A comprehensive guide to creating a DIY built-in bunk bed for your children! Packed with helpful advice, clever tips, photos, and detailed step-by-step instructions, plus an entertaining video!
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you may have already caught a few sneak peeks of this project. Today, I’m so excited to show you the complete reveal! This DIY built-in bunk bed may appear complicated, but it really isn’t! The structure is straightforward but clever—we built it with 2×4 stud lumber and tongue-and-groove boards that “wrap” around the framework. You could finish this bunk bed over the course of only a few weekends! The design is reminiscent of the DIY kids playhouse I made several years ago. And although this bunk bed is installed into the room, I planned it to be relatively simple to take apart when it’s time for us to move. 
Is the cuteness almost too much to handle?! I’m fairly certain I’m even more enthusiastic about this DIY built-in bunk bed than my kids are! It’s not strange to enjoy your children’s experiences vicariously, is it??? We purchased this home last summer, and their mattresses had remained on the floor ever since. But before you judge me, let me explain my side! I did make them this sliding barn door loft bed and this cabin bed, although we sold both when we moved away from Texas. I’m ashamed to admit that this has been their setup for nearly a year. #momguilt Oh, how the mighty have fallen! I’m incredibly glad we finally finished this project for them! 
Many thanks to 84 Lumber for sponsoring this project. They provided every building material needed for this DIY built-in bunk bed, and I’m especially excited to be working with them this year! With more than 250 stores throughout the US, you can order nearly any type of wood you desire—they can even track down uncommon varieties! Visit 84Lumber.com for a quote and estimate for your upcoming project.
Watch the video
Continue reading for additional information about this DIY built-in bunk bed project. We also created an adorable video!I’d be delighted if you subscribed to my YouTube channel so you won’t miss any of our upcoming videos.
How To Build A DIY Built-In Bunk Bed
This room has 8-foot ceilings, and there remains plenty of headroom in each bunk. My husband, Adam is 6’1″, and he’s able to sit fully upright inside. The children selected this charming wallpaper design along with the matching paint shades. Isn’t it absolutely sweet? It makes me think of Willy Wonka’s edible wallpaper. “The snozzberries taste like snozzberries!” Side note: avoid googling “snozzberries” unless you’re prepared to have your childhood memories ruined forever.
Wallpaper Installation
Before putting the bunk bed together in the room, my good friend Lauren and I installed the wallpaper on the wall. I’ll admit that I felt rather nervous about hanging wallpaper after watching a professional installer apply it in our powder bath, entryway, and home office. The traditional method involves spreading the paper across a long table, brushing wallpaper paste onto the back, then booking it (folding both ends toward the center) and allowing the paste to soak into the paper before placing it on the wall. It appears to be a considerably more demanding process with little tolerance for mistakes. With this Graham & Brown wallpaper, you apply the paste directly to the wall and hang the paper dry! The method is simpler and far less messy, and as a complete beginner, I truly appreciated how easy it was to use! Lauren and I completed the project in roughly 3 hours, and we’re thrilled with the result! I also appreciate that Graham & Brown offers paint colors coordinated with its wallpaper, removing all the guesswork! We filmed a timelapse that’s saved in my Instagram highlights if you’d like to see it. 
As usual, I’ve prepared complete step-by-step plans for you, including every measurement and 3D diagram, so you can make this bunk bed for your children—or for yourself, with no judgment! There are a handful of details I would change if I were building it again, but no need to worry—I included those updates in the plans so you can create the best possible version of this bunk bed. My plans undergo several revisions before they’re published. I initially write them according to how Iexpect everything to unfold, but once I build the project in real life, things frequently don’t go exactly as expected. I then revise and refine the plans until they’rehopefully nearly foolproof for you. The total material expense for this project came to under $350.
Tools
Build the Framework
I began by constructing the framework from 2×4 stud lumber. All of the frames were assembled in my workshop, and then Adam carried them into the room for installation. The framework will be fastened to the wall studs because we want the entire structure to be extremely sturdy. Like in most homes, our studs are positioned 16 inches on center. 
We needed to relocate a power outlet on one wall because the bunk bed would have covered it, and we didn’t want to eliminate access to it. Before taking on the task, we watched several YouTube tutorials and spoke with an electrician. It was much easier than expected, but if electrical work isn’t within your comfort zone, please contact a licensed professional. We felt quite proud after shifting the outlet a few inches. We also raised it to create additional slack in the wiring. 
While beginning to construct the bed box, we realized that another outlet was positioned directly in the center of the spot where one of the boards needed to be placed (naturally). Fortunately, the solution was simple: we trimmed the board so it would fit around the outlet. Problem solved! ***Update: Our electrician determined that this outlet beside the bedding posed a fire risk, so he removed it and installed a blank cover. Building codes can differ by location, so I suggest speaking with a licensed electrician in your area if you encounter a similar situation.*** 
To assemble the bed box in position, we temporarily fastened a scrap 2×4 as a support, making it simpler to install the remaining pieces. Once the other frame components are secured, this scrap board will be taken away.
The mattress cleats hold up the mattress slats and attach to the long edges of the bed box with screws. We made them by ripping a 2×4 board down the middle, although you can simply purchase a ready-made 2×2 board instead. 
After positioning the bed boxes and completing the basic framework, we installed more 2×4 supports. These pieces reinforce the whole structure while also providing a surface for nailing the tongue-and-groove boards.
Install the Ladder
The ladder consists of 2x4s and 1 1/4-inch dowels. I selected dowels because they seemed gentler on small hands and feet. They work well for my children, although they are uncomfortable for my feet when I climb up. You may prefer to use 2x4s in place of dowels, so keep that option in mind. After setting the ladder in position, I secured it to the framework with screws.
Make and Mount the Shelf Units
Since my children enjoy reading and drawing before going to sleep, I created these shelf units for the headboards. They offer a handy spot for storing books, toys, and a water bottle. I constructed them from 3/4-inch plywood, and Adam positioned them in place. We fastened them to the framework and also included a charming nightlight! I picked up this smart lighting idea from my talented friend Mandi at Vintage Revivals. Because of her suggestion, I was able to skip the electrical work! We installed LED puck lights inside the sconces – they run on batteries, operate by remote control, change colors, and can be dimmed! How awesome is that?! Thanks, Mandi! You’re brilliant and I adore you!
Install the Cladding
Once the framework has been finished, the remaining work moves along quickly. You simply cut the tongue-and-groove boards to the required lengths and nail them in place. I selected tongue-and-groove boards for the cladding because they cost surprisingly less than standard 1×6 boards, and I really like the inviting character they provide! One side is smooth while the other has beading, giving you two style options based on your preferred appearance. We used the smooth side to achieve a cleaner, more contemporary look. The beaded side is charming as well and creates more of a cottage-style atmosphere. These tongue-and-groove boards are very simple to install; one edge has a groove and the opposite edge has a tongue, allowing the boards to connect together. 
Only two tongue-and-groove boards need a curved cut: the window arches. To make these, I first cut the boards to size and marked the center point. Next, I traced the curve with a flexible piece of plexiglass. Any suitable item you have available will work, and you can even draw the curve freehand if you’re comfortable doing so. Then, secure the two boards together with clamps and cut along the line using a jigsaw. We began nailing the boards from the bottom, with the tongue pointing upward. Drive the nails through the tongue so the following board conceals the holes, eliminating the need to return later and cover them with wood filler. #worksmarter 
Be careful to line up the side and front planks properly. Ideally, the “shiplap” pattern should continue smoothly around the front and both sides. Unfortunately, we failed to align the first front plank with the side plank, and the discrepancy increased with each row, becoming more obvious near the top. Be sure to check the board alignment as you work.
Finish the Windows
To create the window casing, we ripped several 1×4 boards to a width of 3 inches. That was simply our personal choice because I preferred the appearance. If you would rather leave the 1×4 boards at their original width, that works perfectly too. The window casing is secured with nails. Afterward, I measured and cut the window trim, then nailed it into place as well. I also attached a small ledge to both side windows before positioning the mattress slats.
Place the Mattresses
At last, we put in the twin mattresses – and don’t worry, they can be brought inside through the large windows! If you’re curious about changing the sheets, bunk beds are generally a bit trickier than standard beds, but this all-in-one bedding from Beddy’s simplifies the process. It also zips closed, making it easy for the kids to make their own beds. 
The children were eager to spend the night in their new bunks! I love that they were so thrilled that they placed their little treasures on the shelves before the beds were even finished. Absolutely adorable! Now, if only I could persuade them to decide who gets the top bunk…
Product Sources
