How to Make a Full Over Full Size Bunk Bed for Adults

Though it may at first glance seem unusual, a bunk bed for adults is a good arrangement for tight, shared living quarters such as college dorms or a hunting cabin. It provides comfortable sleeping arrangements while taking up minimal floor space. Full mattresses are ideal for this project because they have more room than twins but don't require additional support like a queen or king mattress would.

Things You'll Need

• 2 plywood sheets, 39 inches by 75 inches by 1/2 inch
• 4 beams, 2 inches by 4 inches by 75 inches
• 4 beams, 2 inches by 4 inches by 39 inches
• 4 posts, 6 inches by 6 inches by 72 inches
• 16 bolts, 7 inches long
• 16 nuts sized for the bolts
• 16 washers sized for the bolts
• Power drill
• Drill bits
• Screwdriver bits
• Crescent wrench

Instructions

1. Drill four holes 3/4 inches apart along the center of each 75-inch beam, running in a line parallel to the length of the beam. Use a drill bit the same diameter as your bolts. Position two holes 2 3/4 inches and 3 1/2 inches from one end of the beam and the other two holes the same distance from the other end.

2. Drill two holes 3/4 inches apart in each of your 6- by 6-inch posts, running in a line perpendicular to the length of the post. Use a drill bit the same diameter as your bolts. Position the holes 1 foot from the end of the beam.

3. Repeat Step 2 for the opposite end of each beam, finishing with four holes in each beam, two 1 foot from each end of the beam.

Mattress Frames

1. Set up two of each size beam in a rectangle with the short beams on the inside of the long beams.

2. Connect the beams of the rectangle with two screws at each corner, drilled through the long beams into the ends of the short beams.

3. Place one plywood sheet on top of the rectangle and attach it with a screw in each corner.

4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3, building the second frame.

Final Assembly

1. Set up the support posts approximately where they'll stand when the bed is fully built. The holes you've drilled should run parallel to what will be the short side of the bed.

2. Slide the bottom platform in place at the level of the bottom rank of holes. Attach it with eight of the bolts, nuts and washers. Use the crescent wrench to tighten them down.

3. Slide the top platform in place at the level of the top rank of holes. Attach it using the remaining bolts, nuts and washers. Use the crescent wrench to tighten them down.

References

• The Better Sleep Council: Mattress Sizes
• Gene Brick; Furniture Hobbyist; Hillsboro, Oregon

Resources

• Bunk Bed Central: Free Bunk Bed Plans