Bunk Bed Plans for Kids

Bunks are two beds which are arranged in a stack one over the other. They are very useful if there is a problem of less floor space in a room. They play a major role when it comes to bedroom decorating and arrangements. It relates to the concept of two beds taking the footprint or the base of one. These type of beds can be bought or built at home. Incorporating bunk beds is the best method to make maximize utilization of floor space, particularly if the room area is limited. They are very popular among children, and these kids bunk beds are commonly seen in kid's rooms. They can also be found in residence halls of colleges and universities, ships, and trains.

If you want to build your own bunk bed, bunk bed plans for kids can help you get started. While this is not a difficult task, it may take awhile, so make sure you have ample free time before starting on a kids bunk bed project. Besides having a bunk bed plan for kids, you will also require some essential materials such as wood, plyboard, deck screws, carriage bolts, nuts, washers, wood stopples, finishing nails, lag bolts, and lock washers. The quantity and size of these would largely depend on the size of the furniture you would be building. Here are a few bunk bed plans for kids, that can help you build a perfect bunk bed for your kiddo.

Bunk Bed Plans for Kids

Firstly, you should assess the area where you want the bed to be placed. With deciding on a particular area in the room, also make provisions for the rest of the room furniture. You would then need to obtain precise measurements of the place where the bunk bed is to be placed. Make a visit to several hardware shops and get the essential materials and items before you commence with your project. One of the most crucial things to keep in mind is to get standard-sized mattresses for building bunks. Before you start with the project, ensure that you have made proper provisions for the mattresses. It would be inexpedient to have a huge frame for the bed if the mattress is smaller, or have a smaller bed frame in case of a bigger mattress.

Designs for Kids Bunk Beds

There are many different bunk bed plans for kids that render information about traditional double decker beds, modernistic wooden loft beds, or innovative beds with hideout trundle designs.

Wooden Bunk Beds: Wooden bunk beds are a bit more sturdy and reliable than metal ones, and possess the advantage of being simple to refurbish. A majority of the bunk bed plans for kids would be made based on the consideration of wood as the substance of choice.

Loft Bunk Beds: In this type of bunk bed design, the mattress is laid on the top bunk position, whereas the lower bunk is taken out and substituted with a desk or other activity setup. These beds enable your kids to manage limited space, but they have to compromise on the conventional feature of two beds, one above the other. They are mostly used by older or school-aged children. Read more on loft bed ideas.

Trundle Bunk Beds: Trundle bunk beds have a big bed-sized drawer or opening into which a mattress box slides in and out. Fundamentally, a trundle provides a hide-away feature to conventional bunk beds. It is recommended that these type of designs are to be used for one or two mattresses, and for kids under the age of 12. Read more on trundle beds for adults and kids.

Metal Bunk Beds: The popularity and usage of metal bunk beds is on an increase, especially due to their durability. However, you also need to consider that these beds need inspections very often as the screws and nuts tend to get loose.

These are only a few bunk bed designs which are normally used. However, there are also other designs such as corner designs and triple deckers.

Building Bunk Bed Plans for Kids

Tools Needed:

• Sufficient work area
• Wood seal
• Sanding supplies
• Design hardware
• Automatic saw
• Router
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Safety glasses

Procedure:

Preparing Lumber: Cut the lumber depending on the size needed in the bunk bed plan, after which you are required to drill the holes specified in the plan. The next step would be to paint the lumber, as this would provide more alternatives for personalizing the bed for your kid. Ensure that you make provisions for adequate ventilation during the painting procedure. After applying the desired paint, allow it to dry for minimum a day.

Building the Frame: The assembly begins with the frame of the bed, and so it is very significant to ensure all the components of the assembly are kept tight. Counter-check all measurements, and essentially ensure that you only utilize the hardware and tools mentioned in the plan. Simply consider the fact that many pieces and components of connecting hardware might appear alike.

Setting up the Beds: After the frame has been tacked together, the bunks are to be assembled. Set up each one individually, and ensure that the components go together after the bunk is installed in the frame. You just need to remember that every bunk is fundamentally a wooden platform which is employed to support the mattress.

Piling the Bunks: When it comes to piling the bunks, start with the lower bunk and position it within the frame. Utilize the tools available with the kit to fasten all corners appropriately. Setting up the first bunk would give you a rough idea on how stable the frame is. After installing both bunks, ensure that the frame is at least as stable as a typical bed frame.

Placing Mattresses: If the bunk bed plan includes mattress splines, install them after you attach the bunks to the frame. Few bunks may utilize a solid pan style and do not need splines, whereas others might have an open box with a ridge designed for splines to fit closely into. If all is well, the mattresses would fit closely into the box opening and lie level. You may then put bedsheets and pillows, and let the kids test if the bed is comfortable. Read more on

• Adjustable Beds
• How to Build Bunk Beds

The Safety Factor

Kids who are less than 6 years of age should not be permitted to use the upper bunk, considering height and safety risks. There are many incidents wherein children have been trapped beneath bunk bed rails. Ensure that mattresses or foundations cover the frame area so that kids' arm or leg can't slip through. Mattresses or foundations require splines and cross wires or other supports to preclude falling off or dislodgement. These supports need to be firmly tightened with screws or bolts to shelves of both beds. After all is said and done, when it comes to safety regarding bunk beds, it is recommended to purchase a ready made bunk bed, as they are thoroughly tried and tested, unlike homemade ones. Read more on bunk bed safety.

Nowadays, bunk beds are custom made, and every design and feature can be altered sightly to offer a range of functionalities preferred by users. I hope these bunk bed plans for kids would have really been helpful for you if you are thinking of building one.