Futon Bunk Bed Instructions

Building a bunk bed that supports futon mattresses is, in most ways, the same as a bunk bed for regular mattresses. The only difference is that your support platforms must be able to support the entire futon (regular mattresses often have rigid internal support). These plans are for bunk beds for twin size futons, but you can modify to fit larger pads by adjusting your lumber dimensions.

Things You'll Need

• 2 twin size futon mattresses
• 2 plywood sheets, 1/2 inch-by-38 inches-by-74 inches
• 4 beams, 2 inches-by-4 inches-by-74 inches
• 4 beams, 2 inches-by-4 inches-by-35 inches
• 4 posts, 6 inches-by-6 inches-by-72 inches
• wooden dowel, 80 inches long by 1 inch diameter
• Box of wood screws, 4 inches long
• 8 bolts, 7 inches long
• 8 nuts
• 8 washers
• Power drill
• Drill bits
• Screwdriver bits
• 1 1/2-inch auger bit

Instructions

Prepare Lumber

1. Drill two holes into and through each end one 74-inch beam using a drill bit the same diameter as your bolts. Place the holes on the center line of the 4-inch face of the beam, 3 inches and 5 inches from each end.

2. Repeat step one for the other 74-inch beam.

3. Drill two holes through one of your 6-inch square posts using the same drill bit. Drill the holes in a line perpendicular to the length of the post, 12 inches from the end of the beam. Drill one hole 3 inches from the edge of the post, the other 5 inches from the same edge.

4. Drill two more holes in the same post lined up with the first two holes and 12 inches from the other end of the post.

5. Repeat steps three and four to drill the other four posts.

6. Drill a hole in each of two 6 inch-by-6 inch posts, running perpendicular to the line of the other holes. Use the same drill bit as for the other holes, then redrill with your auger bit to widen the holes to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Futon Frames

1. Set up a rectangle using two each of your 74-inch beams and your 38-inch beams. Set the shorter beams inside the longer beams with all beams lying on their narrow sides.

2. Connect the rectangle using two screws at each corner, drilling through the faces of the 74-inch beams and into the ends of the 39-inch beams.

3. Set a plywood sheet on top of the frame with the edges of the sheet flush with the edges of the frame. Screw it in place with one screw at each corner drilled through the plywood into the beams.

4. Repeat steps one through three for the remaining frame.

Set-up

1. Move all components to the bedroom where you'll install the bunk bed.

2. Set-up the four support posts approximately where the corners of the bunk bed will be, with the holes you've drilled running parallel to what will be the long side of the bunk bed. The two posts with the larger hole should be on the side furthest from the wall with the large hole on top.

3. Move one platform into position between the posts. Bolt it to the posts using the bottom row of holes. Tighten down the nuts using your pliers.

4. Lay the other platform on top of the first platform. Hoist it up and bolt it into place using the top row of holes.

5. Lay a futon mattress on top of each platform.

6. Slide the dowel through the 1 1/2 inch-diameter hole, forming a safety rail for the top bunk.

Tips & Warnings

• Unlike standard mattresses, the construction of futons means that sizes are approximate. The sides may settle or shift during use. Don't worry if there's a little overlap or exposed platform once you put on your mattresses. This is normal.

References

• Futon 101: Pad Sizes
• Gene Brick, Furniture Hobbyist, Hillsboro, OR