My first build. Queen size playhouse loft bed.

Submitted by Bunnie1978 on Sat, 03/10/2012 - 18:57

Aiden's Clubhouse.

I can't even believe I was able to build this! Everyone thought I was crazy for undertaking such a huge project. I made it a queen size because my son would always sleep in my bed anyways... so I just gave it to him. The bed took 4 weeks because I could only work on it on Saturday afternoons. The first week, I made a frame with cleats on the wall. The second week I built the house and stairs. The third week I built the slide and did some of the painting. Today, I finished painting and trim.

I did modify the plans and merged the plan for the slide into my plan, which was a last minute addition. As such, I had to "measure-and-cut-as-you-go" build this bed. I would highly recommend to anyone considering such a task, don't do that. Make a plan, cut all your wood, paint before assembly, and stick to the plan. My stairs all lift up, and under the top landing there is also a cut out inside Aiden's clubhouse-you can see it behind him in the picture below. Also under the slide is a cut out for storage. I have not done anything with the inside of the clubhouse yet. Someday...

I designed the bed specifically so that I could take it apart if we ever move... we live in an apartment. The stairs/stairwell are only connected to the rest of the bed with a single screw. The other wall is a bit more difficult to remove, but not impossible.

I learned a few things doing this, that I want to share with you all..
1. The Kreg-Jig is the best thing ever.
2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE power tools.
3. 4x4 sheets of MDF are difficult to carry upstairs by myself.
4. I can do anything.

I hope you all like it. This was my son's 4th birthday present and he really loves it.

It isn't finished yet though. The far wall in the room is about 2 ft away from the bed, and I haven't decided what to do with that side of the bed, so it's still plain. I would love some ideas! What do you think?

Estimated Cost
$800 including the new tools.. table saw, nailer, kreg, new drill
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr paint. I coordinated the colors on the Behr website to try and match the colors already on the wall.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 06:30

I did make a couple mistakes with the slide. I made it too narrow. Right now it is 1 foot wide. Next time I would do 1 1/2 feet wide. I also would make the landing at the top bigger. I like the angle of the slide now at 45 degrees, but my son did have to learn how to slide down it without falling foward at the bottom. So, a more well designed slide would be less steep, wider, and with a bigger landing at the top. Another tip... for the top of the stairs, take extra care to make sure they swing straight and are about 1/2 inch less wide than the space so they don't scrape the side of the stairwell walls.

spiceylg

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 03:56

This is you FIRST build? Impressive indeed. You did a great job and Aiden is one blessed boy!

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 06:32

Technically, I did finish the ten dollar ledge above his bed earlier this week, before I completed the bed, but it was all part of the same project! :) The only other thing I've built is 2x4s slapped together to hold aquariums. My other hobby is breeding fish. :)

Ganny Girl

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:01

This is amazing! I can't believe it was your first build! Did you add any extra support to accommodate the queen size mattress?

Bunnie1978

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:29

Yes I actually made a whole frame. Basically just studs - on the walls they are just screwed into studs in the wall, then the other two sides are supported by the walls of the house and a vertical frame piece also. There are two stud slats connected to that, so that bed isn't going anywhere. This is the same method I use for supporting 1500 pound aquariums. I have a bunch of 1x3 slats in there as well...

So, if I want to move the bed, I would remove the side with the stairs (~62 inches)- that whole side is one unit, secured to the frame with one screw, and secured to the other wall by about 5 finish nails and one screw. The longer wall (~85 inches) is secured to the frame by 6 screws.

Queen mattresses are HEAVY. :) I learned that too.

Dani83264 (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 08:21

we're making the Playhouse Loft Bed for a queen bed as well. Maybe you can answer a question for me. Are the dimensions to fit a queen size bed as written, or do we need to convert them. A queen mattress is 75 x 80 and it looks like that's what this is made to fit, but I don't wanna find out i'm wrong after I already have that thing hoisted up over my head :) Thanks for any advice you can offer!

ashleymyers233

Thu, 06/25/2015 - 00:53

Can anyone guide me as to what parts of the clubhouse and castle bed plans were used here to make this bed