Drawing bunk bed. DIY bunk bed: assembly steps for different design options

Saving living space is acute in small apartments. A good solution is a wooden bunk bed.

It saves the necessary space, gives the room comfort. If you add it with drawers, the functionality will increase many times over. A well-made bed will last children until they grow up. After that, it can be kept for grandchildren or profitably sold. There is always a demand for such furniture.

Constructions

Most people choose the classic version of a wooden bed, when the lying places are located one above the other, connected by a ladder.

For kids

The bunk bed allows you to place two children in one room. Thanks to her, there is enough space for games and activities.

Practical model options:

  • corner - sleeping places are located to each other at an angle of 90 degrees;
  • loft type - designed for one child who can sleep upstairs and work at the desk downstairs;
  • retractable tier - the lower couch extends, increasing the area;
  • box ladder- the floors are connected by steps that extend and serve as boxes for storing small items.

Whatever wood furniture is chosen, it is important to take care of safety. It is better that the bunk bed stands against the wall, and all sides of the upper part have a reliable fence. If a child under 3 years old sleeps on the lower floor, the fence will not hurt either. Children often roll over in their sleep, so the partitions will protect against falls. When the baby grows up, the fence from the bottom can be removed.

For adults

The difference between the adult model and the child one is only in size. For children, a length of 160–170 cm is suitable, for older people it is better to make a bed of 190–200 cm. The width depends on the preferences of a particular person and free space. In order not to spend money on an additional order of a mattress according to individual sizes, it is better to choose the standard option - 70–90 cm.

Usually a do-it-yourself bunk bed is made from chipboard for a country house with limited living space. It allows you to accommodate guests for the night. In one-room apartments, such furniture would be an ideal solution if the family was replenished with a child. He can sleep on the top bunk and his parents on the bottom bunk. In this case, the first floor should be designed for two.

Also, an attic option made of timber will save space. Below you can equip a full-fledged workplace, and sleep under the ceiling. If the hostess does not like to be sat on her bed, and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apartment will allow you to place either a sofa or a bed, you can put a bunk model. The upper part will be a bed, and the lower part is made in the form of a regular sofa.

The stores have a fairly wide selection of classic models, but they are not always suitable for a particular apartment. If you make a bed out of wood yourself, you can solve several problems at once.

Materials for manufacturing

To create a bunk bed, you need to choose the material. It is not necessary to look for an entire array. Yes, it makes beautiful models that last a very long time, but they require special skills. The array must be very good, only durable types of wood are suitable, they are usually expensive.

The following materials are used as the basis:

  • Chipboard or chipboard is used only for some parts of the bed, such as headboards, drawers, panels. It is necessary to choose only safe plates of class E1 or E0.5;
  • edged or planed board. The material must be chosen with great care. Raw wood can lead, it will change shape, warp;
  • MDF. MDF is considered to be the modern analogue of the board. The boards are available in raw and laminated form. The edges of the finished bed are treated with a special tape;
  • furniture board. Pieces of wood are glued into a single board. A person with carpentry skills should work with it.

The process of creating a bed requires tools that are used when working with wood and metal. You will also need measuring instruments, a pencil.

Bed ladders

The manufacture of a two-level bed also involves a ladder. In the classic version, the usual three-stage design is sufficient, but this is not necessary. It all depends on the chosen model. There are those where the ladder is replaced by ropes. The option with a slide looks very interesting, but you should not do it if the free area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apartment does not allow it.

Ladders can be mounted vertically. They are tightly connected to the frame and do not take up space. There are also inclined options, they are easier to climb. Ladder fixtures must be closed.

The classic staircase consists of steps and railings. It is for them that the child will be able to hold on, climbing to the upper tier.

Creating a drawing

In order to know how much material, fasteners, accessories will go, you need to decide on the model of the bed. If a person can create a drawing of a children's bunk bed made of wood with their own hands, then it is enough to sketch it on a piece of paper. It can also be done in a special program for a PC.

Several points should be taken into account. Between the tiers, you need to leave such a distance that an adult can network on the lower bed without touching the top shelf with his head, of course, if the height of the room allows it.

There should be a sufficient distance between the second floor and the ceiling so that the child feels calm. Warm air accumulates at the top, so the lack of space can negatively affect a healthy full sleep.

The sleeping place must be designed taking into account standard mattresses. Then they can be ordered at any store.

Without having the skills to create drawings, you can pick up a ready-made scheme.

The principle of assembling a wooden bed

To make a bunk bed that will become a favorite place for children to play and relax, you need to properly prepare the materials, process the details. Furniture makers in factories have access to a variety of equipment that makes the task much easier, but a good owner also has the right tools.

Preparatory operations:

  • boards need to be smoothed, leveled, adjusted to the required size;
  • it is better to fasten parts at once by several methods, including glue, self-tapping screws;
  • side racks must be very strong, since they will carry the main load;
  • if there are roundings on the details, they should first be drawn on a paper template, and then transferred to a tree;
  • sawing is best done with an electric jigsaw;
  • after the manufacture of all parts, they are tried on;
  • special care is required for dowels that will hold the structure together.

After the bed is assembled, it is disassembled to be finally connected with glue and self-tapping screws. If errors are found, they are corrected. It is not worth rushing to assemble, because the bed must be securely fastened and stable.

Step by step manufacturing

It is better for an inexperienced master to start by creating a classic bunk bed. First, the base is made, while you need to act clearly according to the scheme. A rectangular box is created. To do this, boards are attached to the sides, the angle should be 90 degrees. Supports in the form of bars are attached to the end parts with self-tapping screws. The crossbars are placed in the created box, on which the mattress will lie.

To create the back, you need three boards. They need to be assembled with the racks of the structure using dowels and grooves. It is better that the connection elements are round, since holes for them can be made with a drill of the appropriate diameter.

Note! Wood glue should be used only after a preliminary fitting, when the dowels have come to all the holes in the racks and boards.

The footboard is made in the same way as the back, the difference is only in the number of crossbars. The base of the second floor will lie on the upper parts of the back with the headboard, so it is important that they are on the same level.

The upper tier is modeled after the lower one. It is fastened with dowels. The structure should be reinforced with end boards. You can proceed to the installation of the stairs. The easiest option is when crossbars are attached to two racks. For drawers it is easier to use plywood. To them you need to fasten special wheels that will guide their movement. Drawers are ideal for storing bedding, toys and other things.

If the material has not been pre-treated, the finished bed is coated with a paint and varnish agent. It is better to use aqueous solutions that are safer for health.

Retractable design

For a children's room, a pull-out bed is considered the safest; it is not high to fall from it. Partitions on two-story structures are not in vain invented, but sometimes children get up in their sleep and this can result in serious injury.

The advantage of a pull-out bed is that during the daytime the lower part slides in, due to which space is freed up for games. Children won't fight for a seat as the beds are not connected to each other. They are used separately.

You can make such a bed yourself from chipboard. The base is made of a solid shield with a thickness of 18 mm. The shield is attached to the sidewalls. The lower tier will be put forward with the help of four wheels.

A pull-out bed is a great space saver and easy to make, but it does not allow you to store bedding in drawers.

Loft bed

Many parents are faced with the problem when the child does not want to sleep on his own. They just haven't created a decent loft bed for him yet. The design is so attractive that the child will happily change the parental bed for the opportunity to sleep under the ceiling.

The main value of such a two-tier design is space saving. The bed is made on high racks, so the place to sleep is near the ceiling. Under the lounger there is a working area with a table, a chair. The only thing to take care of is good artificial lighting, as the bed will provide shade.

It is better to make a ladder side in the form of steps. In a simple version, these can be ordinary wooden crossbars. Having tried, you can make steps in the form of drawers, on which it is convenient to walk, sit, store in them a lot of things necessary for studying.

The height from the floor to the second tier should be at least 120 cm. Although this depends on the person for whom the workplace is being created.

A loft bed can stand not only on racks, but also be attached to a wall or ceiling. The design depends on the selected drawing. If it was created from a good tree, it is enough to open it with a transparent varnish. A tree pattern always looks advantageous in any room.

Not always the dimensions of the apartment allow you to place sleeping places so that there is free space. Cluttering the room with folding beds is not the best solution. A do-it-yourself bunk bed will help to cope with the problem and save space.

Pros and cons of bunk beds

Purchased products are expensive, and besides, they do not take into account the features of the room where they will be installed. Therefore, it makes sense to make a two-tier structure on your own, combine it with a study table or a storage cabinet, and provide drawers under the lower tier.

The simplest dacha option is able to make any home craftsman who knows the tool a little and has the skills to work with wood. In a city apartment, such beds are most often installed in a nursery. This frees up space for games and activities.

The disadvantage of the design is an increased risk of injury. If you decide to install such a structure in the nursery, take care of a reliable side on the second tier of the bed so that the child is safe. In any case, you can’t put a baby up to three years old to sleep on the second tier.

Baby bunk beds

The size of a bed for a child's bed is determined by the standard dimensions of the mattresses. As a rule, it is 160x70 cm. There are transforming beds that provide for lengthening the bed as the child grows.

You can make various options for a children's bed yourself:

  • classic, for two children;
  • a variation of the first option - for three or four children;
  • a loft bed for one child, where the sleeping place is located at the top, and there is a place for classes below;
  • corner, when the upper and lower beds are located at an angle of 90 degrees to each other;
  • with a retractable lower tier;
  • folding.

Unusual options for bunk designs for a child in the photo

Classic bunk bed suitable for two children Corner bunk bed with space for activities helps save space in the children's room A transforming bed with a retractable lower berth is an excellent solution for a small apartment A bunk bed with a slide and a whole range of shells will appeal to little athletes A transforming bunk bed with a pull-out bed and a table provides the child with a full-fledged place to sleep and study. Loft bed suitable for one child Bunk bed in the form of a house - a great place to sleep and play The combined bunk bed, decorated in a marine style, will appeal to a young dreamer A loft bed with a sofa on the lower tier provides a place to sleep for mom and baby The original bunk bed with curved supports and a wide lower bunk will fit into any interior. The bunk bed, designed in the form of cars, will appeal to boys A folding bunk bed is a great space-saving option for games and activities A bunk bed with drawers, cabinets and shelves allows you to place a lot of necessary children's things A wooden bed with different widths of beds is designed for sleeping children of different ages

Two-tier designs for adults

Bunk beds for adults are most often installed in barracks, camp sites and other places where it is necessary to accommodate a large number of people in a small area. Homemade design is a convenient option for giving.

Do-it-yourself bunk bed for giving - video

In a one-room apartment, a combined model is useful: the top place is for children, the bottom is for adults. But there are many options for loft beds, they are suitable for adults and children. If necessary, you can even install a two-tier structure with two double beds. It will come in handy when accommodating guests.

Variants of double beds for adults and combined models - gallery

If the ceiling height allows, the bed can be made three-tier The combined version of the bunk bed with a narrower upper space allows you to accommodate an adult and a child Bunk bed with two double beds - great for a large family Metal double bed has increased strength A folding loft bed saves space and does not interfere during the day A sofa can be built into the loft bed for more convenience. The built-in loft bed is completely invisible and very comfortable. Metal folding bunk bed - a stylish and comfortable interior detail The original version of the combination bed for adults and two children in the style of a tree house will appeal to the whole family A classic wooden bunk bed for adults and a child will appeal to all the inhabitants of the house The corner version of the loft bed with sofa helps to accommodate many guests

What materials will be needed for work

The most popular material for the manufacture of such beds is wood. But other options are also possible:

  • plywood;
  • chipboard;
  • metal;
  • polypropylene pipes.

For inexperienced craftsmen, the simplest material is chipboard or plywood. They are easily sawn with a jigsaw, do not require special equipment for processing. The relative cheapness of the material also plays an important role.

Advice. When making a bunk bed from chipboard, make the sidewalls from a single sheet. Any cutouts on them weaken the structure.

Making beds from different materials has its own characteristics.

  1. Experience is required to work with wood. But the product is durable and environmentally friendly, which is important in the manufacture of furniture for children. In addition, wood is much lighter than chipboard.
  2. Metal will require equipment for welding, cutting and work skills. Beds made of it are the most durable, withstand the maximum load.
  3. Craftsmen make furniture even from polypropylene pipes. Maybe such products are not distinguished by their special beauty and sophistication, but they are very easy to manufacture. You only need the pipes themselves, a set of fittings, a hacksaw and a drawing.

Two-level beds from different materials - gallery

Wooden beds - the most environmentally friendly Plywood decor is suitable for decorating a children's bed For the manufacture of a folding bed, plywood is the best option. Chipboard is most often used for the production of bunk beds. From metal profile pipes you can make a bunk bed of original design

Bed ladder designs suitable for different ages

How convenient and safe it will be to climb to the second floor of the bed depends on the stairs. She may be:

  • vertical - two planks or bars connected by crossbars made of wood or pipes. Sometimes attached, but most often built-in;
  • marching. This is an ordinary staircase with steps. It is made from a board with a section of 30x80 mm, takes up more space than a vertical one, but is much more convenient. The width of the steps should be at least 350 mm, the distance between the rungs 200-300 mm. The angle of inclination is about 70 degrees;
  • with built-in drawers or cabinets. Since the space under the stairs remains free, it is used as a storage for things, by building drawers on the side or steps, or equipping a wardrobe.

Which ladder to choose? It all depends on who will use it. Both of the first options are suitable for adults and teenagers, marching is more convenient for young children, it is less likely to fall from it.

For children, it is better to make a staircase with a railing and correctly calculate the step width so that it is convenient and safe for the child to climb to the second floor.

The first stage is the creation of a drawing

Before you start making a bed, you need to make a drawing. With it, you will calculate how much material and fasteners you will need. Special design knowledge is not required for this, but some points must be taken into account.

  1. Leave the distance between the upper and lower tiers such that an adult can sit on the lower bed without risking hitting his head on the upper one.
  2. Leave enough space between the top bunk and the ceiling for the child to feel comfortable while sleeping. Warm air rises. If there is not enough space, it will be difficult for the child to breathe.
  3. When designing a bed, consider the standard sizes of mattresses.

How to create a bed plan on a computer - video

If creating a drawing on your own is too complicated a process for you, use ready-made diagrams.

Drawings of various models of bunk beds - gallery

You can make a classic bunk bed with a built-in ladder yourself using the drawing A bunk bed made of chipboard with a wardrobe and drawers, made according to the scheme, will appeal to young children According to the drawing, drawers can be built into the ladder of the children's bed A study table is conveniently built into the loft bed

Making a wooden bed: step by step instructions

To make a corner bunk bed, you will need:

  • 4 things. wooden beams 50x100x3000 mm;
  • 4 things. wooden beams 50x100x2400 mm;
  • 2 pcs. boards 20x100x3000 mm;
  • 1 PC. - 20x150x3000 mm;
  • 1 PC. - 20x200x3000 mm;
  • 2 sheets of plywood 12x1200x2400 mm;
  • screws 75 mm long;
  • drywall screws 40 mm long;
  • 8 pcs. screws in a hexagonal head 6x150 mm with washers;
  • 10 pieces. bolts 6x75 mm with nuts and washers;
  • 2 pcs. bolts 6x150 mm with nuts and washers;
  • wood putty;
  • sandpaper;
  • screwdriver;
  • circular saw or hacksaw;
  • jigsaw;
  • milling cutter;
  • drill;
  • roulette;
  • level.

When all the materials and tools are collected, get to work.

  1. Cut the material according to the drawing.
  2. Please note that the size of the frame under the bed must exceed the dimensions of the mattress by 80 mm in length and 100 mm in width. On the side where the ladder will be attached, add another 45 mm.
  3. At all external edges, cut off the chamfer, you can use a hand plow. Sand and sand the details.
  4. On all the details, make markings for fasteners.
  5. From the cut beams, assemble the upper and lower frames, fasten with screws. Make at least one partition to increase the rigidity of the structure.
  6. Screw a board 20x150 to the two adjacent sides of the frame with self-tapping screws, to the other 20x200. They will serve as borders.
  7. For the corner leg support, connect the 50x100 bars lengthwise at an angle of 90 degrees to make the end face L-shaped.
  8. Drill a hole in the support at the attachment point of the upper tier. Do the same in a frame with a side of 200 mm. Drill them out wider so you can hide the screw head and nut and washer.
  9. Attach the frame to the stand with screws.
  10. Now attach the structure to the walls. If the wall is drywall, the fastener must pass through the rack profiles, otherwise it will pop out. Mark the mounting points by leaning the frame against the wall. Align it with a level.
  11. Drill through holes in the frame and wall through the profiles and screw in the hex screws to fix them in the profiles.
  12. If the wall is brick, drill holes with a puncher, and fasten the frame with anchors.
  13. Do the same with the second frame.
  14. Assemble the top bunk railing, screw it to the frame and wall.
  15. From two bars and crossbars, assemble a ladder, attach it to the supporting frames.
  16. The ladder can be either attached or built-in. For the built-in, make cutouts, they will come in handy when attaching the frames.
  17. Screw the plywood on which the mattress will be laid to the upper and lower frames. Make the base for it from the rails.
  18. Fasten the bars to the bar of the supporting frame, lay the slats between them. For strength, it is better to nail them to the bar.
  19. Now it remains only to putty the heads of the screws, clean it with sandpaper and varnish or paint the bed.

Advice. If you decide to make a bed from chipboard, assemble it on confirmants - euro screws. They hold chipboard much stronger. The slats under the mattress and the rungs of the stairs should be made of wood. It is not recommended to make boxes on the upper tier due to the large weight of chipboard, this will make the structure heavier.

How to make a solid wood bunk bed - video

We make two tiers from one

If you already have a single bunk bed, you can use it to build a bunk bed. In this case, the bed frame will serve as the base. The top frame is made to measure. In order for the structure to be stable, withstand many kilograms and not collapse, the fastening of the frame to the supports must be strong.

In the same way, a bed with a sofa on the first tier is assembled. Only in this case, a frame is made, the dimensions of which must correspond to the dimensions of the lower part of the sofa.

How to assemble a retractable model

A pull-out bed is the most convenient and safe for a child's room. The height of the upper bed is slightly more than 70 cm. During the day, the lower tier slides in, there is additional space for games and activities for children. At night you will have an extra bed. A distinctive feature of the model - the beds are not interconnected, they can be used separately.

This bed is easy to make. All parts are made of furniture board chipboard or chipboard.

  1. Make the base of the bed from a solid 18 mm thick board, which is attached to the sides with a minifix and two dowels on each side.
  2. Additionally, strengthen the structure with a metal corner in the head and legs from the bottom of the bottom, on the sides - from above.
  3. Also attach the sides to the bottom for four minifixes and three dowels each. Connect them to the side walls with a bolt with a wide cap.
  4. Attach four wheels to the side walls of the bottom. Saw radius grooves under them, place metal plates on top.

A pull-out bed has many advantages: space saving, ease of manufacture and additional space for sleeping. The only drawback of the design is the lack of a box for storing bedding.

The most durable option is a metal pipe bed

The design of the metal bed is simple, but it is very difficult to assemble it. This requires the skills of welding, metal cutting and appropriate equipment.

Manufacturing stages.

  1. To assemble the frame, use a metal corner 45x50 mm. Cut out sections at the ends of the pipes and connect them to the sides for a tight fit. Use a 65x32 mm channel.
  2. Weld the frame, carefully making sure that the corners are straight and the parts are parallel.
  3. Racks cut from a thin-walled pipe with a diameter of 25 mm. Weld frames to them, process the seams.
  4. Run the sides from metal rods in the form of a fence with a railing.
  5. Weld a ladder from the pipe and attach it to the bed.

Folding plywood frame construction

Another option for a comfortable, practical and inexpensive bed is a folding bed. It practically does not take up space in the room and is made from available material - plywood.

DIY folding bunk bed - video

As they say, the gods do not burn the pots. Even if you have no experience in making furniture, making a simple version of a bunk bed is quite within your power. Approach the process creatively and in a good mood. Good luck, you will succeed!

The main area in the children's room is occupied by beds. As children grow up, there is a shortage of free space in the room. A do-it-yourself bunk bed will help solve this problem. There are many design models that are selected based on the age of the children, the dimensions of the room and personal preferences. You can learn more about the types of bunk beds and options for their self-production in this article.

The problem of lack of free space in the room will help to solve the bunk bed

When designing a bunk bed made of wood or metal, special attention should be paid to the strength and stability of the structure. Here it is necessary not only to create comfortable sleeping places, but also to properly organize the stairs for climbing to the second floor. At the initial design stage, you need to think about where the staircase will be located. Next, the calculation of sleeping places is performed and the distance between the tiers is calculated. These values ​​are determined in such a way as to guarantee convenient operation of the structure in the future.


The distance from the lower tier to the floor level is selected on the basis of a comfortable seat for an adult. The niche that will be formed under the lower tier can be filled with drawers for linen or other things. The distance between the beds in height should allow an adult to sit comfortably. Such a requirement is met not only for the convenience of parents, but also for the safety of the child sleeping on the lower tier, who, when jumping up, should not hit his head on the upper bed.

Do not place the top tier too high. It will be dangerous for a sleeping child. He will also feel uncomfortable, because in a too warm room upstairs he will be very stuffy.

The following are considered the optimal dimensions of a bed: 160x70 cm and 180x80 cm. The recommended construction height is 160-180 cm. The height of the sides of the second tier should be at least 35 cm, which depends on the thickness of the mattress. The most acceptable dimensions for stairs are 39 cm wide, 150 cm high, and 25 cm apart.


Varieties of bunk beds: photos of interesting options

The option of a 2-story bed is selected depending on the purpose, the age of the children and their personal preferences. On the lower tier, a younger child usually sleeps, and his older brother or sister takes the upper place. The two-tier design can also be used for one child. In this case, the sleeping area is located at the top. Under it is a space for games, activities, or a convenient storage system is organized.

There are the following types of bunk beds:

  • traditional model;
  • bed with sofa;
  • construction with a leaving tier;
  • loft bed.

A traditional DIY wooden bunk bed is the simplest design that any craftsman with minimal woodworking skills can complete. This model requires a small amount of accessories. This design can be prefabricated or solid. In the first case, the upper berth, when installed on the floor, turns into a regular bed.


The second type of bunk bed is represented by a design with a folding sofa in its lower part. This is a very comfortable and unusual model, which allows you to organize a comfortable seating area and a place for receiving guests, which is carried out with the help of a soft back. In this case, you do not need to additionally purchase chairs in the room.

Helpful advice! Single-sex children can sleep on the fold-out couch, and an older child can sleep on the top floor.

A loft-type bed is convenient for a small room. The design consists of a bed, which is located on the upper tier, and a working area located under it. It can be provided with a retractable desk, bedside tables and lockers. Also, the lower space can be left free by arranging a play area there.

For a large family with four or more children, you can organize a two-tier set consisting of two or more identical sections. Despite the fact that this design will require much more material, the beds can be neatly placed along one of the walls of the room, thereby saving free space.

Pull-out wooden bunk beds: photo examples

The retractable tier design can be presented in several versions. At a do-it-yourself sliding bunk bed made of chipboard, the tiers are securely fastened together. In such a transforming bed, the lower tier with a sleeping place extends forward, to the right or to the left. This design is carried out with a height of 60-80 cm. The product can be a traditional two-level model with a ladder, in which another bed extends under the lower bed.

The roll-out model has separate berths. The bottom tier is not attached to the top tier, so it can be rolled out and installed anywhere in the room. The result is two separate beds.

The most functional is the option that is located under the lower tier. Such a model is successfully embodied in roll-out structures. An interesting variety is a sliding double bed, in which the sleeping place is hidden in a niche during the day, and is pulled out for further use in the evening.


There is the most compact option, when there are two pull-out beds under the top bed. When unfolded, this design resembles steps. Such a model will significantly save usable space, which can be used for games during the day. In addition, the cost of this triple bed will be much lower than the total amount spent on the purchase of individual stationary options.

Helpful advice! For the lower tier, it is recommended to purchase a thick mattress for full insulation of the bed.

The model with a podium from which the beds are pulled out looks original and unusual. The podium can become a specific area of ​​​​the room where you can organize a place for games or study. At the base, it is recommended to place lockers for toys, linen and other things. However, this design is advisable to install in rooms with high ceilings.

Another newfangled option is the grow-out bed, in which sleeping places can be transformed, increasing in length. This feature of the model is used as the child grows up.


What materials can be used to make a bunk bed

For the production of a bed, natural wood, metal or wood-containing materials can be used. The most durable of all options is metal. For the manufacture of the bed, straight-seam thin-walled pipes, round bars or wire made of brass, iron, galvanized metal or carbon steel can be used.

Finished products have an aesthetic appearance and are able to withstand a lot of weight. The disadvantages of the material include the labor-intensive manufacturing process, which requires the use of a welding machine, and the high cost of the structure.

Solid wood is a difficult and expensive material to process. When working with it, you must have good skills in working with wood so as not to spoil the products. However, as a result, a bunk bed made of solid wood is strong, reliable, durable and presentable.


Often, a planed or edged board is used for the manufacture of structures, since this is the most economical and easiest option to perform. With proper design, such a design can withstand even an adult.

Important! To create a solid and stable structure, it is important to purchase a well-dried board, which subsequently does not deform.

An affordable option is MDF. Bunk beds made of this material are beautiful and durable. However, an MDF product can break under heavy loads. It is advisable to use this material for beds intended for small children, and it can also be used to make headboards, drawers, shelves or decorative panels from it. For the same purpose, chipboard is suitable, which also does not have a large bearing capacity.

Important! In the case of using laminated chipboard to create a bed or berth frame, a sufficient number of supporting elements should be provided.


A durable, strong and reliable material is a furniture board. It is represented by a slab, which is glued from different bars of natural wood. It is an ideal material for making a bunk bed, as it has a large load-bearing capacity. When working with a plate, it should be borne in mind that it has internal stress.

How to choose the right version of the stairs and side of the bed

In the manufacture of a bunk bed, due attention should be paid to the sides and stairs. It is these elements that are designed to ensure the necessary safety of the child. There are several options for stairs, which is shown in the photo of do-it-yourself bunk beds. A flat vertical structure is mounted on one side of the facade. At the same time, it plays the role of a protective rim for the lower tier. Such a staircase is devoid of railings, therefore it is unsafe for a small child. More suitable for children 5-6 years old.

A flat sloping or forward-bent structure can be installed on the side of the bed or in front of its front wall. The element is equipped with a safe railing and has flat steps that are comfortable and safe for the child. This option can be used for children of any age.

Multifunctional and easy to use is a ladder with steps from drawers. This design is most often used for, since it requires significant space. Its recommended length is at least 2.4 m.

The sides of the bed provide protection for the child from falling during sleep. Their height can be 30-60 cm. The sides are made in the form of a lattice or a solid canvas.

DIY bunk bed: preparatory stage

When creating a structure, accuracy and accuracy in work are required. Therefore, at the initial stage of manufacturing the product, it is necessary to make a detailed drawing of a bunk bed, which indicates its dimensions and constituent elements. For each individual node, an individual diagram must be made with the exact dimensions of all its components applied. The general drawing shows the assembly diagram of a bunk bed and how to connect all its parts.

Related article:


Photos and features of the device. What materials are used. How to choose the right one. Sofa-transformer into a bunk bed.

It is taken as the basis for calculating the structure. The size of the bed must strictly correspond to its dimensions. A perimeter allowance of 1 cm is allowed. The width of the backs of the structure must correspond to the width of the bench, taking into account the thickness of the longitudinal strips and the size of the overhang. This calculation is carried out for wooden structures. As for metal products, double the thickness of the pipe is added to the width of the bed, taking into account an allowance of 1 cm. The size of the longitudinal slats corresponds to the length of the mattress with an allowance of 1 cm.

After the model is determined, the material of manufacture is selected and all the necessary diagrams and drawings of the bunk bed are created with your own hands, you should begin to manufacture the constituent elements. To perform the work, you need to prepare tools.


If it is made of metal, you will need:

  • grinder for cutting metal products;
  • welding machine;
  • drill with a drill for working on metal with a diameter of 9 mm;
  • roulette;
  • square file;
  • metal square;
  • sandpaper;
  • metal brush;
  • brush for paint.

To create solid wood bunk beds you will need;

  • milling machine;
  • grinder or planer;
  • hacksaw;
  • screwdriver;
  • electric jigsaw;
  • drill;
  • sandpaper;
  • roulette;
  • level.

Manufacturing technology of iron bunk bed

To make a metal bunk bed with your own hands, you will need a 50x25 metal profile to create frames for sleeping places, a 20x25 profile to make a slatted base for a mattress and metal elements with a 40x40 mm section for side racks. You will also need to purchase metal screws, screws, primer and paint for metal surfaces.


Based on the drawing of a children's bunk bed, do-it-yourself cutting of all blanks of a given length is performed. The assembly of the structure begins with the creation of backrests in the amount of 4 pcs. Structural elements must be laid out on a horizontal surface and connected with a welding seam. After each step, it is recommended to check the angle value, which should be equal to 90 degrees.

With the help of a grinder from a profile pipe 20x25 mm, slats are cut under the mattress. Next comes the base. On the long parts of the frame, 12 metal strips are welded at the same distance from each other. Then it is necessary to connect the vertical racks in pairs, to which the backs of the lower and upper tiers are attached by welding. The result is two structures.

To the first, at a distance of 35 cm from the floor, a frame is welded under the mattress of the lower tier, and for the upper floor - at a distance of 95 cm from the lower level. All actions are performed according to the drawing of a children's bed with their own hands.

In the places where the frames of the second rack are fastened, it is necessary to weld two sections of the profile measuring 20x20 mm. They should be installed with some clearance, since the elements must fit snugly into the inner part of the 50x25 mm profile. Such a technique will allow in the future to transport the structure, which will not lose the strength and rigidity of the joints.


The final stage is the manufacture of a staircase 36 cm wide. With the help of a grinder, all the constituent elements are cut from a profile pipe, which are welded together. The structure is attached to the bed with self-tapping screws.

After the bunk bed is assembled, all seams are sanded, the surface is cleaned of dust and the base is primed with a special compound. After it has completely dried, two layers of metal paint are applied to the structure.

How to make a bunk bed with your own hands from wood

A do-it-yourself bunk bed made of wood is a comfortable classic model that is very popular. For its manufacture, it is necessary to purchase high-quality, straight, well-dried wooden bars, from which parts of the desired size are cut. The most commonly used boards are made of pine. Their number is determined based on a detailed drawing of a do-it-yourself wooden bunk bed.

Helpful advice! Consumables should be purchased with a margin in order to be able not to use rejected sections of the board.


For a traditional model, based on the presented drawing of a bunk bed made of wood, the following parts must be made:

  • vertical racks measuring 3.8x7.6x173 cm - 4 pcs.;
  • outer linings for racks with dimensions of 3.8x7.6x173 cm - 4 pcs.;
  • drawers measuring 3.8x14x203 cm - 4 pcs.;
  • bars for laying frame boards, which are mounted inside on the drawers, with parameters 3.2x4.4x185 - 4 pcs.;
  • elements for assembling the headboard and footboard measuring 2x14x91.4 cm - 4 pcs.;
  • central boards for mounting end structures with dimensions of 2x9x91.4 cm - 4 pcs.;
  • railings with parameters 2x9x151 cm - 1 pc.;
  • steps (2x6.4x48.2 cm) - 3 pcs.;
  • elements for creating a fence measuring 2x9x180 cm - 2 pcs.;
  • transverse slats for making a bed (2x7.6x100 cm) - 24 pcs.;
  • side boards for creating a supporting frame measuring 214x91.4 cm - 4 pcs.

Instructions for assembling a bunk bed: stages of creating a structure

How to make a bunk bed? The manufacturing process can begin with the creation of support structures in the form of a headboard and footboard. These elements are almost identical. The difference lies in the design of the upper part of one of the backs, taking into account the location of the railing on it. In this case, three blocks are made on the outer lining of the vertical post to secure the side protective enclosing element.


Do-it-yourself footboard and headboard of a children's bunk bed are made from pre-cut racks and crossbeams. The supports are made of timber and parts that will close the fastener holes of the structural elements and form a groove for further laying side frame boards into it.

Based on the drawing of a bunk bed with the dimensions of all the constituent elements, the side parts (tsarg) are manufactured in the amount of 4 pcs. These parts will subsequently hold the lamellas of the structure. A longitudinal bar is attached to the inner side, which is necessary to support the mattress, on which bars are mounted at an equidistant distance from each other. In the grooves formed, transverse rails are installed to support the mattress.

Next, the second tier sleeper and fencing elements are assembled. The rack indicates the location of the steps (in the amount of three pieces). When installing the lower step, it is necessary to ensure that its fasteners do not fall into the locations of the screws that hold the side wall of the lower floor.

Then the side structural elements are connected to the drawers, as shown in the do-it-yourself drawing of a bunk bed. They must be installed in the gaps that have formed between the linings. Each side is screwed with four self-tapping screws.


How to make a bunk bed yourself: assembling stairs and fencing elements

After the frame is assembled, they begin to mount the handrail, stairs, steps and crossbars for the fence. All elements must be interconnected. Then, by using self-tapping screws, the structure is fixed to the bed posts. On a solid assembled structure, lamellas are laid between the bars on the side frame boards.

Traditionally, the staircase is made of three steps. Depending on its height, their number can be increased. In this case, it is not at all necessary to install only a vertical structure. The ladder can be inclined and located at any angle.

She is very easy to assemble. Steps are attached to the base, consisting of two bars. In this case, the lower element is additionally connected to the rack of one of the backs. Others are located one above the other. Steps can be fixed externally using a metal corner or installed in a recess. Any fastener must be closed as much as possible.

A finished bunk bed for children with their own hands, if necessary, is sanded to eliminate roughness on its surface. Then it is treated with special impregnation and covered with stain or varnish.

Helpful advice! For reliability and to prevent overturning of the structure, it is recommended to fix it on the wall.

How to make a loft bunk bed: the manufacturing process

There are many types of loft beds. For self-production, you can choose a model from the proposed options posted on sites that display detailed drawings of do-it-yourself bunk beds for children.

To make a classic loft bed (with parameters 250x115 cm) with one bed, stairs and an open area for games, boards of different sections will be used. The assembly of a bunk bed begins with the manufacture of its left end side. To do this, the crossbeams measuring 5x10x95 cm are connected with racks of the same section 1650 mm long, they are mounted in pre-prepared holes and fixed with glue and self-tapping screws. A ladder will be installed to this side.


In the same way, the installation of the right side is organized, which will simultaneously become a protective fence. The next step is to glue the bars (5x5x190 cm) with separating parts to the drawers 5x15x190 cm in size, which are fastened with self-tapping screws.

Next, the end elements are connected with drawers and wooden elements for a fence measuring 5x10x190 cm. All boards are fastened with bolts. It turns out a sleeping place with a size of 1.0x1.9 m. It is necessary to lay lamellas on the timber. Bolted connections for reliability can be fixed with wood glue.

The next step is to assemble the support frame-stand for the platform from boards measuring 5x10x50 cm and 5x10x95 cm. It is necessary to attach the landing frame to the frame using boards with parameters 5x10x50 cm and 5x10x10.5 cm.


Then the whole system is mounted to the main frame using iron corners, which are screwed on the inside of the structure. The site is sheathed with boards (5x10x65 cm), which are immediately connected with glue, then fixed with self-tapping screws.

Important! The heads of the self-tapping screws should go into the tree by a few millimeters, and the resulting recesses are sealed with sawdust mixed with glue.

Next is the installation of the stairs. To two side boards (5x15x100 cm), the ends of which are cut at an angle of 90 degrees, bars measuring 2.5x5x20 cm are attached in parallel. They should be located opposite each other on the side rails. Then steps made of wood measuring 5x10x45 cm are mounted on them. The finished structure is attached to the podium by means of metal corners, after which the strength of the stairs and the bed is checked.

Finally, all recesses are sealed and the surface is ground. All elements are primed, after which varnish or paint is applied to them.


How to make a pull-out bed with your own hands

To create a retractable bunk bed, you can use chipboard. The design made of this material is easy to manufacture and does not require special skills and experience from the master. First of all, a ready-made drawing of a children's bunk bed is created or selected with the dimensions of all elements.

For the manufacture of the main structural parts, laminated chipboard sheets with a thickness of 19 mm are used. For the cover and the lower side of the podium, you can use a furniture board with a thickness of 22 mm. All elements are made on the basis of detailed drawings of a children's bunk bed with their own hands. Photos clearly display each detail of the design of the corresponding dimensions. The fastening of the component parts is carried out using screws with bolts and corners.

To create the top tier, you need two sheets of chipboard for the head and foot, and you will also need two thin strips for the side walls. The retractable structure is made of parts of the same height. The length of this part should be 10 cm less than the given value of the upper level.


The lower tier is equipped with wheels, thanks to which the bed freely leaves if necessary. Wooden boards 10 cm thick are used for the crate. For beds 1.7-2 mm long, there should be at least 7 such strips.

When free space is limited in a room, and two or more beds are required, a bunk bed comes to the rescue. Today, there are many design options that are selected based on the stated requirements. After completing a detailed drawing of a children's bunk bed, you can independently assemble the selected model that fits perfectly into the interior and saves space.

Making a bunk bed with your own hands: video

Owners of small apartments have to solve the problem of saving space. The standard layout with a small area of ​​​​rooms makes it necessary to look for compact functional furniture in order to make the environment as ergonomic as possible. A do-it-yourself bunk bed is considered a good option, which will free up space for games in the children's room.

Before making a wooden bed, you need to decide on the size and placement of furniture in the bedroom. In addition, you need to determine how the ladder will be installed to climb to the upper tier. It can be on the side or front of the bed. The final length of the structure will be approximately 80 mm longer than the place to sleep, and the width will be 100 mm more. You also need to take into account that the side with a vertical ladder increases by another 45 mm, so it is important to correctly calculate the placement of the bed in a small nursery.

To figure out how to make a bunk bed, you need to prepare a set of drawings - examples are presented below. For a standard design designed for two teenagers, you can choose the following options:

  • total height - 1850 mm. It is not recommended to make the second tier too high, as it will be stuffy and uncomfortable for the child right under the ceiling;
  • the height of the side of each tier is 490 mm. This is a guarantee of protection, thanks to the side the child will not fall;
  • bed length - 1900 mm. This is usually enough even for a tall teenager; when calculating the length, the dimensions of the mattress are taken into account;
  • bed width - 900 mm. Ladder width - 345 mm, distance between steps - 250 mm.

The optimal location of the upper tier is determined in such a way that the person sitting on the first tier does not touch the second with his head. It should be comfortable to sit from below, while the height should be optimal. It should be noted that the thickness of the mattress is about 200 mm. At the end of the article, a drawing of a bunk bed with dimensions is presented, it will allow you to create a general idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe design.

All dimensions and drawings are given taking into account the fact that a bunk bed for children will be placed in a room with a ceiling height of 2500 mm. When designing a bed, you need to take into account the standard size of the mattress, it is selected taking into account the age and height of the child. It is recommended to provide a margin, as the furniture should last more than one year.

What is required for work

Before you make a bunk bed with your own hands, you need to prepare the necessary materials and tools. The optimal solution for assembly is durable pine boards, the wood must be checked for defects. The table shows the list and quantity of materials that are needed to make a children's bunk bed out of wood.

Number Part name Quantity
1. Pine timber vertical posts 4
2. External brackets for attaching to uprights 4
3. Side boards of the frame - sides 4
4. Planks for longitudinal installation on the sides from the inside. Frame boards are attached to them. 4
5. Panels for footboard and headboard 4
6. Center rails for attaching the headboard and footboard 4
7. Lath for installing the railing of the stairs 1
8. stairs 3
9. Guard rails for safety 2
10. Cross rails on which the mattress is installed 24
11. End boards of the frame 4

A do-it-yourself bunk bed made of solid wood will require considerable labor. However, solid wood can be replaced with laminated chipboard - there will be fewer problems with the processing of edges. As a basis for a mattress, you can use not a frame made of wooden slats, but sheets of durable plywood, their thickness must be at least 9 mm. Screws 3.5 by 40 mm are used as fasteners, decorative caps are also required to mask the hats, and a set of tools must also be prepared. The home master will need a drill with a set of drills, a jigsaw, a countersink, a surface grinder. The assembly also uses 8 mm dowels and wood glue. For measurements, you will need a tape measure and a pencil. You can tighten the screws manually, but to speed up the process it is better to use a screwdriver.

Procurement of parts

How to make a bunk bed with your own hands? Having prepared everything you need, you can begin to prepare the components of the bed and assemble furniture. The first step is the measurement of the mattress, the shape and configuration of the future bed depends on it. On each side, 2 cm is added to the obtained values, so that in the future it would be convenient to fill the bed linen. All outer edges of the bed must be chamfered, as children's furniture should not have sharp corners. To solve this problem, a plow is used. When choosing materials, it is necessary to pay increased attention to quality: children love to jump on the bed, testing it for strength.

headboard

Side wall

The basis of the frame is made up of 4 side parts - drawers. They are side boards to which longitudinal slats are attached to support the mattress and bars are stuffed. Between these bars will be held transverse slats on which the mattress is placed. A chamfer must be removed from the upper inner side - the sides should not have an internal sharp corner, as this can lead to scratches. The bars hold the mattress boards, preventing them from moving to the sides, so it is not necessary to screw the lamellas with self-tapping screws.

  • drill holes in the posts and crossbars for installing dowels;
  • connect the support post and headboard with dowels soaked in wood glue. The glued frame is clamped with clamps to dry completely to ensure strength;
  • stick on the outer lining to cover the fasteners;
  • At the top of the headboard, attach three decorative overlays to which the railing will attach.

Frame assembly

legs

The role of the legs with such a bunk bed is played by the vertical racks of the frame, the assembly is carried out using screws or other types of connection. The lower part of the legs can be independently given any decorative shape. The carved wood looks beautiful: the processing of the legs can be pre-ordered at the turning workshop. Round curly legs of the bed will become an important element of the decor of the nursery.

If you want to make a bunk bed with a sofa installed in a box with your own hands, use strong bars for the legs. They are fixed from the outside or from the inside, they can also be inserted into the box.

Stairs

It is necessary to make and assemble a ladder with three steps. For this, vertical racks are used, in which it is necessary to make cutouts 38 mm deep for fastening to the frame. Guide holes are drilled in the racks for mounting the steps. When placing the bottom step, it is important to ensure that the fasteners do not end up in the same place where the bottom tier board fastener is placed.

If the ladder is installed at an angle rather than vertically, it is desirable to provide a railing for maximum safety. For this, a beam of small thickness is used, it is selected in accordance with the girth of the child's hand. The railing is firmly fixed with self-tapping screws.

Parts of the stairs

Ladder assembly

Assembly process

Let us consider in more detail how you can make and assemble a bunk bed for children with your own hands using prepared frame elements: there are many design options, but most are assembled according to a single principle. Assemble the tsargi according to the instructions, then take care of the frame of the headboard and backrest. Next, you need to do the following:

  • install the drawers in the gaps left between the side plates of the uprights. Attach them on each side with four self-tapping screws. This can be done manually or with a screwdriver;
  • install the structure on the floor and attach the handrail, the ladder with steps, and the enclosing crossbar with self-tapping screws;
  • screw the slats (lamellas) on which the mattress will be laid. This is an optional step: the slats are held by bolted bars on both sides, which should fit snugly against the slats;
  • sand the entire structure to make the boards as smooth as possible. This can be done manually, to reduce labor costs it is better to use a grinder. Grinding helps prevent scratches, the surface should become perfectly flat;
  • treat all wooden elements with impregnation or stain to protect against decay. After that, it can be painted or varnished to give an aesthetic appearance. The color is selected depending on the overall interior design, it is undesirable to use too bright colors.

The bunk bed assembly guide includes a few additions. Drawers are placed under the lower tier, which allows you to store various useful items and linens. The boxes are assembled from boards or more affordable fiberboard boards and installed on metal rails. For ease of use, they are equipped with handles, or holes can be made in them for ease of extension. The homemade version looks original, in which the boxes play the role of a ladder. They both guarantee safety when lifting, and allow you to allocate space for storing toys and other things.

Any homemade bunk beds must be additionally attached to the wall, unless it is made of drywall. This safety measure prevents the structure from tipping over during excessively noisy children's play. The mount must be as reliable as possible, it has to withstand a large load.

Methods for connecting wooden knots

How is it more convenient to make a bunk wooden bed with your own hands for a novice master? There are several ways to connect wooden knots:

  • self-tapping is the simplest option, with which the boards are connected at a right angle. Self-tapping screws are screwed in so that the caps do not stick out above the surface, the joints are closed with decorative overlays;
  • connection with dowels - they can have a round or rectangular shape. Furniture dowel allows you to connect parts from any materials, including solid wood, chipboard, fiberboard. It is not visible from the outside. It does not spoil the appearance of the furniture;
  • glue connection - carpentry glue is used to attach linings that increase the strength of the support posts. This connection option can be additionally reinforced with self-tapping screws.

To create curly elements of the back and foot of a bunk bed with your own hands, the project is initially developed on paper. The finished paper template is applied to the workpiece, after which the part of the desired shape is carefully cut with a jigsaw.

1 - half-tree connection; 2 - connection "in the paw"

1 - complete felling; 2 - cutting is not complete; 3 - steel corner

A bunk bed is needed not only for the younger generation: in a small apartment or a compact country house, it can solve the problem of adult sleeping places. But on sale there are almost exclusively children's bunk beds, and they are not cheap. Meanwhile, a bunk bed may well be made by hand from available materials by a novice craftsman who has the most general idea of ​​\u200b\u200bcarpentry. All you need is a small workshop in the garage, shed or on the balcony - it still won’t work to build a bed on the floor in the living room. In this article, we will see what and how it is possible to craft if the question arose: but where does he (she) sleep?

You can make a bunk bed for two children, as well as for adults and a child, from solid wood or MDF, see fig. In the latter case, the children's bed is located at the top: it is easier to ensure the strength of the bed. True, it is also easier for a curious offspring to spy on mom and dad from there, so an option with an adult rookery at the top is also possible, see below.

If the bed is only for children, then often the upper tier is combined with a playhouse (pos. 1 in the next figure) or the entire bed with a work area (pos. 2). Corner bunk beds of the "closed corner" type (pos. 3) are suitable mainly in studio apartments to highlight the children's area, because. practically no savings in living space. But as for the sofa or sofa bed with the upper sleeping tier (pos. 4), then it’s overkill: making the stairs retractable is inconvenient for the child; the ladder is fixed in place - how do adults sit on the couch? But for now, we'll deal with beds, which are just beds.

Notable examples

The results of the search for options for self-manufacturing of a bunk bed in Runet give, I must say, quite a positive result - with regard to children's beds. The user will find intelligible instructions, with drawings and bills of materials, how to make this very bed. However, looking closely, you can understand that these are not the simplest, cheapest and most reliable options.

Here, for example, in Fig. drawings and diagram of the assembly of the bed, described in detail on the site "Furniture Circle". It is quite suitable for its intended use. But let's take a closer look at the positions highlighted in red:

To assemble the bed (submattress, lounger, pos. 3), you need to make 12 mortise joints. Not to mention the fact that it is not so easy, the frame of the stock from a 50x50 bar with so many tie-ins will not be very strong. If relatives start a pillow fight on the bed, it can break. And it’s difficult to fix, because. the bed is integrally introduced into the power circuit of the bed. Therefore, the assembly of the product (pos. 5) is complicated: the bed is first made without platforms (tires), the bed is assembled on bolts, and only then the platforms are mounted. The nuts of the bolts are tightly closed; loosen up - you can’t pull it up. And they can get loose, because. the bed hangs on bolts, creating significant concentrated loads on the tree. Conclusion: This bed will only let its occupants grow to adulthood if it is made of high-quality (and expensive) solid wood. Structurally and technologically unnecessarily complicated.

The option of a bunk bed for children, which can be made from pine or spruce (see the figure on the right), is also described in sufficient detail even on several sites. The first thing that catches your eye is the high consumption of materials and labor for marking and sawing parts. The strength of a bunk bed made of soft wood can be achieved more easily, see below.

Secondly, the wood for this bed is suitable, although soft, but of high quality, without knots, striations, slant, i.e. also not cheap. The reason is the lamella beds, because of which it was necessary to additionally strengthen the corners, because. lamellas in the main power circuit do not work. Knots and other wood defects, suddenly they will be in the bearing parts, will become centers of concentration (foci) of loads, and the bed will not last long. A mattress laid on slats is, of course, more comfortable, but both doctors and psychologists unequivocally say: it is not good for children to sleep on too soft. Children's bedding should be a little hard. And finally, this bed needs a lot of fasteners visible from the outside.

But don't worry, it's still possible to make a solid bunk bed out of the wood you have on hand. A detailed video in 3 parts, how a person did, did, and still made a good bunk bed from knotty pine, see below:

Video: an example of making a wooden bunk bed

Features of the power circuit

The authors of the constructions mentioned above are by no means hacks or ignoramuses. They quite conscientiously approached the solution of the task before them, knowing about the increased requirements for the strength of a bunk bed. Hitting the floor from a height of 0.5 or 2 m is a completely different thing. Surely they also know that a bunk bed can form a very rigid box. Compared to a massive structure, a box-shaped one holds dynamic loads better, but worse static long-term ones.

But this is exactly what we need for a baby bed! Children, they are light, but wicked. A bed for children should just keep the dynamics better than the statics. This circumstance is often not taken into account by professional furniture designers, unnecessarily strengthening (and more expensive) children's beds. Hobbyist furniture design programs such as PRO100 also calculate children's beds using adult algorithms. We will further understand what can be achieved, given the characteristics of the child, somewhere up to 15-16 years old, as a source of operational loads on the bed.

Note: that’s what you definitely don’t need to do with a bunk bed, so it’s to make it half-hanging with the corners resting on the wall, see fig. on right. The difference between the bearing capacity of building structures, incl. wooden, and the furniture is so large that from the smallest dynamics, either the bed will soon loosen, or the wall will crumble.

Making a bed

The main structural element that provides the required performance of a bunk bed is its bed. If we succeed in designing a wooden bed bed that can support an adult uncle at 85-90 kg of live weight, being suspended from the ceiling on ropes, then such a bed can be either included in any box-shaped power circuit or carry the load on its own.

Bed

The layout of the bed arrangement for a bunk bed up to 2.1 m (7 ft) long and up to 0.9 m (3 ft) wide is given in the figure:

With sides, it is self-sufficient in relation to both statics and dynamics of both children and adults and can simply be placed in a box-shaped frame, the task of which is only to provide overall rigidity. Without bumpers, the frame with the platform and the bottom is either rigidly fixed in a lightweight box, reinforcing it to the required degree, or fits into a pre-reinforced box. In any case, there is no fastener visible from the outside. The platform and the bottom are attached to the frame with 4x(16...25) self-tapping screws with a pitch of 70...150 mm. At the corners of the frame and the junction of beams with screeds, there must be a hardware; the rest are distributed evenly along the contour. Just in case: a hardware, a hardware product is a threaded fastener.

Note: the bottom of the upper bed of a bunk bed is draped from below with any suitable upholstery fabric before installation on the frame.

Bed Design Examples

The best way to use this bed in a children's bunk bed is to tear off the sides from it and include them in the power circuit of the box. The frame itself is a flat box, it will withstand children's dynamics, and small ones will not load it much with static.

How a children's bunk bed is arranged, in which these principles are implemented, is shown in the figure:

The frame is assembled on dowels and glue from any available wood, even from aspen or poplar. Together with the support frames made of pine cranial bars 60x60 (pos. 7 and 8 in the figure), the necessary overall rigidity is provided. The stock is simply laid on the support frames. This approach gives a trace. Benefits:

  • Simple design of rectangular parts;
  • Any wood materials will go to the frame, incl. plywood, MDF, chipboard;
  • The frame is very strong, withstands tipping without damage;
  • Freely removable beds give more opportunities to control the sanitary condition of the bed and keep it clean;
  • There is no visible fastener, and a hidden one can be used inexpensively.

Note: if the frame parts are made of MDF or chipboard, plastic dowels should be used, and glue should be wood mounting.

This bed is going, so to speak, in the reverse order: det. 4 and 6 are attached to children. 1 with screws from the inside, and then with the help of det. 2, 2a and 3, a frame is assembled on the dowels. After that, the support frames (det. 7 and 8) and the ladder are installed. The bed is ready, you can put the bed and sleep. If it is not planned to separate this bed into two, then det. 1 make double length (2000 mm). Then a detachable dowel connection (inset on the left in the figure) is not needed, and the frame will become even stronger.

A small drawback of this bed is the need for the person sleeping upstairs to climb over the fence (det. 6 in the figure). It is impossible to make a fence split, it works in a power circuit. But make a half-width recess in the fence above the stairs. 6 is possible.

Note: det. 3 cannot be removed from the lower section, they also work in the power circuit.

For grandchildren

Another option for using a bed-box in a children's bunk bed is to leave the sides in it, and remove the headboard and footboard. The sides will provide the proper resistance of the frame to longitudinal torsion, and it is already resistant to transverse torsion due to its small width.

The sides remaining on the frame will further improve the bed, without significantly complicating it. How exactly - see the general view, dimensions and drawings in the figure:

The frame for greater rigidity is assembled on thorn-groove carpentry joints. An extra screed was added to the frame, which made it possible to reduce the thickness of the frame by half, to 30 mm, and instead of a more expensive beam, use a thirty-thirty board spread along. Moreover, the bed turns out to be even excessively rigid, and it became possible to make the bed collapsible without tools. The bed with the backs are connected with steel locks (pos. 10 in the figure); such are sold in furniture stores specifically for this purpose. When the children grow up, the bed can be hidden in the pantry for the grandchildren or sold on occasion.

Note: the sides are connected to the frame with oak dowels 30x8 with a pitch of 120 ... 150 mm on a mounting glue for wood. All other carpentry joints are also glued.

Or maybe a corner?

As mentioned above, a “closed corner” layout bunk bed practically does not save space in the room. In small-sized housing from corner bunk beds, an “open corner” type bed, combined with a bedside table and a children's utility corner, can be useful. The optimal dimensions of a children's bunk bed "closed corner" with a utility block for small ones, see fig. on right.

And for the big ones too

In the same small apartment or, preferably, in a small country house, a bunk bed with an adult berth upstairs can be comfortable. The simplest option is a bed on a welded frame made of steel pipes.

The general view and dimensions of the steel welded bunk bed are given in the figure:

The frame is designed for a standard stock with armor mesh. In a home-made bed for a summer residence (this, of course, will not fit into a house by design, even in a loft), you can refuse to install platforms in locks, weld support frames from a corner from 40x25, fasten them with backrests with bolts, and make the bed described above.

In a small apartment, a multifunctional sleeping corner with an adult bed upstairs will be more convenient. In this case, an adult bed can be made mainly for static loads, from a single sheet of chipboard. Children's sleeping place (places) for the night are equipped below, from where nothing can be seen upwards.

The drawings and material sheet of a multifunctional bunk sleeping block (you can’t just call it a bed) are given in Fig.:

The upper adult bed is rectangular, so it is necessary for its strength. The area next to it with a beveled corner serves as a bedside table. There, the baby can pile toys if it climbs up during the day to isolate itself. Below, adults can sit, have lunch, work at the table, and children can play. In the same place, below, it is possible to equip 1-2 children's night berths with the help of removable soft sides - any of the lower tables or a shelf between them turn into a sofa by installing a foam block covered with furniture fabric. In general, this multifunctional device will come in handy for a bachelor, a young family, and in a cramped apartment, and in the country.

Is it just a tree?

Beds made of MDF or chipboard look, of course, more elegant than simple wooden ones. Especially - bunk (see photo below), whose high backs are difficult to disguise in the interior. However, MDF and chipboard require special care in work and some special tools (electric jigsaw, wood router) - if you scratch the coating, the scratch will remain.

The second - the ratio of the strength characteristics of MDF and laminated chipboard for compression, bending, torsion and shear is completely different than that of wood. In addition, MDF and laminated chipboard are practically homogeneous: select directions in them along the fibers, along the layer, etc. impossible. Therefore, it is impossible to fasten parts from MDF and chipboard with carpentry joints: a spike or tooth will break from a small load. MDF and chipboard are fastened with furniture screws - confirmations. Dowel connections are used if it is impossible to connect with confirmations, for example, for connections that must be hidden. Dowels in products made of MDF or chipboard should be as small as possible, and always only plastic.

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