Bunks for the Grands
Built in bunks for sleepovers.
High
High
35+ Materials
3 Days
With three grandkids and one on the way, we were looking for a way to accommodate all of them with their own sleeping arrangements during sleepovers. Turns out they like to have their own space (most of the time anyway) so the individual spaces work out even better than we had anticipated.
Under Frame (2x3) View
Foot (End) View
After searching for something that was going to accommodate all 3 grandkids for a sleepover, it became apparent that there just really isn't much available for 3 kids that is within a reasonable price range and doesn't take up so much space that the room is taken over by bed.
It became obvious that built-in bunks were going to be the way to go on this. After some rough sketches it was off to the home improvement store to get supplies.
Side View
Before I got started on any cutting or even gathering of tools to start this project, I made sure that I went through and touched up any paint. Since these bunks will attach to the wall it would have been very difficult to make this happen after the fact.
Once I got the painting complete, the first thing I took care of was finding mattresses for the bunks. I found these at Wal-Mart and got a smokin deal on these at only $89 each, keeping in mind that these are really designed for kids, not adults to use on a regular basis. Since the grandkids would only be visiting overnight on occasion, I was comfortable with these.
After determining the measurements of the mattresses, I got started on the bunk frames. Using 2x3's for the frame, I built a rectangular frame with a cross beam and supports throughout. The frame ended up having 6 quadrants in it for optimal support.
Starting on the bottom bunk, which sits on the floor and attaches to the wall in the side (back) and head of the bunk, I placed my frame and then attached everything to the wall. I want to be very clear here, that I used seriously strong bolts and screws when attaching this thing to the wall. If we lived in hurricane country, I'm completely certain that these bunks may be the only thing still standing afterwards. I used four (4) exterior hex screws 3/8x4 inch directly into studs and #12x4 inch exterior screws also directly into studs to attach this. I used scrap wood pieces at the foot of the bunks as temporary support during the installation process to allow for measuring, cutting, and installing as I went along.
Getting Started
Outer Frame
I went through the effort of staining the 2x6's that would form the outer frame and allowing them to dry well before I did any cutting and installation on those pieces, and you'll notice that I chose not to stain the 2x3 frame that is under the bed. I took my time and stained all the pieces that I would need to so that once completed all I would have to do was touch up where I had cut. This meant that for the first day of work I was able to get all of my frames built and attached to the wall(s) with temporary supports holding up the corners.
On day 2 of this project, I was able to start cutting the frame boards and installing them as I went along. I worked my way from bottom to top with the very last piece being installing the plywood tops on the frames. I used #8x1.25-inch screws to install the plywood to the interior frame of the bunks. It's important that you remember to complete this step near the end so you can still work in between the frame quadrants as you install pieces. Don't make the same mistake I did and install the plywood too early.
Tip:
Not only did I install it too early but after I realized I needed to take it off, I had to dismantle the ladder on the end of the bed frame to do so. Not only was that my faux pas but I quickly learned that I needed to rip the plywood down the center to be able to get it in around the ladder and install it.
I had originally wanted to create the ladder frame out of metal pipe, but after struggling with how to make that work for a bit, I gave up on it and built a frame out of 2x2's which I ended up preferring over the metal pipe anyway. You'll notice it in the pictures as I built it in place, and then removed it for staining before installing it permanently. I built two ladders for this project, one for the top bunk and one for the middle bunk which was of course shorter. I also used 2x2's as safety railings on the side and foot of the bunks.
Head of the Beds
For the head of the beds, I wanted each child to have their own shelf for books, toys and the like and a reading light that they could use to read by before bed. Accomplishing the shelves was pretty straight forward. I had already installed a 2x6 from floor to ceiling (not attached to the ceiling) as part of the outer frame so it was pretty straight forward to just install into that and the other side installed on a board that was attached to the wall at a height that made it level for the shelving. I didn't want to put holes through the outer front (floor to ceiling) board, so I used my Kreg Jig to create installation holes that you will not see under the top of shelving where it attaches.
To install the lights (available in the product list below), I did have to drill holes in that board to feed wires. These lamps were simple to install and fairly straight forward to wire up using lamp cord also available on Amazon. Now here's the part where I always tell you.
Always follow safety guidelines when working with electricity and if you're not comfortable doing this work yourself, call on a professional.
Since the lamps were going to be powered by cord, the wiring was straight forward. I installed all of them and was able to find cord cover on Amazon in brown which worked out well. It was also available in smaller runs with connectors in between which worked well since I was able to run it down the face of the floor to ceiling outer frame board and along the wall to the power strip.
This is the point in the process where once you have everything installed you can start adding your plywood sheets to the tops of your frames. You'll need these in place to be able to install the upper shelf at the head of the bed. If possible, have your local home improvement store rip the plywood sheets in half for you lengthwise. This will save you a step when you get ready to install.
Mattress & Bedding
Before I started all of this, I had asked each grandchild for their favorite color, so each one got their favorite color of bedding. I was also able to find a pretty good deal at Wal-Mart again for comforter and sheet set combinations. After adding the mattresses, mattress protectors, bedding and way too many plush toys, we had a set of bunks that the kids seem to love.
We were looking for a solution to allow us to have all the grandkids overnight and still have space in the room that these were going in. We achieved our goal, though it was more work than I had originally thought it might be. Take your time and measure twice, cut once.
Conclusion
Materials
(8) 2x6x8' lumber
(9) 2x3x8' lumber
(8) 2x2x8' lumber
(3) 15/32x4x8' plywood sheets (I used sanded; price what is available in your area)
#12x4 inch exterior screws
#10x2.5-inch exterior screws
#8x1.25-inch interior screws
3/8x4 inch hex exterior screws
Stain (color of your choice)
(3) Mattresses (these are 5" thick)
Bedding - Sheets/Comforters/Pillows
Tools
Circular Saw
Compound Sliding Miter Saw or Hand Miter Saw
Impact Driver
Tape measure
Sander/Sanding Block or Sandpaper
Staining materials (rags/disposable gloves)
Project Wins
These are the perfect size for the room that we have them in.
The cost was much better than anything that I could find in stores.
The kids love having their own space.
Project Fails
There were a few lessons learned on this project.
Don't install your plywood too early. It gums up the process as you install.
The top bunk is pretty tall. I originally didn't think it would be too much of a problem but turns out neither of the twins liked sleeping up there originally, but they seem okay with it now.
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Kevin Gallaher is the owner of this blog, papapinterest.com. I have applied a skill level based on my own experience and provided minimal instructions on how to achieve a similar outcome. Please remember that this blog is for entertainment purposes only. With all the posts on papapinterest.com, be certain to read and understand the project before starting. Build at your own risk and be safe. We will not be responsible for any injury or damage incurred while following any post from our site. None of our posts should be considered expert advice, so please consult a professional when necessary. Be sure to read and understand all safety and instruction manuals, and take safety precautions seriously. All projects performed from posts found on our site are done at your own risk.
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