Making furniture at home is enjoying great success these days. Everywhere, craftsmen make sofas, chairs and other pieces of furniture, which include various types of beds. Making a bunk bed with your own hands is not a difficult task. To do this, you need to have initial skills and know what you want to get after completing all the work.
The meaning of a bunk bed
Nowadays, the installation of bunk beds in children's rooms has become quite a fashionable and popular trend. And not just because a thin bed saves space (this is also an important factor). Such an original design is of great importance, as it makes the children's room more comfortable and original. A bunk bed can be not only a double, but also a single. On the first tier there may be a desktop, for example, for a computer.
Children really like photos of do-it-yourself bunk beds. And you can often notice that children sleep on such a bed with great desire if they have ordinary beds in their kindergarten. Also, children become friends because they have to agree among themselves who will sleep on the top tier.
If you are planning to buy a high-quality wooden bunk bed, then know that it will cost you quite a lot, and inexpensive beds raise serious doubts about their quality. A bunk bed, the manufacture of which we will discuss further, must be very durable and capable of supporting both an adult and a child. Another important factor of such a bed is its stability.
By the way, some craftsmen in large families even make three-tier beds, but still experts consider this to be too much, because they are afraid to hear the characteristic knock from the fall of their child. Next we will look at how to properly make a double bed with your own hands.
Sizing
Before making a bed design for a given room, it is important to consider the following. First you need to decide where the bed will be. Next, you should decide where the vertical staircase to the second tier will be located. Based on this information, you can understand what size sleeping places need to be made.
It is also worth considering that the dimensions of the bed that you will make must accordingly exceed the size of the sleeping place in length by 80 and in width by 100 millimeters. On the side where the vertical staircase will be located, it is necessary to add 45 millimeters to the dimensions.
After this, it is recommended to weigh everything and think about what the height of the future bed will be. Be sure to know the ceiling height for a bunk bed. In the room, the higher you are, the more stuffy it becomes, and the children on the second tier really like to jump. From this it becomes clear that the second tier should not be very high.
Remember that the distance between the sleeping place of the first tier and the wooden frame of the second tier, according to the do-it-yourself bunk bed drawings, should not be too small. In other words, when an adult sits down with a child on the lower tier, his head should not reach the frame of the upper tier.
The height of the lower tier of the sleeping place should be such that it is comfortable to sit on it; you also need to know that you can put something under the lower tier. In the bed that you will produce, the height of the tiers should be made to match the ceiling height of 2500 millimeters and also to suit the thickness of the mattress 200 millimeters. The size of the mattress, that is, the sleeping place, will be about 1800 by 800 millimeters.
Bed material and tools
The bed is usually made from pine boards. To make it easier to find materials for further making a bed, you need to look for a board 18 by 140, 30 by 30, 40 by 80 and 40 by 140 millimeters. It is better not to get attached to a certain length, but simply write down what parts are needed and how many of them need to be made from each type of board.
On top of that, “skilled hands” are needed. Maybe some people can do it, but most people can't. But if you replace the wood with laminated chipboard, you can almost completely get rid of labor-intensive operations by replacing them with edging (processing the edges and gluing chipboard onto the saw cuts).
Making a two-story bed with your own hands is easy, quick and not labor-intensive. Furniture made in this way is not inferior in strength and appearance to products made from wood.
You will also need a base that is placed under the mattress (2 sheets of plywood measuring 900 by 1850 by 9 millimeters), components (3 pipes made of steel with PVC coating), fasteners - screws measuring 3.5 by 40 millimeters, decorative washers - plugs and glue.
Before making a bed, the boards you will use need to be kept in the room for a week so that the temperature and humidity are approximately the same as in the room where the bed will be installed. All this is done so that the boards and bars do not warp.
A wooden board will be used as the base. In this case, the choice is considered correct, but this all concerns handicraft production. Any furniture needs high-quality processing such as leveling, sanding and painting large surfaces. This means that you need a special workshop and good equipment.
To make a wooden bunk bed with your own hands, you will need the following tools: a screwdriver or a so-called cordless drill, a saw or a regular hacksaw, a tape measure, a level, a milling machine, with which it is very convenient to smooth out sharp edges of wood, a metal and wiring detector (you can also use an ordinary magnet ).
Approximate calculation of materials
To make a sunbed (lattice) on which the mattress will lie, you need a board measuring 18 by 140 millimeters. It is customary to place nine boards on each tier. This is probably enough for as many children to jump on the mattress as there are to fit there. In our case, the width of the bed is 800 millimeters, now it is necessary to subtract a little from it, so as not to hammer the sunbeds with a sledgehammer and increase this number of boards by two.
The block on which the sun loungers will be placed measures 30 by 30 millimeters. You need a board 40 by 80 millimeters to make stairs and sides. There are also options here, because the number of parts of a given length directly depends on the place where the ladder will be located, and also the presence of a removable side on the lower tier. In our case, it is worth considering this option when the ladder is located on the side of the facade (along the length) to the right.
A massive board measuring 40 by 140 millimeters is also required to tighten it around the entire perimeter of the structure. The parts that you will make from this board will be called drawers in the future. One of the purposes they serve is as a “soap dish” for a mattress.
Approximate values in meters have been given here so that you can roughly estimate the cost of the lumber required to make a do-it-yourself pull-out bunk bed. Remember that a bunk bed made from chipboard is 2-3 times heavier than furniture made from boards. But with handicraft, non-serial production, the bed and chipboard are 5-10 times cheaper.
Making a bunk bed
1. The mattresses you plan to use need to be measured. To these dimensions you need to add approximately 2 centimeters on each side to make it convenient to tuck in bed linen - this is how you will find the dimensions of the frame. When you purchase sheet material from a sawmill, ask that it be cut according to your calculated dimensions on the machine. It is also necessary to remember that you should not throw away the trimmings, they will still be useful to you.
2. Beams measuring 50-100 millimeters must be connected with screws, resulting in two frames for a bunk bed made of wood.
3. You need to screw a 150 by 20 millimeter board to one side and the end of the frame. The fastening, naturally, should be quite reliable. When you screw in the screws from the inside, make sure that they do not go right through the side board. If suddenly you have too short self-tapping screws, then you should drill holes in the frame bars of a larger diameter, in this case using the depth limiter on the drill. You can also mark the depth limiter on the drill itself using electrical tape. Using the same technology, you need to install a side of 200 by 20 millimeters on the second frame.
4. When mass-producing children's bunk beds with your own hands, the legs are usually made from boards measuring 25 by 100 millimeters. Our model is designed for fairly heavy loads, so the legs are usually made of two beams, 50-100 millimeters in size. It is necessary to connect two beams along the length so that the end is L-shaped. Next, the resulting holes from the fasteners can be sealed with putty and sanded. Accordingly, the length of the leg should be equal to the height of the fence, which is located on the second tier.
5. You also need to know that you won’t be able to do it without an assistant during installation. It is necessary to drill a hole in the leg at the height at which the second tier will be attached, and in the frame with a side a hole approximately 200 millimeters high. Next, a recess should be drilled in the leg so that the washer and screw head are not visible; it is enough to make a deep hole so that the screw passes through the leg. Next, it is recommended to screw in the screw.
6. Next, determine the place where the rack profiles will be located (if, of course, the walls are made of plasterboard), and mark their place for drilling. Remember that an assistant should help support the frame from below, pressing well against the walls. Align the frame using a level correctly. You need to drill pilot holes through which the frame beam, stud profile and drywall will pass, so that you can then screw in screws with hexagonal heads. For such purposes you will need a fairly long thin drill. You need to screw in the screws so that they are secured in the rack profiles. The lower tier is installed in a similar way.
7. Fencing is a DIY metal bunk bed safety feature for children. It can be made from several boards measuring 20 by 100 millimeters, which are mounted on vertical posts made of timber measuring 50 by 100 millimeters. Self-tapping screws must be screwed in from the inside. An opening for the stairs should be left in the fence.
8. There are mainly two types of stairs - vertical and inclined. To begin, install two beams that will serve as guides. Attach the steps using 6mm bolts. The longest bolts are used to secure the top step and at the same time to attach the ladder to the bed.
9. Next, install plywood sheets on the frames and then lay the mattresses. As a result, you will get a fairly durable DIY folding bunk bed for children that will last for quite a long time. Due to the fact that the bed is assembled with screws and bolts, it can be very quickly disassembled and reassembled in a new place.
10. To prevent the bed from giving glare and thereby maintaining its natural color and pattern, it is recommended to cover it in two layers of matte nitro varnish. And also do not forget that the appearance of this product improves.
11. After the varnish has completely dried, nail a ceiling made of 4 millimeter thick plywood and covered with a rather beautiful fabric with furniture nails from the bottom of the top shelf. Use draped panels to cover the gap between the edging boards and the fence, as well as the gaps at the headboards.
12. Next came the turn of watching a video about a do-it-yourself bunk bed and its installation. For greater safety and stability of the bed, it is worth attaching the upper ends of the 3 posts to the walls of the room; for this it is customary to use steel brackets.
All children love bunk beds so much, so you should also take an interest in the method of making this piece of furniture. Pre-select the required material - wood or chipboard and calculate its quantity. Then you should boldly begin the practical part of the work. Follow carefully the step-by-step instructions provided by us and you will have the most practical bunk bed!
When choosing a mattress, do not forget to purchase children's mattress covers. Children will be delighted with a beautiful and soft bed.
A children's room with a bunk bed is convenient. There are several advantages. Firstly, it saves space. And it’s not always a matter of small area, although this is a common problem. After all, even in a spacious room, it is advisable to leave as much free space as possible for outdoor games and toys. Secondly, you can organize the space in a more orderly manner: make drawers at the bottom, attach or add a cabinet to the side. Thirdly, the kids like this environment. And for both girls and boys. Moreover, you can build a children’s bed with your own hands in a couple of days.
Constructions
There are many varieties of children's bunk beds. And it's not about the size, but about the designs. Let's start with the principles of construction:
- The basis of the structure is a frame made of timber, to which all other parts are attached: sides, railings. The bars must be higher than the level of the upper lounger by the height of the back or sides. To ensure safety, the height should be at least 40 cm from the top edge of the mattress.
The design is based on four vertical beams, to which all other parts are already attached.
- They make two identical beds with thick posts and a strong frame. One is placed on top of the other and connected using dowels or pins. If the height of the legs and backrest is not enough, and the mattress of the upper tier is too low, the racks are further increased, not forgetting to strengthen the joints.
- A workplace is arranged below, and a sleeping place above. Such 2-tier beds are also called “loft”. This option is for those whose children compete with each other. And two sleeping places on different floors will cause constant conflicts. Two such “kits” solve the problem. Read about the types of attic beds and how to make them yourself.
A two-story loft bed is a great solution for a small space or competitive children.
- Corner arrangement of beds. When the bedrooms are not located one above the other, but against two adjacent walls. Then below there is also the opportunity to organize a workplace or play space ().
- The sleeping places are located along one wall, but not above each other, but shifted. This option makes it possible to use the available space more efficiently - fill it from wall to wall.
- Roll-out or pull-out two-story children's beds. This is a transformable furniture option. During the day, the lower berth is hidden under the upper one. With this construction, the height of the bed may be small. This is a solution for those who are afraid that children may fall from the second floor or stairs.
The choice of designs is great, but that's not all. Stairs add further variety. They can be ordinary, like on a wall bars, or in the form of steps or boxes stacked on top of each other. The most economical option is conventional: they require little material and take up little space. But you can put things in a ladder of drawers, like in a chest of drawers, which is also practical. And such steps are even more reliable: you can attach high railings to them to make them even safer.
Stairs made of rungs or steps can be located in front - along the long side of the beds. At the same time, they are sometimes made in the center, sometimes on the right or left. Another option is stairs from the end. They are also made vertical, and then they take up almost no space, and sometimes at an angle. It’s easier to climb on these, but it’s not always possible to place them: the space doesn’t allow it, and it’s easy to get caught on the protruding legs.
What materials are they made from?
For the frame, they mainly use wooden beads or make it from boards. Here are the options below. All other elements can be made from boards. This material is natural, but working with it is not easy and takes a long time: every detail requires careful processing, and there are many of them, since the boards are usually not wide, otherwise such a bed will look rough. If you have any skills, it's worth a try. If not, better use other materials.
A bunk bed can be built faster with your own hands if the parts are cut out of sheet material: chipboard, or. It is better to take chipboard; the same can be found in plywood. It can also be painted: if you take birch furniture plywood. She looks good. It is only important to saw off evenly so that there are no chips along the edge.
Chipboard edges can be treated with special tapes. They are self-adhesive; they are glued through a rag using a regular iron. Only these materials have an unpleasant feature: their production uses a binder that releases formaldehyde into the air. Since the substance is harmful, its quantity is monitored and regulated. For the manufacture of children's furniture, fiberboard and plywood with emission class E1 are allowed. In terms of the amount of substance released, it is no more harmful than wood.
Drawings with dimensions
Regarding how big or small to make the bed when children are still small. In principle, you can immediately install a full-size bed. It just seems like it will take a long time for them to grow up. In fact, before you know it, “children’s” sizes will become small. And then the problem arises: where to put the old bed. Naturally, it’s a shame to throw it away, but used furniture doesn’t sell very well. Therefore, recommendations: make a standard size bed right away: 1*2 m or so.
Frame drawing for a bunk bed
Drawing of a double-decker bed frame and necessary materials
Corner bed drawing
Stairs to bunk beds
DIY bunk bed: photo report
To save space in a small room, it was decided to make a bed on the second floor, and equip a workstation for a computer on the first floor. If necessary, by adding a jumper in front and making a shield under the mattress, you can also make a sleeping place on the first tier.
A drawing was developed and materials were calculated. It was decided to make the frame from spliced boards. This is both cheaper and more reliable: a guarantee that the pillars will not twist when drying. Therefore, boards were purchased, as well as small-section timber for strapping. The width of the bed is made to match the size of the existing mattress
The following materials were needed:
- for the workplace - furniture board with a thickness of 18 mm and dimensions of 600 * 2000 mm;
- pine boards 90*45*3000 m - 16 pcs;
- pine beam 45*45*3000 m - 8 pcs;
- for the base under the mattress 2 sheets of plywood 9 mm thick, dimensions 1525 * 1525 mm;
- corners, screws, bolts.
The board was purchased already planed and sanded: the farm does not yet have equipment for processing it. Let's start right away with making the pillars:
- We cut it to size - the height of the pillars is 185 cm. A total of 10 identical ones are needed: in the corners and one pillar on the second side of the stairs.
- We fasten them in two: we lay one on top of the other evenly. At the same time, make sure that the annual rings are directed in different directions. This way, most likely, the pillars will remain level. We drill a hole at the top and bottom for the bolts and tighten the boards, placing washers under the head and nut. To prevent all this “beauty” from spoiling the appearance, we use a large-diameter drill to make indentations so that the nut and head are recessed. Then they can be closed with furniture plugs or covered with wood putty.
- We begin assembling the frame. At a height of 145 cm, the first row of timber is the base for the mattress, at a height of 75 cm, the second row is the frame for the desktop. Under the timber we make a groove in one board half its width. We insert the bars into the resulting recesses and screw them into the end with self-tapping screws. Then we attach the corners to them, and then at the corners there are other pieces of strapping.
- We apply timber of the required length (145 cm) to the corners and fasten it with self-tapping screws. We attach the corners to the ends of the beam.
- We take two more posts and attach the corners of the side rails to them at the same height. Now the structure stands on its own. All that remains is to attach a long beam to the top trim.
- At the top of the frame, another beam is screwed in length. This is a stiffening rib for plywood. You can make crossbars from short sections, but then to support them it is better to make support strips and nail the ribs to them. When nailing, you need to make sure that they are all in the same plane. Plywood is laid on top of the frame and nailed to the frame with small nails.
- A stand is installed that will serve as a support for the steps of the stairs. It can be made from one beam, which rests on the top frame, and one 185 cm long.
- If desired, steps can be embedded. If you have a jigsaw, this is not difficult. You can also plant them in the corners. It is less aesthetically pleasing, but reliable and simple.
- In order to save money, we did not buy furniture panels, but made the tabletop from boards. If you also come to this decision, it is also advisable to place a support beam under the outer edge of the boards, otherwise the board will sag under load (put your elbows on the table).
- All that remains is finishing work: stuffing the railings, covering the nails with wood putty. After drying, sand and coat with paint or varnish.
The option is simple. To implement it, you only needed a screwdriver, a wood saw and fasteners. This assembly option is for those who are unfamiliar with carpentry and find it difficult to make cuts and grooves. If you really don’t like the protruding fasteners, you can cover them with decorative overlays: thin planks can be placed on glue. They will hide all the imperfections of the assembly.
For another option for assembling a homemade bunk bed, see the video.
Is there not enough space in the children's room for separate cots? Assemble a children's wooden bunk bed with your own hands. We have prepared design options for you, accompanied them with diagrams and drawings, and will show you the algorithm for making such a bed with your own hands, illustrating with photo and video materials.
A bunk bed for children or teenagers can also be made from metal, but not everyone will have a neat welded structure, and the appearance of such sleeping places is not very childish. Therefore, we will consider making beds from wood and lumber, since these are inexpensive and easy-to-work materials, warm, beautiful and homely.
Bed frame materials
The list of wood materials from which a bed can be made is quite long. Let's highlight the most common ones.
1. Array. Expensive material and quite difficult to prepare and manufacture if you do not have experience working with it. Experience is important here. Although products made from solid wood are the most beautiful and durable, they still don’t use a children’s bed for very long - children grow up and begin to need other sleeping places.
2. Lumber - edged or planed boards, timber - the most common and easy-to-work materials, provided that you are confident in proper drying, otherwise the supporting structure may fail.
3. MDF - wood fiber board. The formaldehyde emission of the material is at the same level as that of ordinary wood. When drilling, it generates dust without forming chips. Laminated MDF looks very attractive. An uncoated slab requires additional finishing, such as varnishing. You can order individual elements of the bed from a furniture shop or sawing shop: everything will be carefully cut out and the edges will be glued on.
4. Chipboard - particle board. Formaldehyde emissions are increased without a sealed coating, excluding class E1 slabs. Easy to saw, but does not hold screws well. Suitable for unloaded parts, such as drawers mounted under the bottom of the bed. You can make backrests and decorative panels from laminated chipboard (laminated chipboard) - the film coating prevents formaldehyde from evaporating, but it is important that the ends of the plates are also covered with film.
5. Furniture board - a board glued together from individual blocks of natural wood. Beautiful, durable, even allows you to carve, but requires skill in operation, as it has internal stresses that must be taken into account.
When purchasing fittings, you should give preference to steel hardware. Aluminum ones are much less durable and rigid.
Methods for connecting wooden knots
When making a bed, you may need various connections horizontally, vertically, and the formation of corners. This can be done in various ways. We present some of them for your reference.
1 - half-tree connection; 2 - “claw” connection
1 - complete cutting; 2—cutting is not complete; 3 - steel corner
1 - connection with rectangular keys; 2 - connection with dovetail keys; 3 - connection to the main tenon
Design options (drawings and decor)
Bunk beds can have different designs and be decorated in a variety of ways. So, the upper tier can be located exactly above the lower one, offset, leaving space for a cabinet, or perpendicular to it. The staircase may consist of drawers. Another option is steps, which are hinged lids on drawers. The bed frame can also be supplemented with drawers located under the lower mattress. To do this you will need guides - runners. Sometimes something else is added to the bed: a table, shelves, a pencil case or sports equipment.
Below are drawings of some beds with basic dimensions.
And now a few design ideas that can inspire you to create an original bunk bed. Please note how some models use absolutely “waste” materials - slabs, branches, trunks, driftwood.
Bed for real Mowgli and Robinson Crusoe
Man-made fairy tale
Bed - sports corner
Bed - playground
Bed - house
Coupe bed
Bed for teenagers. Material: laminated MDF
Method for making a bunk bed
Some of the most inexpensive materials are pine boards and timber. It is from these that we will make a two-story bed.
Material calculation
When making a bed, you need to keep in mind that not only a child can sit on the lower bed, so the distance to the bottom of the upper bed should not be less than 85 cm. The size of sleeping places in the case of purchased mattresses is determined by their width and length. If you make your own mattresses from two layers of foam rubber in a thick fabric cover, then the dimensions are taken based on personal preferences.
The figure below shows the individual elements of the bed, and the table shows the purpose, dimensions and number of pieces.
1 — vertical posts (legs); 2 — external linings for the racks; 3 - boards of the supporting frame; 4 - upper and lower headboard strips; 5 — central headboard bar; 6 — side guards; 7 — staircase railing; 8 - steps of the stairs
| Qty | Size, mm | Name |
| 4 | 38x76x1730 | Vertical racks |
| 4 | 38x76x1730 | Blanks for external linings for vertical posts |
| 4 | 38x140x2030 | Bed support frame boards |
| 4 | 32x44x1850 | Longitudinal mattress support bars (not shown in the picture) |
| 24 | 20x76x1000 | Transverse mattress support slats (not shown in the picture), cut in place |
| 8 | 20x140x914 | Upper and lower headboard/footboard slats |
| 4 | 20x90x914 | Headboard/footboard center slats |
| 1 | 20x90x1510 | Stair railing |
| 3 | 20x64x482 | Stair steps |
| 2 | 20x90x1800 | Fence railings, cut to the required size during installation |
Assembly units
A bed is furniture consisting of several assembly units, which are then assembled into a single unit. Identical parts can be cut by holding them together with a vice or clamp, so they will turn out absolutely identical. Before assembly, you need to make sure that all wooden parts are cleaned, smooth and free of burrs. It is better to work with a special wood sander or grinder.
1. Headboard and footboard
These are two almost mirror-like elements. The difference is that the fence rails are built into the footboard as shown in the pictures below.
Headboard and footboard
Detailed layout with dimensions of headboard and footboard
Installation order: 1 - dowel 8 mm; 2 - the stand and backrest slats are drilled simultaneously; 3 - this part is attached after assembling all other parts of the headboard
2. Elements of the supporting frame
To assemble two supporting frames, you will need four prepared boards - the longitudinal components of the frame. To ensure the reliability of the structure, the longitudinal strip must be glued to the board and additionally screwed with screws to the middle of the thickness of the board. Between the bars glued to the longitudinal support strip of the mattress, transverse slats will be laid - the base for the mattress.
Design and dimensions of the supporting frame board
3. Details of stairs and railings
The railing of the fence is simply a processed board, the railing of the stairs is a board with a cut for mounting on the frame. Places for fastening the steps must be marked in advance, and make sure that the screws for fixing them do not fall on the frame screws.
1 — cutouts 38 mm; 2 — places of fastening of steps; 3 — stair steps, 3 pcs.; 4 - fence
4. Frame assembly
The footboard and headboard are connected at the bottom to the boards of the supporting frame using screws. After this, the transverse slats and mattress holders are laid, and the outermost ones are filed in the corners for tight installation. There is no need to secure them. The second tier is assembled in the same way.
5. Assembling stairs and railings
The stairs and railing are simply fixed to the frame with screws. If desired, the fence can be made on the side of the wall - for the lower and upper beds. Then you will need four more planks.
Now the wood can be painted and varnished, mattresses can be laid - and the bed is ready!
In conclusion, we suggest watching a video about making a bunk crib for real princesses.
Video. Part one
Video. Part two
We will send the material to you by e-mail
It is necessary to use space economically in almost every average apartment. Especially if children are growing up, you need to somehow organize the play and sleeping areas separately. Then the thought comes to how to make a bunk bed with your own hands. In this publication, the HomeMyHome editors will take a detailed look at the manufacturing process of such a structure, as well as analyze existing types and possible designs.
Beds with wide steps are considered comfortable and safe
A modern manufacturer provides the consumer with both classic models and options with the most unusual design. It’s very easy to make the same furniture yourself if you use your imagination.
Bunk bed with sofa underneath
Bedroom furniture with several levels can be equipped with a double sofa at the bottom. This option is convenient in one-room apartments, when both the child and parents sleep nearby. It is more difficult to make such a structure, since you will have to build in a variety of mechanisms, perform screwing, and a lot of parts and materials will be required.
How to choose the right one bunk bed size
As a rule, the parameters of a do-it-yourself bunk bed for children are always different. Depending on the design and the number of children in the family, these dimensions may vary. For this case, there are several size categories:
- standard: width - 110 cm, length - 205 cm, height - 180 cm (small deviations are possible);
- . A very unusual design option. They adapt to individual age. For example, models that serve children from 0 to 3 years old have parameters of 60x120 cm; but a bed for 5-7 years will have dimensions of 70x160cm;
- loft bed. There are a lot of parameters that should be taken into account: a closet, a staircase, a place to sleep, built-in shelves. Traditionally, the height of such models is almost 200 cm.
- When measuring the length of the future bed, you need to add 20-30 cm to your height.
- Don't forget about the length of the pillow, so it would be wiser to add another 10 cm.
- To calculate the width, you need to lie on your back, spread your elbows to the sides, and clasp your palms on your stomach. Count 10 cm from each elbow and record the size with a tape measure.
- The height of a bunk bed is usually determined based on the ceiling. For example, the height of the structure itself cannot be more than 165-175 cm. At the same time, the distance between the tiers should be 80-90 cm. The optimal distance to the ceiling is considered to be 60-70 cm.
Be sure to take into account the age of the child, as well as his weight category. Due to these factors, it is possible to make the sleeping place as comfortable as possible.
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: for the garden, children's room, kitchen, bathhouse, garden, gazebo; How to restore pieces of furniture, useful tips and recommendations from experts - read in our publication.
Bunk bed made of metal corners and pipes: manufacturing features
Not long ago, metal couches and tiered beds were used in dormitories and barracks. Now designers are paying special attention to such designs, so why don’t we try to design comfortable furniture.
Preparation of materials and tools
To prepare the frame of a two-story bed, you need to ensure that not only the material is strong, but also that all connections meet this requirement. For the product we will need:
Do not forget that it is better to select all materials with a reserve, however, you should also focus on fixed dimensions.
On a note! If the room is too small and there is a risk that after assembling the bunk bed, it will not fit there. It is better to assemble it directly in the room, while taking the material for filing outside, having first taken the necessary dimensions.
How the frame and racks are made
First of all, you need to work on the frame, from which you can later build upon when preparing additional components.
- We cut metal parts to size. You can immediately make holes for the screws.
- Next, we equip all the parts at the joints with channels, then fasten them by welding. This way we create two frames with internal crossbars.
- We prepare pipes of the required height and weld them to the prepared frame. Be sure to take into account the optimal distance from the bottom tier to the top.
- We take a tube bent into a semi-oval and attach it to the outer edge of the upper tier. It will play the role of a safety fence.
- All that remains is to weld the ladder. It is advisable to completely manufacture it in advance, so that it can then be installed in one piece on the finished frame.
The process of sanding parts
No matter how hard you try to make the structure perfectly smooth, the seams will definitely have roughness. We need to get rid of this. You can use a metal brush or medium-grain sandpaper for this purpose. Next, all that remains is to thoroughly sweep away all debris, dust and metal particles from the surfaces.
After this, we prime the metal frame and paint it. It is better to choose a color that best suits the interior of the future or finished room.
All that remains is to put plastic or rubberized plugs on the ends of all protruding tubes. The lower ones will serve as footrests, and the upper ones will simply create an aesthetic effect and prevent injuries from impacts and contact with metal.
On a note! To ensure that the bed cover lasts as long as possible, you need to choose hammer paint that adheres well to the metal and does not lose color over time.
How it is made wooden bunk bed
Typically, at home, beds are made from different wood species: oak, pine, beech. When properly processed, the furniture turns out to be quite beautiful and interesting.
Materials for work
It also happens that it is not possible to purchase ready-made furniture, so most craftsmen try to make similar structures at home. However, remember that you will need a lot of parts:
- grinder with working discs;
- the required number of boards and bars (taking into account the size and stock);
- coating material;
- connecting bolts;
- hammer, screwdriver;
- hacksaw.
The principle of operation is the step-by-step preparation of all significant parts of two-story cribs for children.
Preparation of wood material
Having made sure that there are enough materials to create a sleeping place, we will get to work.
- First of all, we will cut the boards according to any suitable drawing. Be sure to rely on the size of the room and the area where the bed will be located.
- Sand the cut areas and the surface itself. Ideally, you need to get a fairly smooth material.
- We wipe the dust from the wood and check the dimensions. In our case (3 pieces - 20 cm wide, 3 pieces - 15 cm wide, bars 10x5 cm).
How to assemble a bunk bed and prepare it for use
In order to correctly assemble the entire structure, you will have to work a little with the material. Let's take a closer look at how the whole process happens with descriptions and photographs.
| Illustration | Description of action |
|---|---|
 | We take purchased slats (you can make them yourself) and measure the parameters of the future base for the mattress. Then we twist all four sides of the frame together. |
 | We measure the height of the bed on long posts and fasten the pieces together using furniture screws. |
 | There should be two screws on each side for security. |
 | We attach crossbars of a suitable size to three sides using the same screws. They add stability to the bed. |
 | Screw on the safety side. Pay attention to the photo where the connection elements should be located. There are also holders for the slats, two on each side. |
 | Next we make the stairs. We take two beams and attach small bars on the inside of each of them at the same distance. Then we use the shortest boards and build steps, fastening them with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver. |
 | We make three or four steps and fasten the ladder to the bed with bolts, as shown in the photo. |
 | We will use the lower crossbars, which serve to strengthen the structure, as stands for the table top. Thus, we get a loft bed on the second floor and a desk below. |
All that remains is to complete the finishing process, paint it with a harmless varnish and let the product dry well. We install the slats and you can use the bedroom furniture.
On a note! If there is no assistant in the house and you have to do it on your own, in order to hold the boards and calmly connect them together, you can use a vice, having previously placed rubber pads under the clamps.
Bunk bed for children made of wood with an unusual design
Classic models can be made independently according to your sizes. However, not everyone can design those options that need to be decorated. Let's look at one of the interesting options in this section.
What do you need for work?
Typically, natural wood or wood is used for such structures. You will need connecting elements and woodworking tools. All equipment will be needed only if you make all the preparations yourself. In most cases, parts can be purchased to order.
Preparation of drawings and cutting of boards
Drawing a sketch with dimensions is perhaps one of the most difficult jobs that requires adjustments and multiple additions. To simplify the situation and quickly start making designer furniture, we bring to your attention a video that shows a drawing of an unusual two-level bed for children.
What parts are needed for a full bed?
As a rule, all multi-level beds have several main parts that must be assembled into a single whole. Let us note several important components.
- Footboard and headboard. These are almost identical parts. They can differ only in the way they are embedded.
- Frame parts. You need 4 of them. Two long and two short. The latter form the width of the bed.
- Boards for the construction of stairs and sides. These components are made depending on the design and desired dimensions.
Once all the elements are prepared, you can begin assembling the structure.
How to assemble children's bunk bed easily
To do this, the footboard and headboard are connected to a ready-made frame underneath. Slats or lamellas are laid on top. In other words, the elements that will hold the mattress.
The slats that are installed along the edges must be filed in the corners. This will ensure the strength of the structure and prevent the berth from dangling. Next, the stairs and railings are assembled. If necessary, cut out grooves are made into which the ladder and other parts are then inserted.
How to decorate children's bunk bed
We can talk a lot about the possibilities of decoration. However, not all options are suitable for use in a toddler's room. We bring to your attention a video.
Video: design ideas for a children's two-level bed
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Need a bunk bed for your children's room? You can go to the nearest furniture store and choose the right model at an affordable price. You can also save money by making the bed yourself, especially if you have the talent and skills of a carpenter.
How to make a bunk bed with your own hands?
- 4 timber 5 cm x 10 cm length 3 m;
- 4 timber 5 cm x 10 cm length 2.5 m;
- 2 boards 10 cm x 2 cm 3 m long;
- 1 board 15 cm x 2 cm 3 m long;
- 1 board 20 cm x 2 cm long 3 m;
- 2 sheet of plywood, chipboard or MDF 2.5 m x 1.25 m for mattresses. At least 2.5 cm thick;
- Self-tapping screws 70-80 mm;
- Self-tapping screws for plasterboard 40 mm;
- 8 15 cm screws with washers;
- 10 bolts with nuts and washers 8 cm;
- 2 bolts with nuts and washers 16 cm;
- Varnish, sandpaper, wood glue.
- Screwdriver;
- Saw;
- Level;
- Roulette;
- Construction pencil;
- Hands and head.
We measure the mattresses that you are going to use and leave a small margin of 1-2 cm. We get the size of our frame. We measure out pieces of the required size from the beams, saw them and fasten them with long self-tapping screws.
We saw off wide boards to fit the length and width of the frame and fasten them along the perimeter of the sides with drywall screws. For the upper berth you can use wider ones.
For this children's bunk bed, we use one leg, since it will be mounted in the corner on two adjacent walls.
Measure the required height distance from 10 cm of bars and fasten them with screws to each other, as shown in the image.
Pre-drill a hole in the top assembled frame to attach to the leg. Then drill a hole in the leg at bed height.
Drill holes in the assembled frames for wall mounting.
Screw the leg to the top frame and have someone hold the frame against the wall. Level the frame and mark the holes in the wall.
Drill holes in the wall and secure the top. Secure the bottom one in the same way.
We saw off 4 pieces from the timber to fit the top fence. We saw off 10 cm fencing boards to size. We fasten it to the bed.
Don't forget to leave room for the stairs.
Depending on the height of your bunk bed, the ladder may come in different sizes. For my case, the figure shows the dimensions. I secured the steps with bolts.
We connect the stairs to the bed and install a base for the mattresses. Your bed is ready!
A bunk bed made by yourself should not only be durable and comfortable, but also beautiful. Therefore, sand the visible parts and varnish them, and it will retain its appearance for a long time.
Video: how to make a children's bunk bed.