Wood to build a bunk bed with

It isn’t the wood that isn’t strong enough, it’s the construction. With enough glue and fasteners even tooth picks will make a bridge a tank can drive over.

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The first set i made (30+ years ago) for my boys were from 2 x lumber, milled at the shop. Essentially two twin beds that stacked. We still have one at home in the guest room, the other in use at my sons home for our grandchild. At the time, budget drove the choice in materials. I’ve made a few more over the years for friends and family using oak, ash, maple and pine.

As Mike said, its the construction.

You’ll have to weigh the options. What do you like?

-- Nicky

The construction is definitely key here. But for something like the second picture, where the 2 beds separate, design is a big consideration too. For traditional bunkbeds, it’s just a matter of enough strength to hold everything “up”. With angled front posts though, you have forces working down and out so it’s not just holding the weight “up” but it’s also keeping it all together to keep the front from wanting to splay out. So, for the crossmembers, 1*4’s should have plenty of strength (assuming they’re solid w/ no splits or cracks) but the joints are going to bear a good deal of the load. Mortise & tenon is a good joint for strength considering the vertical load but I’d make certain to pin them with hefty dowels or draw-bore or bolt them.

For your questions: 3X3 laminated from 2X lumber is plenty strong for the vertical posts. For the angled posts, I would stick with a single 2X6 unless you just want to double them for appearance. Like I said, the key to holding the load there is going to be in the joints more so than the members. 2X6 is plenty strong for the matress panel on the bottom bed. Bed slats are normally 1X4. 2X4’s is a bit overkill but won’t hurt anything.

The last thing I’d suggest is that if you decide to split the front posts with the top angled and the bottom vertical, I’d definitely double dowel the joint. That joint’s probably going to be the one taking the most load.

Very cool project for you and your son. Make sure and show us some pics when you get it done!

-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA

2x common lumber is fine, since they are usually rustic in appearance. A coat of shellac will give a nice finish.

You might want to consider laminating 2 2X4’s instead of getting 4X4’s as the lamination will tend to stay straighter – - which seems to be the plan.

I think 3X3 is ‘strong enough – -

Don’t know how old your kid is – but get him to help you out – the two of you will remember it forever.

I would lean towards the bottom picture – where you can take off the top bunk. And storage in a boys room is always necessary – - you can have a drawer like that that can be organized (or at least well hidden) – or just let him shove everything under the bed to be ‘out of sight out of mind’

yeah I have two boys

-- “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain

My concern would be if common 2 by construction lumber is going to be dry enough for furniture??

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