Storage Stairs for a Bunk or Loft Bed

Difficulty

Intermediate

Storage stairs for a loft or bunk bed with :

2 deep compartments which can store toys or extra bed linens

a shallow compartment in the top step that is perfect for treasures or those large flat books

a small shelf under the middle stair that fits a rolled up sleeping bag perfectly

a large cubby under the top step that can be used as a crawl through, suitcase storage, could be divided into smaller cubbies, or could have doors attached.

About a year ago, when we built a modified version of Ana's Loft bed for our Boys room, we knew a ladder was out of the question with a 3 yr. old in the house and stairs were the way to go. I really liked Ana's Storage Stairs for the Playhouse Loft Bed, but they weren't going to work for our situation. I didn't want to block the limited light in the room with a full wall beside the stairs, and I wanted to be sure every square inch of storage space was usable and easily accessible. I got up the nerve to draft my own and this is what I came up with.
Now over a year later they are still holding up great and it is time to share the plans with others.

For more details or to see pictures of our boys room before and after it's transformation, please visit my blog The Elusive Bobbin.

Dimensions

Preparation

Shopping List

1- 1x3

3/4 plywood (I used Purebond)

3 sets of hinges

Common Materials

1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

120 grit sandpaper

primer

paint

paint brush

Cut List

3 - 1x3 @ 20 (tread brace of 3 steps)

4 - 10 3/4 x 10 3/4 (sides of bottom 2 steps)

2 - 5 3/4 x 17 1/2 (sides of top step)

2 - 20 x 9 1/2 (treads of bottom and middle steps)

1 - 20 x 16 3/4 (tread of top step)

3 - 20 x 10 3/4 (front of bottom step, shelf and base of middle step)

1 - 20 x 22.5 (front of middle step)

2 - 20 x 33 7/8 (front and back of top step)

1 - 10 3/4 x 18.5 (bottom step base)

1 - 20 x 17 1/2 (top step base)

1 - 17 1/2 x 18 1/2 ( top step compartment base)

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Assemble the bottom step by attaching the sides to the base with pocket screws and glue, then attaching the front in the same manner.

Step 2

Assemble the middle step by attaching the sides to the bottom with pocket screws, then attach the front, followed by the base.

Step 3

Begin assembly of the top step by attaching the sides of the top step to the top compartment base with pocket holes and glue.

Step 4

Attach front and back of top step from the inside with pocket screws and glue.
Attach top step base from underneath with pocket screws. (although the top step base is shown in the same color it is NOT the same size as the top shelf compartment base.

Step 5

Step 6

Add 1 x 3 tread braces to each step. Again, I used pocket holes screwed from the inside. It would be easier to just screw down from the top.

Step 7

Attach the stair treads to each stair with hinges.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Bunk Bed

Room

Bedroom

Style

Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

agarrigan

Wed, 01/08/2014 - 18:44

Update to Plans

I have now posted the plans I used for the entire Bunk/Loft Bed Storage Stair System on my blog The Elusive Bobbin. You can find The same free plans for the steps I posted above, plus free plans for a handrail and flat bookshelf that sits at the top of the stairs.

http://theelusivebobbin.blogspot.com/2014/01/storage-stair-system-for-b…

Hope you enjoy,
Amy

robsaem

Tue, 11/25/2014 - 08:52