Build your own loft bed plans with stairs all from 2x4 and 2x6 lumber! This super sturdy and beautiful design features a platform for easy access, junior height loft bed plans free from Ana-White.com

Preparation
- 15 – 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 4 – 2x6 @ 8 feet long
- 2 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
- 1 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 2 ½” pocket hole screws
- 4 – 2x4 @ 65 ½” - legs
- 2 – 2x6 @ 37 ½” -bed siderails on ends
- 5 – 2x4 @ 37 ½” - guardrails on ends
- 5 – 2x4 @ 75” - guardrails and base support
- 2 – 2x6 @ 75” - bed siderails
- 2 – 2x2 @ 75” - cleats
- 2 – 2x4 @ 30 ½” - platform
- 2 – 2x4 @ 37 ½” - platform
- 1 – 2x4 @ 41 ½” - platform
- 2 – 2x4 @ 20 ½” - platform
- 12 – 2x4 @ 22” - decking
- 2 – 2x6 @ 43” (both ends cut 45 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel) – to be trimmed down in later steps
- 6 – 1x2 @ 7 ¾” (both ends cut at 45 degrees off square)
- 6 – 2x4 @ 20 ½” - stair treads
This bed requires a slat system (1x3s, 1x4s or 2x4s or similar) or a bunkie board mattress to complete
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Step 3
Now here's where we skip the glue. To make this loft bed easy to disassemble, I did not use glue here. The inside width for the mattress area should be 39", insetting the side rails 1 1/4" from outsides. I did this so your PH screws have lots of board to grab into. This bed has NOT been weight tested or guaranteed. If you feel you need extra support - add metal brackets under the 2x6s. An alternative method is to attach metal bed brackets directly to the ends if you have those. Notice the cleat is added in this step to. I used 2 1/2" screws and glue to attach, screws every 6-8" all the way down. This bed is designed to work with a bunkie board, but we just used 2x6s cut to length as the bed slats.
NOT SHOWN: Add the fifth 2x4 @ 75" at the back base of the bed to support the legs at the bottom.
Step 7
Step 8
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
Robohead
Thu, 07/19/2012 - 11:44
You guys are about the
You guys are about the coolest parents ever. Seriously.
RZ (not verified)
Thu, 07/19/2012 - 13:23
Re: Headroom
Thanks. I was planning on a desk across the back made like a large $10 shelf with a leg or two with pegboard and maybe a shoe shelf. My son is 8 and will be at least 6 feet tall, so I was also thinking about increasing the length by 5 inches for an XL mattress (his room is 10x10). I am ordering the locking safety bed brackets, http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10230.
Angie Overton
Thu, 07/19/2012 - 18:24
So... Here is what I don't
So... Here is what I don't like about this bed...
My husband and I have a blended family... "your's, mine and... what the heck were we thinking" LOL.. anyways... we have 7 children and a 4 bedroom house. The ages and the sexes of the kids don't really line up very well so we have three girls (10, 12, 13) in one room, one boy (16) in his own room (don't know how he managed that) and then we have two boys (4, 8) and one girl (5) in the other room. The fiver year old girl and the 10 13 year old don't live here. I have been looking for plans for the younger kids rooms. I'd thought about bunks for the boys and a separate bed/area for the girl.
The problem.... This bed is so cool they are all gonna fight over who gets to sleep in it.
In reply to So... Here is what I don't by Angie Overton
Phanessa
Sun, 08/04/2013 - 06:50
Awesome
You had me going there :-)
In reply to So... Here is what I don't by Angie Overton
Phanessa
Sun, 08/04/2013 - 06:50
Awesome
You had me going there :-)
Phaedra's Mom (not verified)
Fri, 07/20/2012 - 12:44
Using different lumber dimensions
This bed is amazing! I've been planning on building some beds for my kids, and have purchased 1x6s and 1x3s for the side rails. Would it be a problem to use them for this bed instead of the 2x6 and 2x4s? I would still use the 2x4s for the legs and platform, and end bracing.
Phaedra's Mom (not verified)
Sat, 07/21/2012 - 16:59
Well, we decided to go with
Well, we decided to go with the 2x4s and 2x6s. Bought them this morning - only $40 for all the lumber! After doing the first dozen cuts with a circular saw, we are considering renting a mitre saw to do the rest tomorrow!
Phaedra's Mom (not verified)
Fri, 07/20/2012 - 12:53
Using different lumber dimensions
I should also mention, though I don't know if it will make any difference, that I plan on using this hardware from Lee Valley: http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=50302&cat=3,40842,4126…
Lindsey Billen (not verified)
Mon, 07/23/2012 - 06:37
screws
What size screws did you use to put together the bed ends. We were thinking 4.5" screws to go through the boards?
Kerri M. (not verified)
Mon, 07/23/2012 - 17:51
Can't Wait
This is exactly what I had in mind! Can't wait to tackle this project this weekend!