How to Build Futon Bunk Beds

Futons are very useful pieces of furniture with their couch/bed combination style. It is even possible to build bunk beds out of futons so you'll have a bed/couch on the bottom and another bed on top. While futon bunk beds can be bought already constructed, it is possible to build one out of two separate futons.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two futon sets
• Lumber
• Hammer and nails
• Drill and bits
• Nuts and bolts

1. Take two futon sets, preferably two that are exactly the same. Measure length, width and thickness of each wooden piece that makes up the headboard and footboard, especially the width and thickness of the posts.

2. Construct your own bunk bed headboards and footboards using your own lumber. The posts shouldn't be more than seven feet high but should probably be wider and thicker than the originals--possibly up to twice as thick.

3. Drill holes in the headboards and footboards large enough for the bolts that came with the futon frames.

4. Attach the frames to the headboards and footboards using nuts and bolts. If the posts you used are thicker than the original futon posts, you may need bolts longer than the original ones--but they should be the same width.

5. Make sure the futon frames are securely attached to the headboards and footboards. See that the bolts are tightly fastened and the frame won't jiggle at all. This is especially true of the top bunk.

6. Build a ladder for access to the top bunk. It may be best to affix this ladder to the headboard or footboard to keep it in place. (Since the frame is likely metal, attaching it there isn't likely.)

Tips & Warnings

• Staining or finishing the headboards, footboards and ladder may be a good idea to avoid splinters.
• It will not be a good idea to fold the top bunk into its couch form at any time.