If you had a bunk be when you were a child, you probably have fond memories of playing up on your bed, climbing up the ladder to jump off of it, and being able to touch the ceiling with your feet. Bunk Bed are a great space saver, giving you options on furniture placement, and the ability to sleep multiple children in one room. However, these beds are expensive. Building them your self, however, does not cost much.
Building The Bunk Bed
Basically, all you are doing is elevating a twin mattress frame. The only difference is that the mattress goes inside the frame. Build the frame for the mattress out of 2x6s by measuring the dimensions of the mattress building a square frame 1/4 inch larger both ways to allow for a little clearance. Use self tapping bolts on the corners on the top and bottom of the boards to keep the frame together. Screw 2x4s on the inside of the 2×6 bed frame for the mattress to rest on. Screw 2x4s that run across to the perimeter 2x4s to help support the mattress further. Install these every 12 inches o.c. (on center).
Cut four 4×4 posts exactly 6 feet tall. Cut a 1 1/2 inch deep notch in all the posts for the bed frame starting at 5 feet and going to 5′ 5 1/2″. Use a skill saw and a reciprocating saw to make these cuts. When finished, attach the posts to the corners with lag bolts.
Cut 2×4 pieces to attach the bottom of the posts along the sides and the back. Leave the front open. Sand and stain the bunk bed and the bunk bed is complete. Now all you need is a ladder.
Ladder Construction
Construct the ladder out of 2x4s. Cut a 5 to 10 degree angle on the bottom of two 6 foot 2x4s. If you do not like the angle, cut on that you feel comfortable with your kids climbing. Cut enough 2x4s 16 inches to go from the bottom of the ladder to the top, every 12 inches o.c.. Start with the first step being around 8 to 10 inches off the ground so it is not hard to get on the ladder. The ladder steps only have to go as high as the bottom of the bed frame. After that, the children should easily be able to climb into the bed.
Sand and stain and attach the ladder to the bed with screws to one of the posts.
This is a great weekend project that you can work on even with your children. Let them help you stain it, or add cut out pieces that mimic objects from their favorite sports or shows. This type of project is one that can be passed down between generations.
If you want to add a bottom bunk to the bunk bed, simply notch out for another frame and construct the frame the same way as the top bunk bed frame. Stay at least 16 inches off the ground so that they can easily get in and out of bed. Install a 2×4 across the top of the front posts as a roll bar if you are concerned about your child rolling off the bed.
Create an Easily Removable Dust Ruffle for Your Bed
In a truly coordinated bedroom, you often find bedspread and curtains that match. If your style leans toward the feminine look, you might like to include a dust ruffle around your bed. Normal dust ruffles, however, are cumbersome things that require removal of the mattress whenever you wish to remove or replace it. With these easy instructions, you can create a removable dust ruffle for your bed.
- Enough fabric to reach 1 ½ times around your bed.
- The same length of Velcro or separate tabs.
- Sewing machine or fabric glue
- Trims and lace ruffles to suit your tastes.
Sewing the Dust Ruffle for Your Bed
The removable dust ruffle for your bed will consist of a long length of fabric that reaches around your bed. The actual length that you need depends on your mattress side and how gathered you want the dust ruffle to be.
Begin by cutting the correct length of fabric. This long strip should be long enough to reach from the top of your mattress box spring to the floor. Be sure to leave a few extra inches for hemming. After the fabric is cut out, use your sewing machine or good quality, washable fabric glue to hem the bottom. Turn the fabric up neatly and then fold it over again before stitching or gluing. This will create a neat hem. Do the same with the top of the dust ruffle fabric strip.
The next step is to sew or glue the long strip of Velcro to the top of the dust ruffle. You can also use Velcro tabs spaced at small intervals around the dust ruffle. Another possible method is to stitch a long running stitch in the top of the dust ruffle and create the gathers before attaching the Velcro.
Attaching the Removable Dust Ruffle
In order to attach the removable dust ruffle to your bed, the last thing you have to do is affix a Velcro strip or Velcro tabs around the top of your mattress box spring. You can do this by hand stitching, gluing, or even using pins or a staple gun.
Then, simply attach one side of the Velcro on the dust ruffle to the other side of the Velcro on your box machine. This dust ruffle is just as attractive as the traditional variety, without the added hassle of moving the mattress whenever you want to take it off and wash it.
Creating an easily removable dust ruffle will make your bedroom decorating much easier. While still fulfilling the reasons for having a dust ruffle on your bed: function and decoration, it is a much simpler application. There will be no more need for mattress removal when you decide to clean the dust ruffle.
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