Full Height Playhouse Loft Bed

2 – 2x4s @ 75″ (Sides of the bed frame)
6 – 2x4s @ 36″ (Studs for the bed frame)
1. Build the above frame, as shown above. Use 3″ screws to screw the frame together. Make sure your project is square.

1/2″ plywood cut at 75″ x 39″
2. Attach the plywood as shown above, using 2″ screws and glue. Keep outside edges flush and make sure the frame is perfectly square before attaching the plywood (see the HOW TO section on squaring projects).

2 – 2x4s @ 51 1/2″
3. Screw the 2×4 to the bed frame as shown, with the bottom of the 2x4s flush with the plywood. This plan is for a 3 sided bed and the side without the 2x4s will be screwed to studs in the wall of the room the bed is in. You may wish to complete this step when you assemble the bed in the room to make moving the bed into the room easier. You will be building 2 legs.
Use 2 3/4″ screws and glue.

2 - 2×4 @ 48″
2 - 2×6 @ 48″
4. Screw the 48″ 2×4 to the 52 1/2″ 2×4 from step 3 first. Keep bottom edges flush. Then, keeping the outside corner flush, screw the 2×6 to the two 2x4s, as shown above. Use glue and keep the bottom edge flush. Remember, you need to build 2 legs. This completes the legs.
Use 2 3/4″ screws and glue.

You will need 1x2s and 1x4s.
6. Starting in the lower left corner, trim the false front out as shown. The measurements shown are approximations and should only be used to guide you. Take exact measurements off your own project and cut as you go. All angles are 45 degrees. All trim pieces are 1x2s, except the trim at the bottom and the trim above the door.
Use glue and 1 1/2″ nails. Whenver possible, use 2 1/2″ nails to nail through 1 piece of trim into another on the edge.

Use 1x2s to trim out the window. Start with the sides, 1x2s cut at 21″. Then measure, and add the 1x2s to the top and bottom, keeping the bottom trim flush with the sides. The top trim piece will overextend 3/4″ on either end. The measurements given are to guide you and may not be exact with your projects measurements. Once the window has been trimmed out, add the sill, a 1×3, keeping the back edge flush. Remember to trim out both windows. The measurements are the same. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue to nail the trim to the plywood.

The doors for the windows are 1x6s. Take a measurement of the window and cut the 1x6s to size. You may wish to leave a large gap around the windows to prevent little fingers from being pinched. Attach the window doors with hinges after you have painted the project.

The doors for the front door are 1x12s. Follow the guidelines in step 7.

The “Vent” is actually more than decorative. It will help hold the 2 pieces of plywood together. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue to fasten the vertical vent pieces, as shown above.

2 – 1x2s @ 13 1/2″
10. Trim out the ends of the vent as shown above. Use glue and 1 1/4″ nails. Then use 2 1/2″ nails and nail through the edges of the end trim pieces into the horizontal vent pieces from step 9.

3/4″ Plywood 39 3/4″ x 72″
11. Cut plywood as shown above. You may wish to assemble the bed in place.

1 - 1×2 @ 72″
1 – 1×2 @ 39 3/4″
12. Trim the top of the plywood panel with the 39 3/4″ piece. Then, with the 72″ piece on edge, trim the end edge of the plywood as shown above. This will make the overall dimension of the side panel 40 1/2″ wide. Use glue and 1 1/4″ nails.
See step 16 for more information on finishing the corner trim.

2 – 1×2 @ 70 1/2″
1 – 1×4 @ 36 3/4″
13. Trim out the face of the side panel, starting with th 1x2s. Use glue and 1 1/4″ nalis.

2 – 1×2 @ 70 1/2″
1 – 1×4 @ 36 3/4″
13. Trim out the face of the side panel, starting with th 1x2s. Use glue and 1 1/4″ nalis.

Trim out the corner of the ladder panel, as shown above. The easiest way to do this is to first nail with 1 1/4″ nails and glue one of the 1x2s @ 72″ to the plywood, keeping outside edges flush. Then nail the remaining 1×2@ 72″ to the outside edge, covering the edges of the first 1×2 and the plywood. This is shown above.

Detail view.

2 – 2x4s @ 52″ (Ladder Rails)
2 – 1x4s @ 18″ (Top and Bottom trim for ladder
1 – 1×4 @ 17 1/4″ (Bottom Trim)
1 – 1×2 @ 17 1/4″ (Top Trim)
1 – 1×2 @ 20″ (Vertical Trim above ladder)

These measurements are appoximations and you should measure and cut your boards to your projects measurements. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue to nail trim pieces in place. Use 3″ screws to screw from the inside of the playhouse into the ladder. Also use the 3″ screws to screw from the outsides of the ladder rails into the 1×4 trim pieces end edges. Please note, you may wish to complete step 19 first.

Build the ladder by drilling 1 1/2″ diameter holes in the 2 x 4 ladder rails and inserting the dowels. Glue the dowels securely in place. Use the measurement above to guide you.

Finish the entire bed as desired. Then assemble the bed screwing the legs on securely and by screwing the bed frame into studs in the wall of the room using screws at least 3 1/2″ long on the side without the legs. The bottom of the bed frame will sit 48″ up from the floor (if you have not shortened the bed). Keep the bed level with the legs.
Then add the front panel, screwing into the legs and the bed frame from the face of the front panel. Use 2″ screws. Do the same to add the side panels.
I encourage you to modify this bed as fits your child’s needs. The bed I build my daughter only had two sides and is secured to the wall on the remaining two sides. Make sure you measure your ceiling before embarking on this project.