Convert a Twin Bed Into a Bunk Bed

  • 5-15 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 250-500
What You'll Need
2 pieces of hardwood measuring 1x6 inches
4 pieces of hardwood measuring 4x4
2 pieces of hardwood measuring 1x2
8 pieces of hard wood measuring 1x3
Drill driver
Various drill bits
Circular saw
Sand paper
Bolts
Nuts
Washers
Screws
What You'll Need
2 pieces of hardwood measuring 1x6 inches
4 pieces of hardwood measuring 4x4
2 pieces of hardwood measuring 1x2
8 pieces of hard wood measuring 1x3
Drill driver
Various drill bits
Circular saw
Sand paper
Bolts
Nuts
Washers
Screws

If you are trying to create more space in your children’s bedroom, you can convert a twin bed into a bunk bed. This project can be completed by any do-it-yourselfer. You will have to obtain quite a few tools and materials from your local home improvement store, including 16 piece of hardwood lumber.

Step 1—Check Your Current Bed

Before you attempt this project, be sure that your current twin bed is sturdy and in good condition. You will need to make sure that there are no deficiencies in the twin bed that you want to use for the base of the bunk bed. If you find some deficiencies make sure that you can repair them. If the deficiencies can’t be repaired, it is best to forgo the twin bed and build the bunk bed from scratch.

Step 2—Attach the Main Support Beams

You will need to determine the desired height of the top bunk bed. With that in mind, you need to cut the 4x4 lumber for the main support beams to length with the circular saw. With the wood cut to length, you will now mark the place where you will attach the support beam to the head and footboard of the existing twin bed. Now you will use an appropriately sized drill bit to drill pilot holes through the twin bed frame and the main support beams. With the holes drilled, attach the main support beams with a bolt and a washer and nut.

Step 3—Build and Attach the Side Rails

With the 2 pieces of 1x6 lumber, you will create side rails. Cut the lumber to length and then attach them to the top of the support beams. These are going to create the bottom of the top bunk. Once the side rails are in place, you can create a cleat. The cleat is the component that will hold the slats and the box spring and mattress in place. Cut 2 pieces of 1x2 lumber to length and attach them to the underside of the side rails with the drill driver.

Step 4—Attach the Head Board and Footboard

Using 4 pieces of 1x3 lumber, you will create both a headboard and footboard. First, you will cut the lumber to length. Next, you will mark the place where you will attach the lumber to the main support beams. With the location marked, you can drill pilot holes through the support beams and the head and footboard. You will then attach the boards to the main support beams with bolts and washers and nuts.

Step 5—Add the Slats

Finally, you will create slats from 4 pieces of the 1x3 lumber. You will cut the slats to length with the circular saw and place them on the cleat. Now you can put the box spring and mattress on the bed.

There you have it. You can create a bunk bed from an existing twin bed with just a few power tools and hardwood lumber.