avoid these spots.
YOU WILL NEED:
PAR pine cut to length
A |
4 |
38 |
76 |
1730 |
head/foot main post |
B |
4 |
38 |
76 |
1730 |
outer post cut to sizes |
C |
4 |
38 |
140 |
2030 |
sides |
D |
4 |
32 |
44 |
1850 |
slat support batten |
E |
8 |
20 |
140 |
914 |
head/foot top & bottom |
F |
4 |
20 |
90 |
914 |
head/foot centre |
G |
12 |
20 |
76 |
1000 |
slats |
H |
1 |
20 |
90 |
1510 |
ladder sides |
I |
3 |
20 |
64 |
482 |
ladder rungs |
J |
2 |
20 |
90 |
1800 |
side bars - cut to fit |
8mm dowels
Wood glue
Drill/Driver plus assorted bits
Countersink bit
Jigsaw
Orbital sander plus 120- and 240-grit sanding pads
Clamps
HERE'S HOW:
Headboard and footboard are identical, except that one of these has part of the post different to accomodate the guard rails.
The foot board is nearly identical to the headboard. If you are one of those people who prefer to stick their feet off the end of the bed, leave off the top horizontal part.
The bed rail has a series of blocks on the inside corners. The purpose of these is to space out the slats, and keep them from sliding around. It's best to glue and screw the support for the slat onto the main part of the rail, to ensure that its attached solidly.
The slats are placed between the bed rails, and are only held in place by gravity. The blocks on the bed rails prevent them from sliding around.
The ladder is just screwed onto the rest of the frame to permit easy disasslembly for moving.
Finishing
It's essential that you apply sealer to protect the timber and extend the life of the bed. Choose from clear or tinted interior sealer such as Woodoc 5 or Woodoc 10. Woodoc 5 offers an absolute matt finish, while Woodoc 10 can be finished as either a satin or gloss finish.