This is my first time building anything, and it was so fun, minus the million trips to home depot! I had to modify the original plans to fit over a queen size bed, and I actually built the roof that is part of the plans, but we decided to use fabric for the roof to let light in. For now, it's a convertible fort, ha!
I also added shelves along the back wall, similar to the onces done by Jamie Costiglio. I thought it was a good way to incorporate storage for some action figures. Plus, I left a space in the front open so that my son could jump from the fort to his bed. Underneath I strung up some lights with small command hooks and they're connected to a smart switch so we can ensure they aren't left on all the time.
This took me significantly longer than it might take a skilled builder because it was my first time. It was a solid 3 days of work - a full weekend and then one day the next weekend.
Overall this was such a fun build - now to add a rock wall on the side! :)
Estimated Cost
$300-$350 - but I had to buy a kreg jig and I used significantly more wood to make it fit a queen size bed. I had to buy wood - I didn't have much on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I didn't add any paint or stain. I wanted it to feel like a tree house, so I thought the natural wood would work best.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
kelli224
Sun, 08/21/2011 - 21:36
This looks so incredible!
This looks so incredible! You did a fantastic job and I love love love this bedding. My boys would go crazy over it!
kmatt55
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 12:00
Looks great, nice job.
Looks great, nice job.
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 08/29/2011 - 07:51
Great job! I am hoping to
Great job! I am hoping to make two of these for my boys and would love to have the trundles. Could you give the specs on that? Thanks!
debandtom25
Wed, 08/31/2011 - 17:42
Specs are always different
The specs will be different depending on the size mattress you have -- what I mean by size is height. I just used a foam mattress that was only 5 inches high. I wanted the mattress to fit bigger than the sides of the trundle, so I might have made it just 4 inches high (not including the wheels underneath). I made sure I had about 1.5" of clearance total between the headboard and footboard to move the trundle in and out.
Just make sure you take into account how thick your mattress is, the widths of your boards and the height of your wheels. Give yourself a little room for bedding and you should be all set.
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 11/21/2011 - 10:06
questions
The bed looks awesome! The hubby and I are gonna attempt to make one just like it (with the shorter headboard as well). I also have a 5 inch mattress for the trundle. The questions I have are: 1) How much space did you leave between the floor and the bottom of the trundle? 2)What is the distance between the floor and the bottom of the side rail? 3) did you use the 1x10 for your side rail? (we are going to be using a 1x8 instead). 4) Did you order your casters from Rockler as well, or find them at a home improvement store?
Thanks so much, in advance!
debandtom25
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 11:58
To answer questions
1. The sides of the trundle are not flush with the bottom. The bottom (that the bed rests on) is about 2" higher than the side rails. This allows room for the wheels and about an 3/4: between the floor and the side rails. This measurement will all depend on the size of the casters you get and how much room you have beneath your bed for the trundle.
2. As mentioned above, there is about 3/4" between side rail and bottom of floor. Like I said before, it's total preference and how much room you have to work with.
3. I did use a 1X10, mainly because I like the look of the wide board.
4. I got the casters from HD or Lowes (can't remember).
Hope this helps!
Guest (not verified)
Sun, 01/29/2012 - 23:15
Attaching the sides to the plywood base
I love this and am going to make for my sons bed but I didn't see what you used to attach the sides to the base...unless I just didn't see it. :-) Did you use "L" brackets?
Saadia (not verified)
Sun, 03/25/2012 - 12:30
Rockler Brackets and Cleats
Hi, I was just wondering how you adjust the cleats when you are using the rockler brackets? I plan on using 2 x 8 for the siderails so there isn't enough room to fit the bracket and cleat along the edge. Did you have to shorten your cleat by just a little bit?
KAD050209 (not verified)
Fri, 08/17/2012 - 23:32
Gap From Bed To Wall...
I was wondering if you could tell me how many inches the gap is from the bed to wall (where you have the bed horizontal against the wall)? Just trying to get an idea; my daughter is young and don't want her falling between the gap at night :) Thanks ahead of time!
In reply to Gap From Bed To Wall... by KAD050209 (not verified)
debandtom25
Wed, 09/05/2012 - 20:16
Great question
The gap is about 3.25". I remember one of the first nights that Jack slept in his bed he fell in the gap. I wasn't expecting that at all. We just stuffed the extra bed pillows in there at night. We don't even remember to do it anymore and he's never fallen in again.
Hterrin
Tue, 04/16/2013 - 22:03
Great job
You should be proud.