DIY bunk bed

A bunk bed is an ideal invention to save space. There are many options for manufacturing designs. The beauty and functionality of the product depends on the craftsmanship and imagination of the master. Furniture can be ordered or purchased at any store. But it is much more pleasant to make a bed for children yourself. Today we will consider what types of similar furniture are, how to choose the necessary material and drawing.

Types of bunk beds: photo

We will analyze the types of existing two-story sleeping structures and learn about their advantages:

1. A bed with two berths, located one above the other. This option may vary by the location of the stairs (from the front or side), as well as the placement of beds. The latter can be parallel or perpendicular to each other.
2. The product with a double bed at the lower level.
3. Bunk bed with a sofa on the lower level. A design plus is the sofa, which can be laid out.
4. A bunk bed with a ladder or pull-out drawers in the form of steps.
5. Design with drawers and shelves. It is possible from the end, if space permits, to position a cupboard or an open shelf.
6. Although the loft bed is not considered a bunk, because it has a single bed, but some manufacturers include it in the list. In this case, the desktop, nightstands and wardrobe of the child are located on the lower level.
7. Often in kindergartens they put "matryoshka" beds - the lower berth rolls out from under the upper one.

ATTENTION! For the design option with a sofa at the lower level, it is better to choose the transformation of the sofa - "eurobook" or "Venice" ("dolphin"). The layout "accordion" or roll-out method require additional space in front of the bed (this space in the room should remain free).

The choice of material for making the bed

Before choosing a manufacturing scheme, it is necessary to determine the material from which the structure will be made. Beds can be:

1. Wooden. They are made from solid wood (pine, oak, beech, ash). They are characterized by increased strength and wear resistance, environmentally friendly and do not harm health. At home, it is better to choose a tree for making a bed. Withstands high humidity, not afraid of water.
2. Metal. Made of various types of steel. Strength depends on the material chosen as the basis. With a good paint coating will not be afraid of water and humidity.
3. Chipboard. The most commonly used material in furniture production. Environmental friendliness depends on the quality of particleboard. It serves a relatively long time. Safety during use depends on the master (side walls and bottom should be strengthened, it is better to take a laminate with a width of 22 mm and above). Economical option. Particleboard swells from water, the edge peels off over time.
4. MDF. A relatively inexpensive option, can be decorated with milling. A wide selection of colors. Usually MDF goes to the front of the product. Although PVC film prevents liquid from entering, it is best not to experiment.

Do-it-yourself bunk bed: drawings and diagrams with dimensions

After selecting the material, you must select or draw the very scheme of the bed.

ATTENTION! It must be remembered that when choosing a size, you must be guided by the existing standards of mattresses. If the mattress does not enter the berth, you will have to make it to order, which is fraught with additional costs.

So, first we choose the size of the mattress (it is better to get it before you start), then we make a drawing. Leave a small allowance between the mattress and the material for easy bedding.

The general drawing is best done in two versions:

• familiar from school days from 3 projections;
• volumetric drawing or general scheme.

It is necessary to make assembly schemes for different parts.

IMPORTANT! When creating a drawing, you need to remember about the width of the material. Dimensions are the extreme points of the outer casing. If 205 mm is indicated on the chipboard product drawing, then 5 mm goes to the thickness of two laminate sheets. Drawers reckon with guides.

Solid wood bed with two tiers

Let's look at an example of manufacturing a wooden two-tier structure. After the drawing, it is necessary to prepare the tools:

• drill (it is better to take an electric one);
• Planer (for cleaning the surface and fitting to the size of the strips);
• level (for an equal arrangement of horizontal levels);
• roulette;
• self-tapping screws (nails are quickly loosened);
• screwdriver;
• a simple pencil;
• jigsaw;
• hacksaw.

Assembly steps:

1. Boxes for the lower and upper tiers are assembled in the same way: 4 planks are connected using bars and self-tapping screws. To the two long sides we attach a bar on which the lamellas will be mounted. It is necessary to calculate the distance between them: it should not be very large, otherwise the mattress will be deformed.
2. Next, you need to collect the sidewalls of the frame. The main supports are made of timber, on which the remaining parts will be attached.
3. Fasteners can be decorated with processed bars or plastic plugs.
4. We fix the lower, then the upper tier of the bed to the frame. Only after that lamellas join the box.
5. The staircase is going separately and attached to the bed.
6. The final step in the assembly will be the distribution of boxes, shelves and other additional items.
7. For beauty, the bed can be covered with stain or furniture varnish.

IMPORTANT! The four main supports should be flawless and quite durable, security depends on this. Let the product look less aesthetically pleasing.

Metal bunk bed

The steps for assembling a metal bed are identical to a wooden one. Only fasten the parts with corners using a welding machine. For sun loungers, you can choose a metal mesh or iron strips.

Of course, you can go the easier way: first weld the side parts, then put 4 longitudinal pipes on the corners for the base of the tiers, then weld the transverse rails and lay the grid.

This bed is decorated with thin round strips. The staircase is attached. At the end of assembly, the structure is covered with two layers of paint.