2x4 Bunk Bed Plans | HowToSpecialist - How to Build, Step by Step DIY Plans

This step by step diy article is about 2×4 bunk bed plans. I had many requests for designing a basic bunk bed that resembles with my very popular 2×4 bed frame. Therefore, in this article you can see my take on that. You only need 2x4s for the frame of the bunk bed, and a few 1x4s for the support slats. This project has been designed for a twin mattress so make sure you make adjustments, if you need other size.

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 HERE.

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2×4 Bunk Bed Plans Free – PDF Download

Building a 2×4 bunk bed

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long LEGS
B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 39″ long, 6 pieces – 14″ long 4xHEADBOARD
C – 4 piece of 2×4 lumber – 76” long SIDE SUPPORTS
D – 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 76″ long CLEATS
E – 26 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 39” long SLATS
F – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 76″ long, 2 pieces – 52″ long GUARD RAILS
G – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 68 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 27 1/2″ long LADDER

13 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
24 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
4 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8′
2 1/2″ screws, 2 1/2″ pocket screws
1 5/8″ screws
putty, glue, stain
twin mattress

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

It’s that simple to build a 2×4 bunk bed – Video!

Building a 2×4 bunk bed

Headboard frames

First of all, you need to assemble the headboard. Therefore, start by assembling the frame from 2x4s. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly. Align the edges flush and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the slats to the headboard panels

Next, fit the 2×4 slats to the panel. Cut a wood block at 1 7/8″ and fit it between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.

Assembling the frame for the bunk bed

Next, join the headboards to the footboards by attaching the 2×4 side rails. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the rails and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components. Use a spirit level to check if the rails are horizontal.

Fitting the cleats

Fit 1×2 cleats to the interior faces of the side rails. Align the cleats with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place tightly. Add glue to the joints and align them flush with the bottom edge.

Fitting the support slats

Fit the 1×4 slats to the cleats, every 2 1/2″, as shown in the diagram. Place a scrap piece of 1×3 lumber between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes through the slats and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place tightly. Cut the slats at 39″ long.

Fitting the ladder support

Fit the 2×4 ladder support to the front of the bunk bed. Plumb the support, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Fitting the steps

Fit the steps to the interior of the bunk bed and lock them into place with screws.

Fitting the rails

Next, attach the 2×4 rails to the bunk bed. Place a scrap piece of 2×4 lumber between the rails to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the rails into place tightly.

2×4 Bunk Bed Plans – Side view

How to build a bunk bed

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint to enhance the look of the wood. Take a look over my 2×4 queen size bed plans and over my 2×4 loft bed plans.

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