Strong Bunk Bed With 2x6 Lumber

While you can buy a bunk bed in the $200 range, chances are it won't be very sturdy. This bunk bed design is solid enough to hold me, a ~245 pound adult (as seen around 7:53 in the project video) and should be great for kids. I also added LED lighting to the underside of both levels, which looks quite nice.

For this bed, you'll need the following lumber sections:

• -2x6 (4) 75.5 inches [horizontal bed support]
• -2x6 (8) 44 inches [ladder sections]**
• -2x6 (2) 67 inches [long upright]
• -2x6 (2) 57 inches [shorter upright]
• -2x4 (1) 78.5 inches [top bar]
• -2x3 and 2x2: cut to suit, bed support

As (2) 44 inch sections can be cut out of a piece of 8 foot 2x6 lumber, you'll need to purchase a total of (12) 2x6s to cut.

Note that if you want the bed to be wider, the ladder section can be expanded. The bed fits a 38" wide mattress, but some are 39", slats also may be tight or need to be modified. If I was building again, I might make this **44 1/4 inches.

Hardware and other materials:

• (26) 3/8 - 16 Anchors [Amazon] or this multi-pack [Amazon] similar price, adds other sizes
• (26) 3/8 - 16 Bolts [eBay], 2 1/2 inches long
• Stain/Urethane/Paint
• (optional) LED lighting [Amazon]

Wood cost will be around $150, total cost around $300 excluding slats/mattresses.

Drill Holes are shown in drawing and in video for 5/16 - 18 BHCS and sink anchors.

Cut dovetails as shown in video or via other means, then attach ladder sections with wood screws and glue.

I used two coats of cherry stain here, along with three coats of semi-gloss urethane.

Plugs were used to cover wood screws, which is optional, but gives it a nice look. I kept these unstained to contrast with the main wood section. Mine were laser cut, but should be available for purchase as well.

Optionally, you can add LED lighting to the bottom, which makes for a nice effect. As outlined in the video, some of the supporting wood didn't reach all the way to the bottom, allowing lights to be recessed. LEDs were connected using CAT 6 Ethernet cable, and run through holes drilled in the upright supports.

While somewhat of an involved build, I found it to be quite fun, and was extremely pleased with the end result. If you decide to build one yourself, I'd love to hear how it went (Twitter @JeremySCook). Also, I made a few minor mistakes along the way, which are documented in the video and may save you some headache!

Note that Amazon links are affiliate, meaning I get a small percentage of sales.