Add charm to your Sweat Pea Garden Bunk Bed with real working arched shutters and overflowing window boxes!
Special thanks to Jenny at Birds and Soap for designing and building and sharing plans with you!
To make Jenny's super cute Sweet Pea Garden Bunk Bed exactly that - super cute! - it's all about the little details!
You'll find in this plan instructions for the Window Boxes and the Arched Shutters with Heart Cutouts!
First up, the window boxes! These window boxes are a simple rectangular box, with a slight angle on the front so they will be “overflowing” with character. Fill them with artificial flowers just for fun!
A huge thank you to Jenny from Birds and Soap for designing and building this bed and sharing her plans with you. Please visit Jenny to read more about the Sweet Pea Garden Bunk Bed build!
Preparation
Shopping List included with main Sweet Pea Bunk Bed Plans
Shutters
(8) 1x4’s @ 13” arched to match window shape with design cut-outs.
Window Boxes
(4) 1x4’s @ 11 ½”, window box fronts
(2) 1x4’s @ 10”, window box bottom and back pieces
(4) 1x4’s @ 3 ½” with a 10 degree cut. Measurement is on the short side of the board.
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
Beginning with the bottom of the box measuring 1x4x10”, attach the two window box sides using glue and a nailgun. The angled end of the side should be facing the front of the window box, with the longer edge on top.
Step 2
Now slide the other 1x4x11 1/2” window box rear piece between the two end pieces, using wood glue and nails to secure to the sides and bottom board.
Step 3
The front piece is ready to go on next. It measures 1x4x11 ½”. Glue and nail into place keeping the top edge flush with the sides. Since the bottom of the front piece slants inward, it may be necessary to sand the bottom board a little for a tight fit.
Step 4
If you did this right you ended up with two cute little window boxes! Center them under the lower windows and attach them to the wall using wood glue and a nailer.
Step 5
Step 6
Next lay your 13” boards on a flat surface, grouping them into pairs and aligning them so that they are flush. Cut a heart shape (or any design) roughly 3” high out of a piece of paper and use it as a template to trace onto the boards. I placed the first heart 2” up from the base of the shutter boards and the second heart was placed 1” above the first. Center your design between the two boards in each pair and trace your pattern onto the wood.
Using a jigsaw, cut out the lines to reveal your design. Sand all edges smooth.
Step 7
With the inside design finished, you will want to lay your boards together, placing the paper window template on top. Line up the bottom and outside edges of the template flush with each pair of boards. Trace the arch that will span across each pair of boards. Cut out the half- arch pattern from each set with the jigsaw and sand the edges smooth.
Glue each pair of boards together to make one shutter. Secure each set with clamps till the glue dries and wipe away any drips.
Step 8
Install shutters on either side of the windows using small decorative hinges and screws, shimming them at least 1/8” above the window sill so they won’t scrape as they are opened and closed.
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
Tim H
Sat, 04/20/2013 - 22:44
PDF of Bunkbed Plans
I have been able to download the PDF files for all but the bunkbed. If I could get the PDF plans emailed that would be fantastic.
Also, I wasn't able to comment anywhere but here, I think there are a few problems on the other pages with the comments area as well as the PDF link for the bunkbed itself.
Other than the few glitches, this site is awesome. I have downloaded a few projects to build for my girls.
Thank you Ana and to all that have contributed to making this the goto site for DIY projects!