These bunk beds are unique because they are easy to build and can be assembled and disassembled easily. Ladder is integrated into the design.

Preparation
7 – 10′ 1×4 Boards
4 – 8′ 2×2 Boards
9 – 8′ 1×3 Boards (not including wood slats)
2″ Wood Screws
1 1/4″ Wood Screws
1 1/4″ Finish Nails
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Finishing Supplies
16 – 3″ Bolts with washers and nuts
12 – 1×4 @ 37 1/2″ (End Rails)
8 – 1×3 @ 63″ (Solid Leg Pieces)
8 – 1×4 @ 80 1/2″ (Back and Front Rails)
12 – 1×3 @ 3″ (Trim Pieces between Rails)
2 – 1×3 @ 22″ (Trim Pieces between Rails)
4 – 1×3 @ 8″ (Bottom Trim Pieces)
4 – 2×2 @ 75″ (Use Metal braces for a stronger bed)
1 – 1×3 @ 55″ (Ladder Side)
2 – 1×3 @ 19″ (Ladder Rungs)
1 – 1×3 @ 13″ (Ladder Front Trim Piece)
6 – 1×3 @ 10″ (Ladder Trim)
1 – 1×3 @ 35″ (Front Leg Trim Piece)
1x3s @ 39″ (Bed Slats, as shown with 34 total slats)
Instructions
Step 1
Build the Ends Build two of the ends as shown above. Best joining method is to use pocket hole screws from the insides of the rails into the legs. Other option is to use 2″ screws from the outside of the legs, with a countersink bit. Screws are recommended, because bunk bed are going to take lots of movement, and nails joints will eventually separate out.
Step 2
Build the Back Simply take two of the 1×3 legs @ 63″, and mark as shown in the diagram above. Glue and screw with 1 1/4″ screws the side rails to the legs. On this step it is very VERY important that you check and adjust for square. If the diagonals do not match up, push the outside corners of the longer diagonals together.
Comments
Crystal B (not verified)
Thu, 02/23/2012 - 12:19
There are two cuts missing from the cut list.
You do need a tad more lumber. The cut list does not include the front top side rails, next to the ladder opening. You need two 1" X 3" X 64" boards to finish the front section. And of course, the lumber for the slats is not included in the shopping list because you are supposed to figure that out based on your mattress manufacturer instructions.
The only problem I've encountered thus far as I'm building it is after I checked and rechecked, I still missed the top two rails that weren't listed. This is my first build, so I'll forgive myself for having to go back to the lumberyard for a second trip this time. ;o) (I'm a perfectionist! Haha.)
In reply to Hey Ana- husband printed the by MeganF (not verified)
claydowling
Thu, 02/23/2012 - 13:09
Never trust a cut list
Never trust a takeoff (a.k.a. shopping list) that you didn't vet yourself. The cutlist is only really useful for production environments anyway. Not one-offs, you'll always have modifications that you make as you build.
mrclever80
Wed, 12/21/2016 - 10:37
You are correct in that your
You are correct in that your husband would be short on the 1x4s. Cant make 8 - 1x4s at 80.5" with only 7 boards.
Ana White (not verified)
Sun, 09/12/2010 - 09:30
Hi Megan, it's entirely
Hi Megan, it's entirely possible that i am wrong :) I'll take a look. Make sure you cut the longest boards first to use up all of your lumber. Can't wait to see this built!
MeganF (not verified)
Sun, 09/12/2010 - 09:47
thanks Ana. Ill let you know-
thanks Ana. Ill let you know- and will post pictures when they get done. the man is working lots of OT in the next month, so I dont know how soon it will be. And speaking of the man- in all his awesomeness, he is even routing out the part on the ends where the cross boards meet the legs so they will fit together!
clarson27 (not verified)
Sat, 09/18/2010 - 09:33
One definitely needs
One definitely needs significantly more wood than is listed in the shopping list. Just an FYI.
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 09/24/2010 - 19:11
And check out what Megan's
And check out what Megan's husband built and posted on our FB page!
ShellyinWI (not verified)
Mon, 09/27/2010 - 10:20
"Make sure you cut the
"Make sure you cut the longest boards first to use up all of your lumber." Guess we should have read the comments a little more carefully! :)
We built these bunk beds this weekend! Our first project. We learned a lot (above plus... square IS important!) and they turned out great! Two of our boys (we have five) slept in them for the first time last night. I need to stain/paint them and then I'll send in a picture!!
Thanks Ana for such an awesome site!!
Halogen Moon (not verified)
Tue, 09/28/2010 - 15:37
You'll need 5 more 8' 1x4's
You'll need 5 more 8' 1x4's than what are listed to complete the rails. Also don't forget that the list above does NOT include the 1x3's for your slats. You'll need a ton of them!
Halogen Moon (not verified)
Tue, 09/28/2010 - 15:38
Oh, I thought i'd also let
Oh, I thought i'd also let everyone know that this project costs just at $100 including screws, nails, glue, and lumber. Spring for a kreg jig jr to make it even easier, it's only about $40. I used left over paint so that's not figured in to the above costs.