DIY Network

Beanbag-Toy Bunk Beds From "DIY Kids" episode DIK-102

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

This bunk bed is a great piece of furniture for your beanbag friends to sleep and play in and a lot of fun to make. Even though you can make this project yourself, you'll need some adult supervision.

Materials:

Two 5" x 7" rectangular wooden plaques about 3/4" thick
3'-long piece of 1" x 2" aspen or other lightweight wood
4'-long piece of 1" x 2" aspen or other lightweight wood
Two 2'-long pieces of 1/4" x 4" aspen or other lightweight wood
1 1/2" finishing nails
3/4" wire brads
Tape measure
Pencil
Square
Hand saw
Coping saw
Hand drill with bits
Claw hammer
Sanding block with sandpaper
Safety glasses
Paint

1. With a parent's permission, begin by measuring, marking and cutting all of the wood pieces. Start with the 4' piece of 1" by 2" lumber. Use a measuring tape and pencil to measure and mark a 10 1/2" section (figure A). Draw a line, then cut with a hand saw along the line (figure B).

   Measure, mark and cut three more the same way. Now you have the four side rails for your beanbag bed.

2. You'll use the 3' piece of 1" by 2" lumber to make the bedposts. Measure, mark and cut a 9" section (figure C), then cut three more the same size.

3. Use the 2' lengths of 1/4" by 4" lumber for the bed slats. Measure, mark and cut two 10 1/2" sections from each.

4. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark a long line down the middle of the plaques. Mark the back side. Saw along the lines with the hand saw to divide the plaques in half. These will form the headboard and footboard for your beanbag-toy bunk bed ( figure D).

5. The next step is to notch the four plaque pieces. With the plaques face down, place the end of a side rail at each of the bottom corners and trace. Then use a coping saw to remove the sections along the two lines.

6. Now it's time to build the bed frames. Start with one of the side rails and the headboard. Align the rail in the notch of the headboard so that the front side of the headboard faces in. To make nailing easier, mark the spots for your nail holes and drill small pilot holes. Attach the headboard to a side rail with two 1 1/2" nails.

7. Next attach the footboard to the other end in the same way. To finish up the frame, place the other side rail between both ends to form a rectangle, and nail at both ends. Repeat for the second bed frame.

8. To attach the bottoms of the frames, line up two slats (cut in step 3) on the bottom of each frame, and nail in place with 3/4" wire brads.

9. The bunk-bed frames are held together with four bedposts. Line up the top of one post on the back of a headboard or footboard. It should be even with the top of the side rail. Eyeball a good place for the nails and mark the spots. To make nailing easier, drill pilot holes, then nail the bedposts in place.

10. After attaching all four posts to the top bunk, position the bottom bunk about 1 1/2" from the bottom of the posts. Straighten it so it's even with the top bunk. Mark two nail spots for each post. Drill pilot holes, then nail in place. Now your bunk bed is complete.

11. To even out the legs and to give your beds a finished look, sand rough spots with the sanding block and sandpaper. Then paint any way you choose.
    

RESOURCES :
Woodworking for Kids: 40 Fabulous, Fun & Useful Things for Kids to Make
Model: 0806904305
Author: Kevin McGuire

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Sterling Plumbing Group Inc., / A Kohler Company
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: 837-734-1777
Fax: 515-996-9154