My twins just turned four and were still sleeping in their toddler beds, so it was time for an upgrade. They still want to share a room so we knew we needed to maximize space and open up some room for them to play. We chose the Camp Loft Bed but raised the height to 72" (with 53" of headspace) so we might be able to add a desk underneath when they get older.
Essentially, we made two loft beds with the platforms but omitted the stairs. Then we built a slightly lower platform to put between the two beds, which acts as a step down. Then instead of making stairs that jut out into the room, we added two 2x4s as ladder rungs to the lower platform. This also acts as a tunnel for the twins to crawl under to go between each other's play spaces. This also makes it so the beds can be easily separated if we ever need to put them in separate rooms.
When it was complete we noticed one of the beds was a little wobbly, so we added diagonal braces in the corners and another 2x4 across the length of the bottom to help stabilize it. We also chose to use 1x4 pieces of pine as the slats for the mattress to lay across, but they didn't feel like they would support our weight if we wanted to read to them in bed. So we added two more 2x4s underneath the slats the entire length of the bed, which has added a ton of support.
We stopped keeping track of exactly how much it cost, but it was close to $400 for both beds combined. And it took most of my husband's free time for two weeks, but most of that was painting two coats of paint on every piece before assembling. First he cut all the pieces to size, drilled the holes with a Kreg Jig, and then painted. To make the painting more efficient, he put a bunch of screws into boards so he could paint all the exposed sides of the lumber, flip, and leave them to dry. Then we assembled the beds in their room.
The twins love their new beds, and we love how much more space they have to play in their room! We were worried the room would feel too crowded but with the openness of the plan and the space that was opened up underneath, we think it turned out great! Now we can move in a bunch of their toys and reclaim some of our house! Thanks for the great plans!
Comments
linzi_sparxxx
Wed, 03/07/2012 - 13:35
I hope all of you love it!
It was so much fun and we loved doing this for them.
JoanneS
Wed, 03/07/2012 - 14:43
Awesome job!
You did an Awesome job on this! And your chefs are adorable! :) J
linzi_sparxxx
Wed, 03/07/2012 - 15:14
Thank you!!
They stood there, one staring at the kitchen, one staring at the table set, for like 15 seconds with their jaws dropped. It was priceless. I had so much fun, and it's really so easy to do. As long as you have the tools!
Laura Fama
Fri, 03/09/2012 - 07:45
THIS IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AWESOME
I love it... bright and sunny... I just made a set this Christmas for my granddaughter... I love your's... maybe even more than mine... !!!!!
I still need to make a pantry... but I ran out of time!
linzi_sparxxx
Fri, 03/09/2012 - 07:55
Thank you! I absolutely love
Thank you! I absolutely love this kitchen. I recommend building over the cheaply mass produced ones you can buy at Walmart and Kmart. I'd like to see some pictures of yours too!
Momofmarlee
Tue, 12/03/2013 - 19:45
Stove/ Oven knobs
Hello, I am about to start building this project for my little girl. I am so excited! I was wondering how you did the knobs for the oven and stove. I love them. Do they turn? Did you find an already round piece of wood or did you have to cut it that way? I love love love your kitchen. So creative and so many great ideas! Lots of love went into that I can tell. Thank you for your help!
Tsu Dho Nimh
Wed, 12/04/2013 - 03:03
Stove knobs
The knobs look like those "mushroom" cabinert pulls with a line painted on them for the temperature. They seem to have a round settings dial painted behind them.
If you want them to turn, just don't tighten the bolt completely.