Bunk Bed Plans

From LoveToKnow Furniture

Bunk bed plans are available in more varieties than ever before. With the growing popularity of loft beds, a type of stacked bed and utility space, and triple, full-sized, extra-long and L-shaped bunk beds to choose from, you're sure to find a style that will suit your space and your needs.

Bunk Beds

Bunk Bed Plans - Safety First

Build safety into your bunk beds. Children are badly injured every year as a result of mishaps involving bunk beds. When auditioning plans, make sure that safety features figure prominently in the drawings you select. If a child will be using the bed, make sure that guardrails are included on both long sides of the upper bunk and that any slats are narrow enough that your child's head cannot fit in between. Select or modify plans to insure that your child's head and arms can't fit under the guardrail's bottom frame either.

Stress the importance of responsible behavior. Bunk beds can be fun for children to use, but they aren't toys. Although accidental strangulation is probably the most serious accident that can happen on a bunk bed, it's rare; falls resulting in sprains and broken bones are much more common. The best way to ensure that your child stays safe is to teach him good bunk bed etiquette, which means no roughhousing on the bed or jumping from the top bunk.

Tips for Building a Bunk Bed

When you're evaluating bunk bed plans or beginning your project, make sure to keep a few things in mind:

Ease of Use - Plans are available in metric and standard U.S. measurements, so buy a plan that's easy for you to understand and use.

Choose the Spot First - Evaluate your room before you invest in plans. The location of doors, windows, electrical outlets, HVAC vents, ceiling and wall fixtures, and closets will have an impact on the type of unit that will work for you. This will help you to determine how any ladders or onboard storage will have to be situated, and how tall your bunk bed can be and still accommodate the room's ceiling height.

Make it Strong - Bunk beds can take a beating, so make sure to use quality wood and hardware. If you know your kids need a rugged piece of furniture, adding a few more supporting nuts and bolts wouldn't hurt.

Build for Comfort - Bunk beds will go together quickly and it's easy to do a down-and-dirty installation, but don't forget the niceties. Choose lumber that's free of knots that might affect the strength of the wood, particularly for support pieces, and sand all pieces very well to avoid splinters.

Measure Twice - Before you start cutting, do some recon to make sure that you can find the right sized mattress to fit your intended installation. If you have to make some modifications to suit the bedding or linens you have on hand or can source locally, now's the time.

Design for the Long Term - Some bunk beds are convertible and can be changed easily to single beds after the stacked configuration isn't necessary anymore. With the right plans and a little more effort, you can build bunk beds that can be useful for decades instead of just a few years. Spending some time determining your long-term goals will help you build the best bed for your needs.

Building a large piece of furniture like a bunk bed takes working room. If you don't have a large workshop, try moving your project outdoors on a sunny day. That way you can enjoy the weather and make the job a family occasion at the same time.