How to build a loft bed

This step by step diy article is about how to build a loft bed. Building a bunk bed is a cheap solution for small rooms that don’t provide enough space for fitting regular 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 loft bed

Materials

A – 5 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 69” long LEGS
B – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 43″ long, 3 pieces – 76″ long FRAME
C – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 76” long CLEATS
D – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 40” long SLATS
E – 6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 43” long, 3 pieces – 76″ long, 3 pieces – 53″ long RAILS
F – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 21 1/2” long STEPS
G – 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 79” long, 2 pieces – 46″ long, 1 piece – 56″ long TRIMS

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 about building a loft bed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the components out of 2×6 lumber and to lock them together tightly, by using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and add waterproof glue to the joints.

Building the frame of the loft bed

The next step of the project is to attach the 2×2 legs to the frames. Cut the legs at the right size and drill pilot holes before inserting them into place using 2 1/2″ screws. Plumb the legs with a spirit level and check if the corners are right-angled.

Fitting the cleats

Continue the project by attaching the 2×4 cleats to the bed frame. Drill pilot holes through the cleats and secure them to the frame using 2 1/2″ screws.

Fitting the support slats

The next step of the project is to attach the support slats to the cleats. Set the slats to the cleats and lock them into place by using 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure you place the slats equally-spaced.

Fitting the guard rails

Attach the 1×4 rails to the loft bed. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and secure them to the legs using 1 1/4′ screws. Place the slats equally-spaced and lock them into place using 1 1/4″ screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints and remove the excess using a damp cloth.

Fitting the steps

Cut the steps out of 2×2 lumber, making sure you take accurate measurements. Drill pocket holes at both ends and secure them to the supports using 2 1/2″ screws, after aligning them and making sure the corners are square.

Fitting the top trims

If you want to enhance the look of the bed frame, we recommend you to attach the trims to the top of the rails. Cut the trims at the right size and lock them to the guard rails using glue and finishing nails.

How to build a loft bed

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.

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

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