Kids loft bed plans

This step by step diy article is about kids loft bed plans. If you want to build a nice truck loft bed for your kids, make sure you take a look over this article. Building a loft bed is a cheap solution for small rooms that don’t provide enough space for fitting two beds. Although there are many designs you could choose from, in this article we will show you all you have to know about making a classic bulk bed out of common materials. If you have worked with lumber before, the carpentry techniques should be familiar to you.

Buy quality lumber, made for building lumber, if you want to get a durable bed. Nevertheless, you could save some money if you purchase lumber with knots, which could even enhance the look of project, giving it a rustic appearance. Select the slats with great attention, checking if they are in a good condition (the lumber has to be straight and without chips, dents or cracks).

Always aligned the components before locking them together with screws. In addition, we recommend you to pre-drill the lumber, otherwise the wood might easily split. Add glue to the joints, if you want to enhance their bond. Smooth the cut edges with fine grit sandpaper and remove the residues using a vacuum cleaner. Make sure you take a look over the related plans to get an idea about what you can build for your home. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a truck loft bed

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 69” long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 43″ long, 2 pieces – 76″ long FRAME
C – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 76” long CLEATS
D – 16 piece of 1×4 lumber – 40” long SLATS
E – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 43’x47 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 52 3/4″x76″ long PANELS
F – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 13” long, 2 pieces – 25″ long, 2 piece – 41 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 29″ long, 1 piece – 37 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 9 1/2″ long FRONT TRIMS
F – 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 43″ long, 2 pieces – 26″ long, 2 pieces – 15″ long SIDE BACK WALL
F – 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 43″ long, 2 pieces – 37″ long, 3 pieces – 13″ long SIDE FRONT WALL
G – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 76″ long, 2 pieces – 43″ long, 2 pieces – 26 3/4″ long RAILS
H – 50 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 9 1/4″ long BALUSTERS
I – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 24″x41 3/4″ long, 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 39 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 24″ long, 2 pieces – 19″ long DOORS
J – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 52 3/4″ long, 5 pieces – 16 1/4″ long LADDER

mattress
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue
stain

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Smooth the exposed edges, by using a router with a 1/4” bit

Time

One day

Building a loft bed

Building the bed frame

The first step of the woodworking project is to assemble the bed frame. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the long components and secure them to the perpendicular components. Make sure the corners are right-angled and add waterproof glue to the joints. Insert 2 1/2″ screws after aligning the components with attention.

Fitting the cleats

Continue the woodworking project by attaching the cleats to the bed frame, as described in the diagram. Align the cleats with attention and secure them to the bed frame by inserting 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess before it dries out.

Fitting the support slats

Continue the project by attaching the 1×4 support slats to the cleats, as described in the image. Drill pilot holes through the support slats and place them equally-spaced before locking them into place with 1 1/4″ screws.

Attaching the legs

Attach the 2×2 legs to the corners of the bed frame. Make sure you create rigid joints (drill pilot holes through the components and insert 3 1/2″ bolt screws). Plumb the legs with a spirit level and make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws and bolts.

Building the front wall of the loft bed

Continue the project by fitting the front panel to the loft bed frame. Make sure you mark the lines on the 3/4″ plywood before making the cuts with a circular saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. Make sure you align all the panels to the back edges of the legs.

Building the front face

You need to make a few cuts to the front panel, so make sure you take a close look over the diagram. Use a sharp saw to make the cuts and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Drill pocket holes along the edges and secure the piece of plywood to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws. In addition, attach the top trim to the front panel and secure it into the place using 1 1/4″ nails and waterproof glue.

Fitting the trims to the front wall

Attach nice 1×3 trims around the door and around the window, as shown in the plans. Secure the trims to the panel by using 1 1/4″ finishing nails.

Building the frame of the loft bed

Attach a support to the opposite side of the bed frame, in order to create a rigid and durable structure. Plumb the legs with a spirit level and make sure the corners are right-angled before lock it with screws. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the support and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs.

Building the front face of the truck

Continue the project by building the front face of the loft bed. Drill a starting hole and get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with sandpaper.

Fitting the trims to the front side wall

Attach the trims to the front face of the loft bed and lock them into place using finishing nails and waterproof glue. Make sure you leave no gaps between the components and add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Building the back wall of the loft bed

Build the back of the loft bed by using 3/4″ plywood. Cut out the window and drill pocket holes along the side and top edges. Fit the panel into place and secure it to the legs by using 1 1/4″ screws.

Fitting the trims to the back side wall

Attach the 1×3 trims to the back face of the loft bed, in order to enhance the look of the project, Make sure you leave no gaps between the trims and secure them to the panels by using finishing nails.

Fitting the headlights

If you want to make a truck loft bed for your kids, we recommend you to make the decorative elements out of 1×3 lumber and to secure them to the front side face of the bed, as described in the diagram. Align everything with attention and invest in high quality materials.

Fitting the face guard rails

Build the top guard rails using 1×3 and 1×2 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the framing components and secure them to the legs by using 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are right-angled. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the vertical components and secure them to the frame by using 1 1/4″ screws, after placing them equally-spaced.

Fitting the end guard rails

Continue the project by attaching the guard rails to the front side face of the loft bed. Work with attention and create rigid joints if you want to get a professional result.

Building the back rails

Afterwards, attach the guard rails to the back side face of the loft bed, Make sure you get the job done in a professional manner after taking accurate measurements.

Building the door

If you want to enhance the look of the truck loft bed, we recommend you to build the a decorative door. Use 3/4″ plywood to build the panel of the door and 1×3 lumber for the trims. In addition, you can build the wheel out of 3/4″ plywood. Adjust the components at the right size and lock them together tightly using finishing nails and glue. Make sure you skim about 1/4″ out of the bottom of the door, otherwise it won’t open and close properly.

Fitting the door

Fit the door into the opening and secure it to the jambs by using metal hinges. Attach a door knob and make sure the door opens and closes properly. In addition, you could fit a door stop to the interior of the loft bed.

Installing the ladder supports

Attach the 1×2 ladder supports to the back of the loft bed. Plumb the supports with a spirit level and lock them into place by using 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure the joints are rigid and smooth the exposed edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the steps

Attach the steps to the supports and lock them into place tightly, by using 1 1/4″ screws. Place the steps equally-spaced and smooth the exposed edges with sandpaper.

Truck loft bed plans

Last but not least, you need to take care of the final touches. Therefore, you need fill all the holes with a good filler and let the compound to dry out properly, before sanding the wooden surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Smart tip: Clean the residues with a dry cloth, before staining the platform loft bed with the appropriate products for your tastes and needs. Afterwards, install the mattress and take a nap.

Thank you for reading our article about kids loft bed plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of our home improvement projects. Don’t forget to share this projects to your friends, using the social media widgets, if you’ve found it useful.

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