How to Build Wood Bunk Beds

You can build your own twin-size wooden bunks beds with the help of these step-by-step instructions. Find all of the materials for this project at your local home improvement store. Insert a children's bed rail for added safety to the top of your bunk bed. You can find bed rails at online and local retailers.

Things You'll Need

• 4 6-inch x 6-inch x 77-inch posts
• 4 6-inch x 2-inch x 77-inch planks
• 12 6-inch x 2-inch x 40-inch planks
• 16 6-inch x 1-inch-by x inch planks
• 16 medium "L" brackets
• 56 small "L" brackets
• Screw driver
• Wood screws
• Drill and small drill bit
• Measuring tape and pen
• Straight edge

Instructions

1. Place the four 77-inch-long posts side by side, with the ends flush. Beginning at the same end on each post, measure and mark a line at 12 inches and at 54 inches. A straight edge will help you keep the marks on each post in line with each other. Attach one medium "L" bracket on each line so that the flat section of the "L" rests on the line. Drill pilot holes to make attaching the brackets easier. Make sure the brackets are even across the posts.

2. Roll two of the posts once so that the brackets are on the side facing the same direction. Roll the other two posts one time in the opposite direction. Measure and mark 6 inches, 18 inches, 30 inches, 42 inches, 54 inches and 66 inches. Attach small "L" brackets at every line so that one section of the "L" is flush against the lines, the same as you did in Step 1.

3. Place the four 77 inch planks horizontally, side by side with the ends flush. Beginning at the same end on each plank, measure and mark 2 ½ inches up along the edge. From that mark, measure and mark 5½ inches over on the length of the plank. This is where you will place your first small "L" bracket to hold the bed slats. Continue measuring and marking lines at 14 inches, 22½ inches, 31 inches, 39½ inches, 48 inches, 56½ inches and 65 inches. Make sure the lines measure 2½ inches up from the bottom of the plank.

4. Attach small "L" brackets to every line on all four of the 77 inch planks.

5. Assemble your bunk beds by placing two sets of 77-inch-long posts side by side with the 12 inch and 54 inch medium "L" brackets facing up. The sides with the six small "L" brackets should be facing each other. Separate each of the posts to fit one of the 40-inch-long 6-inch x 2-inch-planks onto the two bottom "L" brackets. Center the 2-inch edge of the plank over the bracket and attach it. Repeat this process until all six of the 6-inch x 2-inch x 40-inch planks are attached onto each set of two posts. These are the wood sides of your bunk bed.

6. Lay one of the 6-inch x 2-inch x 77-inch planks on a flat surface with the small "L" brackets facing up. The extended part of the bracket should be above the attached part of the bracket. Lay your bunk bed sides on either side of the plank. Fit and attach the plank to the medium "L" brackets on the bottom of the sides. Fit and attach another 6-inch x 2-inch x 77-inch plank across the top medium "L" brackets.

7. Stand the three-sided bunk bed frame up and attach the final two 6-inch x 2-inch x 77-inch planks to the remaining medium "L" brackets.

Tips & Warnings

• Finish your wood bunk beds with a coat of stain or paint.

• Wear protective glasses when you work with wood.

References

• Bed Rails

Resources

• Find your local home improvement store