This Simple Bunk Bed is basically two Simple Beds stacked to make bunks! The beds can be used as twins as well. Super sturdy design, classic slatted styling. Our free step by step plans include diagrams, shopping lists and cut list. Lots of reader submitted photos!
We also have plans for a twin over full version of this bunk bed.

Preparation
Materials and supplies to make two Simple Beds
Follow the Cut List for the Twin Simple Beds
Cutting List for 1 Guardrail
A) 3 – 1×3 @ 44 3/4″ (Rails)
B) 2 – 1×3 @ 14 1/2″ (Outer Posts)
C) 4 – 1×2 @ 2 1/2″ (Spacers)
D) 2 – 1×3 @ 10 1/2″ (Inside Posts)
Cut List for the Ladder
2 – 2×4 @ 58 3/4″ (Sides, ends cut at 30 degrees and 60 degrees as shown in the diagram below)
6 – 2×4 @ 18″ (Treads)
You will need to begin by making two Simple Beds from these plans.
Instructions
Step 1
Build two simple beds, but construct the beds with both footboards to the top bunk, and both headboards to the bottom bunk. Notice how the header for the bottom bunk is shown in purple? That’s because the easiest way to join these two beds is to attach the bottom bunk’s headers to the bottom of the top bunk, as shown in the above diagram. Then when you assemble the bunk beds, simply screw through the top of the header into the top of the bottom bunk headboard. Super easy! To do this, first attach the bottom bunk’s header to the legs of the bottom bunk using 3 – 4″ screws per leg. Predrill first. When you assemble the beds, make sure you countersink and predrill the header into the bottom bunk’s 1×6 trim. Also for each of the legs, screw at an angle from the top of the header into each of the bottom bunk’s legs. In this method, you can also unassemble the bunk beds and use as twin sized beds later.
Step 2
Step 3
Cutting List for 1 Guardrail
A) 3 – 1×3 @ 44 3/4″ (Rails)
B) 2 – 1×3 @ 14 1/2″ (Outer Posts)
C) 4 – 1×2 @ 2 1/2″ (Spacers)
D) 2 – 1×3 @ 10 1/2″ (Inside Posts)
This cut list and instructions is for 1 guardrail, 44 3/4″ long. You may wish to increase the length of the guardrail to fit your needs. You may also wish to sand all of your pieces prior to building the guardrail. Attach the top rail, spacer, middle rail, spacer, and bottom rail to the outer posts as shown above. Keep the top rail flush with the top of the outer posts. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue. Nail from the inside into the inside edge of the outer posts. Keep end edges flush. Check for square (See HOW-TO section)
Comments
melissa (not verified)
Fri, 01/15/2010 - 20:35
thank you, thank you, thank
thank you, thank you, thank you! this is awesome. i will send pictures/feedback along as soon as we are done building these bunkbeds for our girls! i am beyond excited!
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 01/15/2010 - 23:00
I just want to make everyone
I just want to make everyone aware that commercially produced bunk beds must meet specific safety standards. While I did build this plan very close to the dimensions of the Land of Nod Simple bed, this is not exactly the same bunk bed. This bed has not been tested to those specific standards. Build at your own risk. The information provided is purely a representation of how I would build a bunk bed, and not a recommendation of any sort.
Marcella (not verified)
Fri, 01/15/2010 - 23:27
thank you ana! i can't wait
thank you ana! i can't wait to build these!!
Kimara@weefolkart (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 05:19
I am so excited to have found
I am so excited to have found your website several days ago. I'll be linking on FaceBook. Thanks for your time and generosity.
Anonymous (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 05:32
Are there any mattress cross
Are there any mattress cross supports in these plans? I'm not seeing them.
Laree (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 06:05
ACK! I had decided to just
ACK! I had decided to just make the stratton day beds for my kids, since I couldn't find bunk beds that I liked. Now I totally have to re-evaluate my whole plans. Too many options!
You are amazing!
Miranda (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 07:22
These are beautiful! My kids
These are beautiful! My kids already have bunk beds though, but what caught my eye were the book holders hanging on the wall for each child. Any chance you could do some plans for those?
jdreier (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 07:40
Ha! I was thinking the very
Ha! I was thinking the very same thing about those book holders!!! I gotta have some!
Kim & Corey Nasfell (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 07:56
THANK YOU!!!!!! Oh I can't
THANK YOU!!!!!! Oh I can't wait to show my husband (and convince him to build me a set)! :) So...since we've never built ANYTHING before would you mind telling me what kind of wood you would recommend buying pretty please?
Ana White (not verified)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 09:52
Slats for the mattress. See
Slats for the mattress. See the plans for the simple bed. You will simply need to attach 2x2s every 1 1/2" to the cleats on the inside edge of the side rails. You can of course use a bunk bed box spring (which is essentially the same as the 2x2s but covered in fabric).
Also note you will need to use a top bunk mattress on the top bunk. This can be different than a regular mattress - top bunk mattresses are thinner.