How to Make Bunk Bed Frames for Profit
In any business it's important to recognize that a high return on investment makes a venture worth your time, money and effort. If you would like to make bunk beds and sell them at a higher price, you will need to offer something that other retailers cannot. Are your beds customizable? Do they come with a lifetime guarantee? Are they well-designed and well-made? Bunk beds are easy to make as a woodwork project and all you need are the proper materials, tools and know-how.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 11 -- 8' 2x6s
- 8 -- 8' 1x4s
- 5 -- 8' 2x2s
- 2 -- sheets of 3/4" plywood
- 20 -- 3.5" lag screws and washers
- 6 -- 2" lags screws and washers
- 1 box of 100, #8 all-purpose 2" screws
- 4 -- 2" L-Brackets
- Wood glue
- Wood filler putty
- Caulk
- Paint
- Router
- Circular saw
- Drill and bits
- Countersinking bit
- Ratchet and socket set
- Hammer
- Wood chisel
- Tape measure
- Square
- Level
- Chalk line
- Sander
- Paint brush
Instructions
-
Build the beds
-
1
Even, straight boards make the best furniture. Choose the wood. A standard twin bed is 39" x 75". A standard full bed is 59" x 75". You may choose to build bunks using two twin beds or a full and a twin. (These instructions are for a full and twin bunk bed.) The boards should be straight and have as few knots as possible. Route the edges of the board. The smoother the edges the better the appearance. All the materials for one bunk bed set should cost about $150, however as this is a business venture look for deals on purchases made in bulk.
-
2
Build the frame for the ends of the bed. Depending on your design the ends may be an A-frame, straight or anything else you dream of. First cut the legs to a height of six feet (2x6s). Then lay out the cross pieces until everything is lined up. Use a square and laser to mark the angles and lengths at which you wish to cut the boards. Once everything is laid out and measured, cut the boards. Attach them using 2" screws.
-
-
3
Build the mattress platform. Cut four 2x6 boards to mattress length (75"). Cut four 2x2s to the same length. Drill holes every six inches along the length of the 2x6 and 2x2. Attach using 2" screws. Attach them to form a frame for the plywood sheet to rest on.
Make a two inch template from scrap 2x6 and to drill holes for the 3.5" lag screws to connect the end frames to the mattress boards. Drill into the legs and the ends. The lower bunk bed should be about 12" from the floor and the top bunk bed about 20" below the top of the end frame.
On the middle of the bottom bunk attach an extra 2x2 for support. The 2x2 should run lengthwise down the middle of the frame.
Cut the 3/4" plywood to make mattress supports. Each piece of plywood should rest on a 2x2 support. Use countersunk screws to stiffen the supports on the top bunk.
-
4
Build the railing. Cut four 1x4" rails for the top and two 1x4" rail for the bottom bunk. Attach the rails with 2" lag screws on the inside of the frame. The spacing between the rails should measure 4" or less.
-
5
Sand, smooth and paint. Fill screw holes and sand as you go or when you've completed each of the above steps. Clean the dust off with a damp rag and remove any stamps or marks with rubbing alcohol. Once the wood is smooth and clean, it's time to paint or varnish. Allow the beds at least one day to dry before adding the mattresses.
Make a profit
-
6
Buy low, sell high. You should be able to start your own bunk bed business for as little as $1000. Start-up costs for tools may cost as much as $200. As mentioned above, the materials for each bunk bed set should cost about $150. Look for good deals and buy in bulk. See what kind of deal you can work out with the local lumberyard. It may be to your benefit to start with wood that needs a little more TLC if it means making more of a profit.
Ideally you should make a profit of about $200 from each of the bunk bed frames sold. Remember you are offering custom, hand-crafted beds to families.
-
7
Make your beds as custom as possible. Make your beds to fit in your customer's dream home. Give your customers beds they couldn't find anywhere else. Whether it's a castle, a car or a space ship, make your bunk beds memorable.
-
8
Offer more. Once you've started selling great frames at a great price, start selling mattresses and other furniture. With practice you should be able to make a bunk bed in 5-10 hours. Use the rest of your time to drum up more business and sell other products your customers will need and want.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear safety goggles and protective gear throughout this project.
Make sure you have a designated work space for this project.
References
- Photo Credit Michael Turek/Photodisc/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
