Shop All
Store Locator
Search
Order Status
Log In
List
CartHere’s How to Build a Bunk Bed
Every kid loves a bunk bed. You can perch on top, build a fort underneath, or invite a friend over for a sleepover. It also makes very efficient use of floor space if two siblings occupy the same room. Safety of course is key, so the construction must be strong, and safety features must be included. That’s exactly what expert DIYer Veronique Rouleau had in mind when she decided to do her own build. Follow her easy steps below to make your own super-cool bunk bed.
Here’s What you Need*:
(1) 2"x6" Spruce Board (10-foot length)
(5) 2"x6" Spruce Boards (8-foot lengths)
(2) 4"x4" Spruce Posts (10-foot lengths)
(9) 2"x4" Spruce Boards (8-foot lengths)
(6) 1"x6" Spruce Boards (8-foot lengths)
(3) Packages of Pine Shiplap (Eight 4-foot lengths per pack)
*Lumber may vary depending on your location. To see all options, use our Store Locator to find the Home Hardware Building Centre or Home Building Centre closest to you.
Here’s How to Make It:
Our son Dax is only five, but he’s definitely a mature five. So much so that he decided it was time he had a big boy room. I’m an avid DIYer and jumped at the chance to make his wish come true. Bunk beds were a no-brainer since we always need extra sleeping space here at the lake house. We designed our bunks to match our existing mattress sizes, so make sure to adjust measurements and cuts to fit your mattresses. Our local Home Hardware provided excellent advice, along with all the materials we used.
Step 1: Building the Lower Bed Frame
Keeping in mind the dimensions of our mattress, we used the 2"x4" boards to build the frame. We then used our 1"x6" planks on top. For the legs we used sturdy 4"x4" posts. These can be measured as high as you want the bed to be.
Step 2: Building the Top Bed Frame
We built the top frame with 2"x6" boards, matching the width to our mattress width. To create a landing space at the top of the ladder we made the frame two feet longer than the mattress length. Our 2"x4" boards made up the cross beams, and the 4"x4" post provided the main support. We laid plywood down across the top and later covered that with some leftover flooring, but you could always use MDF as an alternative. We then drilled the frame directly into the wall studs.
Step 3: Building the Bottom of the Top Bunk
Pine shiplap turned out to be a perfect base for the top bunk. We used 20 shiplap planks (41¼” in length). We left two inches of extra overhang space for the railing, and stained the shiplap prior to installation.
Step 4: Building the Railing
We wanted our railing to be 21 inches high, but 9 inches of that was drilled into the frame. So the total height of the railing from the top to the frame was 12 inches. We cut a 2"x4" lengthwise in order to have 2"x2" railings. We cut two grooves into the end pieces for the two railing lengths to slide into. Then we screwed the railing lengths to the end pieces and added wood plugs to create a clean appearance. Once complete, the railing was finished off with a light sand and stain.
Step 5: Attaching the Skirting
We added pieces of 2"x2" on the top frame to create some backing for the skirt. We also used 2"x2" pieces to create a backing on the top and bottom of the support post. No backing was needed for the bottom bunk as the skirt was drilled right into the frame. We used MDF for all of the skirting and trim. The bunk frame skirts were 8½" high and the post was 6½" wide on all sides. All trim was 2½" wide. Everything was installed using a finishing nailer (18-gauge with 1¼" nails).
Step 6: Making the Ladder
For the ladder steps we once again cut 2"x4" boards into 2"x2" pieces. The steps were all screwed into the side frame pieces, and then a wood plug was put in for a cleaner finish. We then sanded and stained the steps. For each ladder side we cut a 2"x4" lengthwise to make a 2½" piece. The notches to insert our five steps were then made using a mitre saw at an angle of 15 degrees. We left a 10" gap between each step.
Step 7: Priming and Painting
We then primed it all using BeautiTone Primer and Sealer. Everything was painted in beautiful BeautiTone Designer Interior Paint in the colour Making Waves.
I love how this turned out, and my son is absolutely over the moon with glee. The bunk beds have completely transformed his bedroom décor from “tiny toddler” to “cool school kid”. I love the use of wood vs. metal, and the Making Waves paint colour is a perfect complement to the lake house theme of the room. Thanks again to our local Home Hardware for their excellent lumber selection, materials and service.
