How to Build a Castle Bunk Bed Slide

What could be better for your little princess than having a bunk bed castle? Perhaps having an escape slide attached to the castle for that much-needed quick getaway. With a little imagination and some effort, you can construct a slide in no time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One 2 foot by 8 foot, 1-inch plywood
• Four 8-foot, 2 by 4s
• Two 3-foot, 2 by 4s
• Gray paint
• Black paint
• Paint brushes
• One piece 2 foot by 8 foot metal sheeting
• 1 ½-inch wood screws
• ½-inch sheet metal screws
• Miter saw
• Tape measure

1. Use the miter saw to cut a 45-degree angle on each end of two of the 8-foot 2 by 4s (on the flat sides). These will lie against the existing bed and the floor. Secure these 2 by 4s to the bottom of the piece of plywood, laying them down flat, 6 inches in from each side, with wood screws.

2. Turn the 2 x 8 piece over; attach the piece of sheet metal to the top of the slide with the sheet metal screws. Be sure to only put screws in along the sides, not on the actual part your child will be sliding on.

3. Using the miter saw, cut a 45 degree angle on the long sides of the two remaining 2 x 4s. Paint these 2 x 4s with gray paint. When dry, use the black paint to create a stone pattern on these boards. (To create a stone pattern, paint different- size open oval, round and odd-shapped circles of black paint overtop the gray paint.) Let dry.
   
   Attach these to the sides of the slide by running wood screws up through the bottom of the slide into the long side of the 2 x 4s to form hand holds (which are the upright sides of the slide).

4. Set the slide up beside the bunk bed. Going in from the inside of the existing bunk bed, use a 1 ½-inch wood screw to go through the existing bed frame and into the 2 by 4 support underneath the slide. Do this several times to securely fasten the top of the slide to the bed.

5. Paint the 3-foot, 2 by 4s gray, using the black paint; again, create a rock pattern on the piece of lumber. Cut a 45-degree angle on one end of the board.

6. Measure up from the floor to a place on the slide where the 3 foot 2 x 4s will provide support. Attach the 2 x 4s with wood screws to the side hand holds, letting them extend down at a 90 degree angle to the floor. This will form a pair of legs in the middle of the slide to provide support and stability.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to bolt the slide onto the existing bed frame; it will depend on what kind of material the existing bed frame is made of.
• Never let small children play on the slide unattended. Screws and/or bolts may become loose during use. Be sure to check connections and re-tighten as necessary. Check slide surface frequently for any rough or jagged areas, and replace slide surface as necessary.