A perfect solution for the kids' room or the cabin! Here's an easy, affordable bunk bed you can make in a weekend.
Time Two days
ComplexityIntermediate
Cost$200
Introduction
This easy-to-make DIY bunk bed uses common construction lumber that's affordable and easy to find. Construction lumber has what's called a nominal size — 1x4 or 2x6 for example, a little larger than its actual size. For this project, we'll refer to the lumber by its nominal size.
We assembled this entire project with screws. Avoid splitting the wood by drilling pilot holes at each screw location.
A miter saw set up with stop blocks will be the most accurate and efficient method of preparing the stock, but don't worry if you don't have one — a circular saw with a Speed square will work just fine.
Cutting List
| KEY | QTY. | PART | DIMENSIONS |
| A | 4 | Legs | 2 x 4 x 70 |
| B | 4 | Short Stretchers | 2 x 6 x 48 |
| C | 12 | Short Safety Rails | 1 x 4 x 48 |
| D | 4 | Lower Spacer | 2 x 2 x 10 |
| E | 2 | Mattress Cleat | 2 x 2 x 79 |
| F | 4 | Long Stretcher | 2 x 6 x 79 |
| G | 20 | Mattress Support | 1 x 4 x 42 |
| H | 2 | Ladder Leg | 2 x 4 x 60 |
| J | 4 | Ladder Rung | 2 x 4 x 18 |
| K | 4 | Middle Spacer | 2 x 2 x 33.5 |
| L | 4 | Upper Spacer | 2 x 2 x 15.5 |
| M | 2 | Safety Supports | 1 x 4 x 21 |
| N | 3 | Long Safety Rails | 1 x 4 x 76 |
| O | 3 | Medium Safety Rails | 1 x 4 x 54.5 |
Tools Required
- Assorted drill bits
- Cordless drill
- Countersink bit
- Large 16-in. x 24-in. framing square
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Tape measure
Materials Required
- #10 x 2-1/2-in. wood screws
- #12 x 3-in. wood screws
- #8 x 1-1/2-in. Wood screws
- #8 x 1-1/4-in. wood screws
- Softwood lumber - (24) 1x4x8'
- Softwood lumber - (4) 2x2x8'
- Softwood lumber - (6) 2x4x8'
- Softwood lumber - (6) 2x6x8'
Project step-by-step (11)
Step 1
Build the end frames
- Lay two legs (A) down on edge.
- Arrange the short stretchers (B) and short safety rails (C) on the legs.
- Pro tip: Use a 3/4-in. offcut to space the safety rails.
- Using 2-1/2-in. screws, fasten the short stretchers to the legs. Use 1-1/2-in. screws for the safety rails.
- Drive one screw in each stretcher, then measure corner-to-corner to check for square.
- Adjust the assembly until the corner measurements are the same, then add the second screws.
- Repeat for the second end assembly.
Step 2
Add lower spacers
- Attach the lower spacer (D) to the legs of the end frame with 2-1/2-in. screws.
Step 3
Build the mattress frames
- Attach the support cleat (E) to the long stretcher (F) using 2-1/2-in. screws.
- Arrange the mattress supports (G), then screw them to the cleats with 1-1/2-in. wood screws.
- Fasten all 10 supports with only one screw on each side, then check for square.
- Adjust the assembly until it’s square, then drive in the second screw in each mattress support.
- Repeat to make the second mattress frame.
Step 4
Make the ladder
- Mark the positions of the rungs (J) on the ladder legs (H) and drill pilot holes.
- Assemble with 3-in. screws.
Step 5
Assemble the lower bed frame
- With a helper, set the mattress frame onto the lower spacer and fasten it to the end frame using 3-in. screws.
- Repeat the process for the other end frame.
Step 6
Add the middle spacers
- Set the middle spacers (K) on top of the lower mattress frame and screw them to the end frame with 2-1/2-in. screws.
Step 7
Set the top mattress frame
- With the assistance of a helper, lift the top mattress support into the frame, setting it on the middle spacers.
- Fasten it to the end frames the same as the lower mattress frame.
- For additional security, screw through the short stretcher to the end of the mattress assembly on both ends with 3-in. screws.
Step 8
Add the upper spacer
- Complete the corner detail by adding the upper spacer (L) in all four corners of the upper bunk.
Step 9
Install the ladder
- Secure the ladder to the bed frame from behind, as shown, using 3-in. screws.
Step 10
Complete the safety rails
- Attach the medium safety rails (P) to the ladder and legs with 1-1/2-in. screws.
- Finish the long safety rails (N) for both the upper and lower bunks with the same size screws.
Step 11
Add safety rail supports
- Center the safety supports (M) on the long safety rails on the upper and lower bunks.
- Attach to the mattress frame with 1-1/2-in. screws.
- Use 1-1/4-in. screws to attach to the safety rails.
