Easy & Economical Loft Bed (Bunk Bed) for Kids or College Dorm Rooms. Cost around $100.

Build a strong and economical bed loft for any one that wants to add space in their room by raising their bed off the ground. This is for a twin size bed but you can adjust the measurement for any size bed. This is great for kids rooms or college dorm rooms. The Frame is built from 2x6 and 2x4 construction lumber. The cost to build this loft bed should be just under $100.
Tips:
Pre drill holes with 1/8 inch drill bit
Tools Needed:
Power drill with phillips screw head
10 or 12 inch power miter saw or hand saw
power sander (optional)
a few paint brushes (optional)
Painting tray & other painting supplies (optional)
Item Buy List:
11 - 2x6x8’ construction lumber
3 - 2x4x8’ construction lumber
7 - 1x3x8’ construction lumber
2 foot by 4 foot by ⅛ inch hardboard panel
1 lb box of 3 inch wood/decking screws
1 lb box of 2 ½ inch wood/decking screws
1 small box of 1 ¼ inch wood screws
Wood glue
Paint & primer (optional)
Cut List:
Two 2x6 construction lumber 78 inches long (bed frame long sides)
Nine 2x6 construction lumber 43 inches long (bed frame short sides & steps/shelves)
Two 2x4 construction lumber 78 inches long (interior mattress support side frames)
Four 2x6 construction lumber 70 Inches long (main vertical post)
One 2x4 construction lumber 81 Inches long (guard rail)
Fourteen 1x3 construction lumber 39 ⅞ Inches long (mattress supports)

[@WaltWW]

Tip for everyone… Sand the boards before you assemble them. They are much easier to work with that way. You can even paint all the boards before assembling and then just touch up where needed after assembly. Will make your life much easier.

[@brucecanny]

Agree 100%. 1) cut everything to size and pre-fit. 2) While pre-fitting, drill all screw holes. 3) sand everything making sure your not too aggressive on the parts that will be abutted to another piece. This will avoid gaps where paint and or glue can build up. 4) paint. 5) assemble, 6) touch-up.

[@paytonfit]

Finally a do it yourself project that you can really do, without special tools or skills. Thank you so much, this is exactly what I was looking for!

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

You can do it!

[@douglasfuentes2737]

Tell me about it😂 seems like D.I.Y means something different to youtubers😅

[@daughterofsaturn_nselene]

this is exactly what i was looking for 🙌🏻 thank you for sharing AND sharing the cut list

[@julianbrown2214]

I just made a set for my teenage boys. Turned out great! Thanks.

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

That is great! Thanks for sharing!

[@veniap.7765]

@@NorthernLightsVideo you have thinked for the answer 10 month)) Ps. Amaizing build!

[@FirstnameLastname-wx2ck]

Awesome work lads!! Father and son did great!

[@sheilacrawford9739]

This is great!! I was actually looking for instructions to build a loft bed with a slide for my 6 year old son. I believe I could build this & add a slide opposite end of the ladder! Also, it is apartment approved as well! Thanks for sharing this!! If you don't mind, we're getting ready to make a big move from Texas to Louisiana & I would like to save these instructions for my son's bed! Thanks again for sharing!!

[@gkitekawa]

awesome basic and inexpensive thanks.

[@KDG860]

Great job. Smile design that normal people can do.

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Trust me, if I can do, you can do it. :)

[@adrianaadri9754]

Beautiful and simple

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Thank for you feedback!

[@ronnieking3848]

Great job!! Beats the Pottery Barn $2000-4000 price tag.

[@kimburleejostewart4566]

Thanks for the great video! We are planning this for my teen. I would love to see pics of other people in comments, DIY loft versions too!

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FervyGraceEscalante]

I love this 😩😩😩

[@scrapdaworld]

Great instructions!!! Will be getting the lumber this weekend to make. I have a question, how much room at the top? Does your son bump his head? Make take off some inches off the height if my daughter has to duck to get out of bed. Thanks for the video!! Tmika

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

My son does not bump his head when he sits up. But it's pretty close. Maybe a couple inches to spare.

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Could you PLEASE tell us the name / brand of the blue paint you used? It's rather compelling.

[@GehrmanSparrow_TheWorld]

Up to what weight can this bed support?

[@knifeskillz911]

Can u tell me what dimensions to cut to not have the guard rail and have the main posts be flush with the bed. I dont move around when i sleep. This looks like an excellent project. I cant wait.

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

That is a tough one. If your main post are flush with the bed, it will take a total redesign and there are many ways to do that.

[@katekube]

Is there a complete supplies list for this? I love it and I’d like to make it for my daughter but need to rent a truck since I drive a tiny car so I’d like to get everything all at once from Menards.

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Item Buy List: 11 - 2x6x8’ construction lumber 3 - 2x4x8’ construction lumber 7 - 1x3x8’ construction lumber 2 foot by 4 foot by ⅛ inch hardboard panel 1 lb box of 3 inch wood/decking screws 1 lb box of 2 ½ inch wood/decking screws 1 small box of 1 ¼ inch wood screws Wood glue Paint & primer (optional)

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Some more info: Build a strong and economical bed loft for any one that wants to add space in there room by raising there bed off the ground. This is great for kids rooms or college dorm rooms. The Frame is built from 2x6 and 2x4 construction lumber. The cost to build this loft bed should be just under $100. Tips: Pre drill holes with 1/8 inch drill bit Tools Needed: Power drill with phillips screw head 10 or 12 inch power miter saw or hand saw power sander (optional) a few paint brushes (optional) Painting tray & other painting supplies (optional) Item Buy List: 11 - 2x6x8’ construction lumber 3 - 2x4x8’ construction lumber 7 - 1x3x8’ construction lumber 2 foot by 4 foot by ⅛ inch hardboard panel 1 lb box of 3 inch wood/decking screws 1 lb box of 2 ½ inch wood/decking screws 1 small box of 1 ¼ inch wood screws Wood glue Paint & primer (optional) Cut List: Two 2x6 construction lumber 78 inches long (bed frame long sides) Nine 2x6 construction lumber 43 inches long (bed frame short sides & steps/shelves) Two 2x4 construction lumber 78 inches long (interior mattress support side frames) Four 2x6 construction lumber 70 Inches long (main vertical post) One 2x4 construction lumber 81 Inches long (guard rail) Fourteen 1x3 construction lumber 39 ⅞ Inches long (mattress supports)

[@MissElaine-oi7cm]

Just some help here if you would've sanded it before bring it in the room it would save most the clean up

[@user-tv9dy3vc1u]

This is amazing. i am a student and recently moved into small room apartment. Would this work for a queen sized bed. What would the measurements be? I don’t have equipment to cut the wood; how would I go about it?

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

I think the basic design would work for a queen-size bed. I would make the dimensions 62 x 82 inches. You will have to get all the cuts done at a lumber store if you do not have a saw. Most lumber stores will do it for a cost.

[@user-tv9dy3vc1u]

NorthernLightsVideo Thank you!

[@MrChambers40]

home depot will cut all the wood to specs

[@MrChambers40]

for free

[@Park02859]

Can you put a desk with a gaming setup under and be comfortable

[@jdabsalonson1097]

It would be easy to build a desk into the loft bed and it would be cheap

[@lookingupwithwonder]

Mine would end up like the one in Step Brothers 😂

[@riskitall7421]

Awesome ! How is this holding up 2 years later?

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Great! Still going strong even with my son growing like 5 inches....

[@wotcherfaz]

Seems like just sanding / painting the wood before doing any cutting etc might have saved time? At least up to primer, if not the final coat.

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Good idea...We did not think about that.

[@ukingly]

Hi does the bed wobble without a brace on the back?

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

It is very solid, I myself am a little surprised how solid it is. I do recommend securing it to the wall for safety. I think the bed cartage resting on the 2x6 horizontal supports and then having the 2 screws securing on each of the corners, makes it solid so it does not move to much.

[@antonioalvarez2182]

Is this for a twin matres or a full matres

[@Park02859]

Can you fit a desk under

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Yes, you can. You have about 55 inch to work with.

[@sha30294]

What size mattress does this bed fit is it a twin size or a full size one. Video was very nice want to make sure I have one for full size mattress

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

It is a twin size mattress. Best of luck on a full!

[@sha30294]

@@NorthernLightsVideo thank you

[@Tonykayemusic]

Is this all relying on the poor shear strength of screws?

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

I recommend adding wood glue when possible to add strength. It does help a lot. But yes, do not cheap out on the screws. :)

[@riskitall7421]

Yes, like all structures. Welcome to building.

[@wessunde2801]

Maybe attach at least the mattress support rails with bolts.

[@kingofkards1110]

Do u think I'll be sturdy with just using 2x4 for everything?

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

It is mostly made with 2x6, just three 2x4. Yes, it is plenty strong. Item Buy List: 11 - 2x6x8’ construction lumber 3 - 2x4x8’ construction lumber 7 - 1x3x8’ construction lumber 2 foot by 4 foot by ⅛ inch hardboard panel 1 lb box of 3 inch wood/decking screws 1 lb box of 2 ½ inch wood/decking screws 1 small box of 1 ¼ inch wood screws Wood glue Paint & primer (optional)

[@willmcintosh9608]

What would the bed frame dimensions be for a twin XL mattress?

[@ronnieking3848]

Get the measurements off the internet and add 1 inch so it's easy to change the bedding.

[@JoshNtheedrifter]

About how much weight can 1*3s hold?

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

We had like 14 1x3. I would say they can hold over 350 lb.

[@juniorhernandez6292]

If i do it in queen size will it hold?

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

I think so, you just have to make it bigger. It is holding up really good.

[@shelby-jademustang9564]

Is this for a double bed or a single bed

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Single.

[@brittnighoram7886]

Hey is this a twin or full size?

[@user-tv9dy3vc1u]

1:45 it says 78 inches by 40 inches will fit most twin sized beds.

[@brittnighoram7886]

Didn’t hear it. Appreciate it bud

[@CatsandConspiracies]

Do you have 8ft or 10ft ceilings?

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

8 foot

[@ckhang]

How can cost be under $100 when you need 11 2x6x8 and each of those cost $8?

[@romanreagan5570]

Isn’t that $88

[@NorthernLightsVideo]

Lumber prices have increased. With inventories low and demand so high, lumber prices increased some 60% over the past six months, compensating for the loss at the start of the year. Adding to the constraints caused by the pandemic, the impact of tariffs on wood from Canadian mills continues to cause elevated prices for American construction firms

[@averagemitskifan8299]

Bruh

[@sonnybonowig7538]

$1000. In lumber now days 😡