Building a Futon Bunk Bed

With the popularity of bunk beds and futons in family homes with children, what could be more practical for parents and fun for their children than a futon bunk bed? You can easily make one that will give you a bed or couch with a second bed above it. Just follow the five steps below.

Step 1 - Make Preparations

To build your futon bunk bed, you will need to begin with two futon sets and the lumber to make your bunk bed frame. Determine the dimensions of the headboard, footboards, sideboards, and posts you plan to use for your frame. Then cut them to match the dimensions you've created.

Step 2 - Construct Your Bunk Bed Frame

Build your bunk bed frame using the lumber you've measured and cut. Drill holes in the 4x4 posts for the bolts that will connect the headboard, footboards, and sideboards to the posts. Attach these pieces using lag bolts, washers, and nuts.

Step 3 - Attach Futon and Bunk Bed Frame

Drill holes into the bunk bed headboards and footboards, that are large enough so that you will be able to insert through them the lag bolts that came with the futons frames.

Attach futon frames to the bunk bed frame using the appropriate sized bolts and nuts. If you use bolts that came with the futon and if they are the wrong size, you may need to replace them with new bolts that fit the bunk bed post holes. When you've inserted all necessary bolts, washers, and nuts, tighten the nuts with a wrench to keep the frames solid.

Step 4 - Build a Bunk Bed Ladder

With the 1-inch boards and the 2-inch boards, build a ladder 6 feet high and 15 inches wide. Attach the ladder to the sideboard of the top bunk near the foot of the bunk, or to the top bunk's footboard where it will not interfere with anyone getting into the bottom bunk. Attach the ladder with metal brackets or by attaching one end of a 1-inch board to the top bunk frame and the other end to the top of the ladder

Step 5 - Finish the Bunk Bed Frame and Ladder

When you have your futon, bunk bed frame, and ladder solidly attached, sand the ends of the bunk bed boards and ladder boards, apply a primer to the surfaces of these boards, and allow it to dry. Finally, apply a coat of paint, stain, or sealer, and let it dry. You may need to open a window in the room while the finish is drying to allow paint or sealer fumes to be replaced with fresh air.