I built this bed for my daughter a few years back. It's essentially just a false front and sides on a platform bed. Some notes - this bed does reach the ceiling, so make sure you are prepared for the bed filling up your space. It's big. The interior height is suitable for preschoolers.

Preparation
4 sheets of 3/4″ plywood
1- 2×6
Due to the great complexity of this project, please cut your boards as you go. Each step includes detailed instructions on cut lengths.
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
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.
Step 8
Step 10
Step 11
Step 12
Step 13
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.
Step 14
Step 15
Step 16
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.
Step 18
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.
Step 19
Step 20
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.
Comments
Maryann @ Dome… (not verified)
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 11:26
Wow! That's so impressive
Wow! That's so impressive building. Ultra cute!
RickMckenzie
Thu, 08/25/2011 - 05:25
This Is Quite Extra Ordinary
This Is Quite Extra Ordinary indeed. Well detailed, perfectly illustrated. Could use the presence of this guy at my Workstation.
Rick@jailbreak 4.3.3.com
Sarah (not verified)
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 12:53
That is absolutely
That is absolutely phenomenal!
Kristi (not verified)
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 14:37
Wow. Great detail and an
Wow. Great detail and an awesome project!
Sew Much Ado (not verified)
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 19:36
Oh my gosh, this is amazing!
Oh my gosh, this is amazing! I wish I was young again and could have one, I'm saving this to show my husband!
{Pink Igloo Designs} (not verified)
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 20:03
I Stumbled across your blog
I Stumbled across your blog today. Where have you been all my life? (LOL)
My husband and I enjoy these types of projects to do together.
We live in Alaska and shipping up here is so expensive. So every time we see a pottery barn magazine, we examine it and try to do it ourselves. I guess we've learned through trial and error, but for the most part I'm happy with the projects we've accomplished. And now thanks to you...many more projects to come.
I just wanted to tell you thank you for giving your plans away for free. I know many hours went into making the tutorials, so just know it's appreciated!
I'll be visiting often!
Thanks,
Erika
Rachel (not verified)
Fri, 01/08/2010 - 03:10
I just stumbled onto your
I just stumbled onto your site today. It's a great site. And this bed is amazing. I love it! Thank you so much for making the plans available!
On a practical note, is it really hard to change the sheets?
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 01/08/2010 - 06:55
Hi Rachel . . . you are
Hi Rachel . . . you are assuming she actually sleeps up there . . . and not in the middle of our bed!
Sheets can be a little tricky, but it's worth it.
The Mendoza Family (not verified)
Sat, 01/09/2010 - 07:57
This is the most amazing
This is the most amazing bed!!! i lOVE it! i really want to try it!
The Coe's (not verified)
Sat, 01/09/2010 - 15:40
I saw one of these years ago
I saw one of these years ago before I ever even had kids, and saved the page from the magazine! (before blogs! LOL)
I just had my first Girl last year, (after 2 boys) and am sooooo glad to find this tutoral here! Thanks!