Sweet Pea Bunk Bed (turned Beach House)

I was shopping around for a bunk bed for my 2 and 4 year old girls. I didn't want the standard, cheap metal frame for $200, but I also didn't want to spend $2,000 on a big box store bed (made in China) with a 300% mark-up! I stumbled upon Ana's site and was HOOKED! I found the "Sweet Pea Bunk Bed" and immediately printed the plans.

I was a little hesitant to take on such a project because I am...by no means...a carpenter. I found a few mistakes in the instructions, but was able to work through them. I decided against the tin roof, pergola, and flower boxes, but instead went with a "beach house" theme.

My girls LOVE LOVE LOVE it! They especially love the windows and the little shelf where they can put their favorite toy at night when it's time to sleep. I also let each of our kids (plus mom and dad) put hand prints on the rails of the upper bunk so my daughter on the bottom bunk has something to look at. Added a push button light too.

My adivce to anyone thinking of doing this bunk bed: Read through the instructions thoroughly first. Do NOT take shortcuts. Cut, sand and paint EVERYTHING before assembling.

I work full-time and take a few night classes (for fun), so this project took me 4 weekends to build (including a 3-day weekend, thanks to a holiday). Enjoy!