How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed
How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed
Remember when I built a loft bed for my younger son? No sooner had I made his bed, when my oldest son was begging me to build him a loft bed too. Instead of starting from scratch, I was able to turn his bunk bed into a loft bed in a few simple steps.
Materials:
- 2″ wood screws
- 1 – 1″x 4″x 8′ board
- Saw
- Drill with philips head bit
- Pencil
Instructions:
Remove the mattresses and bedding.
You will need to remove the bunky board (or slats) and the front side rail from the lower bunk.
This will leave you with a loft frame.
But, the bed will be wobbly until you add a diagonal support. Hold the 8′ board up at an angle against the back of the bed. Use the pencil to mark the angle and excess to cut off the ends.
Cut the board using a miter saw (or any saw you have access to.) Drive the 2″ screws into the bunk bed frame at the bottom of one side and the top on the alternate side.
The diagonal brace will look like this after installed.
Replace the upper mattress and make the bed. That was easy wasn’t it?
If you want, you can stain or paint the diagonal brace to match the bunk bed. I may or may not do that at some point.
For now, I have one happy older son who is doing his happy dance over his new loft bed!
Pin for later!
Use self drilling metal screws (the same type they use for trailer decks) that way the screws will drill into the metal frame. You can pre-drill the cross piece if you need to
Hi There,
I’m trying to convert my daughters bunk to a loft as well, but wanted to be able to “fold” up the bottom bunk. Any way this is possible- Think murphy bed w/o the outer box.
this is an idea of her bed currently w/ 2 twin bed sizes on top and on bottom:
https://www.mybobs.com/furniture/kids-room/kids-beds-and-headboards/bunk-beds/p/20063493
Unfortunately I don’t have a tutorial for that, I suggest you scour google for some plans.
Great idea. Also, love the red bean chair underneath. Where did you get that?
Meaghan, I think I got it from Overstock years ago. Sadly, I can’t seem to find a similar one now.
Surprising my step son this week while he is away I am re-doing his room. I am adding this to the list of things! Looks simple enough! Thanks for sharing
hi! love this simple idea! Thank you! worried it may still be wobbly for my older son? would getting a thicker diagonal board make a difference? thanks!
Yes, and use an extra screw on each end if you like.
what if I have a metal bunk bed
It’s not going to work unless you can drill through the rails.
If I fasten it permanently to the wall can I omit the brace board
You can, just be sure you attach in at least two spots to the studs.
Why did you have to replace the mattress? Wont the regular mattress work from the bottom on the top? My son hates the smaller mattress pad that goes on top of his bunk. I was hoping I can put the regular mattress on top?
I meant I put the mattress back on the bunk bed. I didn’t get a new one.
This is awesome. My daughter is begging for a loft bed. Can I convert her twin over full bunk bed into a loft? It already has a staircase so I think it’s possible.
I can’t tell you without seeing the bunks in person.
Why do you need a diagonal brace for this one but not for the other blue loft bed? Also, how can attach a diagonal brace on a metal bunk bed?
Because the blue loft bed was built with bracing in the joints. The bunk bed only has a bolt as a joint.
I want to do this but my husband won’t let me put new holes in his childhood bunkbed… Can I stabilize it with a bookshelf underneath pressed against the inside of the footboard and a desk against the inside of the headboard?
No, you need a diagonal brace. Screw holes can easily be puttied later and will barely be noticeable.
I already have a bunk bed. Is it possible to use the board in the front that you remove as the diagonal board in the back. I’m looking to transform my room for as cheap as possible.
Probably not as the board would have to be wider to be attached on the diagonal.
What if I have a bunk bed that is a full on the bottom and a twin on top, and I want the full on top? Would there be any way to go about doing that? Thanks!
Ani, I’m sorry I can’t give you any ideas unless I can see a picture of how the bunkbed is built. But, my guess is it may not be possible.
I’m virtually hugging you and jumping up and down! This loft is so easy and perfect! Where has this blog been all of my life??!!! I subscribed to your newsletters and I’m now making a list all of your projects I can do!! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome. Glad you liked the idea.
Thanks for sharing this. I might end up doing the same tomorrow!