How to Convert Twin Mattresses to a Bunk Bed

Executive summary about twin bed mattress by Beverlee Brick

Things you'll need:

§ Power saw

§ Power drill with drill and screwdriver bits

§ Sandpaper

§ Block of wood or power sander

§ 1 box of 3-inch wood screws

§ 16 bolts, 8-inches, with matching nuts and washers

§ 2 plywood sheets, 37 by 75 by 1/2 inch

§ 4 beams, 2 by 4 by 34 inch

§ 4 beams, 2 by 4 by 75 inch

§ 4 posts, 6 by 6 by 66 inch

Instructions:

1. Prepare lumber:

a. Drill two holes through each end of the 75 inch long beams using a drill bit the same diameter as your bolts. Place the holes on center, 3 inches and 4 inches from the end.

b. Drill four holes through each post, in two sets of two holes each. Use the same drill bit as you did in step 1. Each set of holes should be on a straight line, running perpendicular to the length of the post, 3 inches and 4 inches from one edge. All holes should run the same direction. Drill the first set of holes 4 inches from one end of each post. Drill the second set 18 inches from the other end.

c. Sand all surfaces of your lumber. If you want to paint the bed, this is the best stage at which to do it.

d. Move all lumber to the room where you will install the bed. The components are much easier to move than the finished bed. Since you're done using drill bits, this is also a good point at which to bring your kids in on the project.

2. Twin bed mattress frames:

a. Set two each of the 34 inch beams and the 75 inch beams in a rectangle, lying on their narrow (2 inch) sides. Set the 34 inch beams inside the 75 inch beams.

b. Attach the beams with two screws at each corner. Drill screws through the face of the 75 inch beam and into the end of the 34 inch beam.

c. Lay a plywood sheet on top of the frame. Screw it in place with one screw at each corner.

d. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to build the second mattress frame.

3. Assemble Bunk Bed

a. Set your posts up in a rectangle corresponding to how you want the bed oriented. The holes drilled in the post should run perpendicular to the wall that lies against the long side of the bed. The ends of the posts with the holes drilled close to the end should be on top.

b. Slide one mattress frame into position between the posts. Bolt it in place at the lower set of holes.

c. Slide the other mattress frame on top of the first. Hoist it up and bolt it in place at the upper set of holes.

d. Set a twin mattress on each mattress frame.