Like a lot of parents, you end up changing out your kid's bed when they've either outgrown them or you need to make more space in their room and I ended up with a cabin bed after my wee lad outgrew it. I also ended up with a greenhouse and nowhere to pot up new seedlings and use as a work table. So i figured make the latter out of the former. There's a tonne of nice wood to work with, some interesting forms and a lot of the joint work has already been done.
Things you'll need:
The bed (Obviously)
Wood saw - just a bog standard one will do
Screwdriver
Screws
Bit of sandpaper
Optional: If you want to make life easier for yourself, then I'd recommend a Kreg Pocket Jig. The starter kit can be found on Amazon or Ebay, comes with some decent instructions and a selection of screws (though you don't really need the special fittings). More on this later.
Things you'll need:
The bed (Obviously)
Wood saw - just a bog standard one will do
Screwdriver
Screws
Bit of sandpaper
Optional: If you want to make life easier for yourself, then I'd recommend a Kreg Pocket Jig. The starter kit can be found on Amazon or Ebay, comes with some decent instructions and a selection of screws (though you don't really need the special fittings). More on this later.
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Signing UpStep 1: Bed Ends as Sides
This was one of the most attractive things about using a preassembled bed for the project, you have two end sections from the bed with a nice arched feature, all the joints are in place and you're about a third of the way to the basic structure without having to do a massive amount. One is used in its entirety, the other is cut to make the side pieces.
First step is to decide how wide you want it, then measure that back from the edge of the side pieces. Don't forget to also allow for the width of the rear posts so you get it right. I forgot on my first measurements and I'd have ended up with a thing that wouldn't fit through the greenhouse door. And don't forget to use the angle on your saw to make sure its straight.
Make sure you've got the size you want and you're good to start fixing it.
First step is to decide how wide you want it, then measure that back from the edge of the side pieces. Don't forget to also allow for the width of the rear posts so you get it right. I forgot on my first measurements and I'd have ended up with a thing that wouldn't fit through the greenhouse door. And don't forget to use the angle on your saw to make sure its straight.
Make sure you've got the size you want and you're good to start fixing it.
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I love to see projects that make use of perfectly good timber that has outlived its original purpose, so many items of furniture end up in landfill that with a little imagination could be given a new lease of life.
I wrote an 'ible about a year ago using an old pine bunk bed that gave me a side table, a set of book shelves, a DVD storage shelf & new work tops for a workmate, I have also used some of the left over timber for a set of wide steps for a cabin bed & have about thirty spindles awaiting a project.
I look forward to seeing what else you can come up with.