Well we moved into an apartment and as you know, they aren't known for the amount of space they have. We needed a place to sleep and a place to work. This gave us an idea, sleep above the workspace with loft beds!
You can build one in an afternoon if you stick with it and it can be made for under $100. We didn't stain ours because we like the look of the bare wood (haha) and it wasn't worth the effort.
After we had the idea, we started looking around for plans. None of them really fit our situation exactly, but we used some ideas from each of them. You can manipulate, add or subtract from these plans. They are just what suited us.
There is a Google sketchup file I uploaded that is the project.
You can build one in an afternoon if you stick with it and it can be made for under $100. We didn't stain ours because we like the look of the bare wood (haha) and it wasn't worth the effort.
After we had the idea, we started looking around for plans. None of them really fit our situation exactly, but we used some ideas from each of them. You can manipulate, add or subtract from these plans. They are just what suited us.
There is a Google sketchup file I uploaded that is the project.
bunkbeds.skp97 KB
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials
As with all things we need the trusty materials list.
Tools:
~Drill with various bits
~Saw - capable of cutting at right angles (miter saw)
~Clamps - preferably C clamps.
~Hammer
~Wrench - preferably ratcheting
Materials:
~ (1) Twin sized mattress
~ (1) sheet of 3/4" plywood (get it cut to 39 inches by 75 inches at the place if possible)
~ (12) 2x6's
~ (6) 2x4's
~ (16) 3/8" carriage bolts
~ (16) 3/8" ID 1" OD Washers
~ (16) 3/8" nuts (locknuts if you wish)
~ (1) pack of 3 1/2" screws
Tools:
~Drill with various bits
~Saw - capable of cutting at right angles (miter saw)
~Clamps - preferably C clamps.
~Hammer
~Wrench - preferably ratcheting
Materials:
~ (1) Twin sized mattress
~ (1) sheet of 3/4" plywood (get it cut to 39 inches by 75 inches at the place if possible)
~ (12) 2x6's
~ (6) 2x4's
~ (16) 3/8" carriage bolts
~ (16) 3/8" ID 1" OD Washers
~ (16) 3/8" nuts (locknuts if you wish)
~ (1) pack of 3 1/2" screws
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1. It doesn't specify...but you'll need 3 1/2" carriage bolts.
2. If I recall...(12) 8' 2x6's and (3) 8' 2x4's are what you need.
3. I would wait to cut the shelf/ladder/and plywood pieces until after you've assembled the legs and support beams and tightened up all the carriage bolts. I had to trim down the 42 1/2" ladder pieces just a bit. I was also able to have the lumber yard cut the plywood to 39 3/8" x 75 3/8". This made for a tighter fit.
4. I went with a cabinet quality sanded piece of plywood. A bit more expensive...but I liked the finished look. Also screwed the plywood down to the frame.
5. Pre-painted all the pieces before assembly!
Thanks so much for these incredible plans. It was a great project...and this bed is solid as a rock. And most importantly...my daughter loves it!
1. What length bolts & screws should I get? You mention the diameter but not the length.
2. I'm aware I can modify the hights/lengths to make this for a double bed (what I'll be doing) but do you (or anyone else) know if these plans offer enough support for two people? I share my double bed with my partner and just want to make sure it'll be ok!
Thanks!
also, don't hesitate to ask someone who works at a local lumberyard for what type of wood they would recommend.
Regards,
~~B~~
That's my version of bed combined with workbench that's I've built for my lab.
I hadn't place for my bycicle, therefore I made such convenient bed.
1. Upgraded to twinXL
2. Added a desk / workbench under the bed
3. Added shelving underneath
4. Moved latter to other side to fit the room layout better.
Your instructions were great and my dad and I who are not carpenters by any means were able to put this all together in under a day. Thanks for the detailed plans and instructions.
Finished product here: strogn.com/demo/finishedBed.jpg