I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site suggestions too. Thanks!

On 2/17/2018 1:29 AM, Clark Moss wrote:
I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site suggestions too. Thanks!


Books about beds will include mostly non-bunk styles. I've seen bunk
beds included in books about increasing storage, but usually only one
bed per book. Your best bet would be to go old-school and see what your
local library can offer, either in person or by an online catalog search.

OR
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...bunk+bed+plans

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1:29:24 AM UTC-5, Clark Moss wrote:
I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at some
designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have any
suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!

I don't have any book suggestions, but I do have a design suggestions that
you might be able to incorporate into whatever plan you choose.

The oak bunk beds I built 25+ years ago were built so they can be separated
into single beds, which in fact, they are now.

If you use the mattresses as a reference, you can see that the head and foot
boards of the lower bunk are taller than the head and foot boards of the
upper bunk. When you split them into singles, you use the taller parts as
head boards and the shorter parts as foot boards for a more traditional look.
You also end up with more space for the person in the lower bunk. More
headroom for sitting, less of a cave feeling.

I specifically built "ladder end" bunks so that we didn't have to have a
separate ladder for the upper bunk, although I did eventually build a ladder
for the short time that the beds were in the room shown in the image below.

The guard rails shown on the singles lift off or slide left and right.

Bunk Bed:

https://i.imgur.com/FcqEb1h.jpg

Singles:

https://i.imgur.com/aDjf82K.jpg

These days my 87 YO dad sleeps in one of the singles in his apartment 350 miles away. The other single is a spare bed for when one of the kids come
home. Dad's use of the bed wasn't part of the original plan, but when they
needed to get a hospital style bed for mom, he had to move to a single. The
bed was built for my boys and "passed up" to my dad. ;-)

On Fri, 16 Feb 2018 22:29:18 -0800 (PST), Clark Moss
wrote:

I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site suggestions too. Thanks!

You might start with Sketchup and search the online model library ("3D
Warehouse"). It's also interesting to search woodworking retail
outlets (Rockler is often good for this) for bed hardware (rail
couplers and whatnot). They may have plans, as well.

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1:29:24 AM UTC-5, Clark Moss wrote:
I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at
some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have
any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!

K mentioned hardware. I don't know what you planned on using for the rails,
but while you are out there looking for options, keep these 2 styles in mind:

Notice the square corners:

http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projec...sionbed/20.jpg

Notice the rounded corners:

https://i.imgur.com/V3o4qvR.jpg

http://www.cshardware.com/15-74-5.html

Which ones do think are easier to install? Hint: What kind of mortise does
router bit leave?

I used the "easier" ones on this bed. I recessed them very, very slightly
so that when you rubber mallet the rails into the head/foot board they pull
together really tight.

Naked:

https://i.imgur.com/80jaux9.jpg

Dressed:

https://i.imgur.com/GTDm9VG.jpg

I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at
some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have
any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!


K mentioned hardware. I don't know what you planned on using for the rails,
but while you are out there looking for options, keep these 2 styles in mind:
Notice the square corners:
http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projec...sionbed/20.jpg
Notice the rounded corners:
https://i.imgur.com/V3o4qvR.jpg
http://www.cshardware.com/15-74-5.html
Which ones do think are easier to install? Hint: What kind of mortise does
router bit leave?
I used the "easier" ones on this bed. I recessed them very, very slightly
so that when you rubber mallet the rails into the head/foot board they pull
together really tight.
Naked:
https://i.imgur.com/80jaux9.jpg
Dressed:
https://i.imgur.com/GTDm9VG.jpg



Mortise-free bed hardware is also available :

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware...842,43730&ap=1

John T.

On 2/17/2018 11:16 AM, wrote:

I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at
some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have
any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!


K mentioned hardware. I don't know what you planned on using for the rails,
but while you are out there looking for options, keep these 2 styles in mind:
Notice the square corners:
http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projec...sionbed/20.jpg
Notice the rounded corners:
https://i.imgur.com/V3o4qvR.jpg
http://www.cshardware.com/15-74-5.html
Which ones do think are easier to install? Hint: What kind of mortise does
router bit leave?
I used the "easier" ones on this bed. I recessed them very, very slightly
so that when you rubber mallet the rails into the head/foot board they pull
together really tight.
Naked:
https://i.imgur.com/80jaux9.jpg
Dressed:
https://i.imgur.com/GTDm9VG.jpg



Mortise-free bed hardware is also available :

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware...842,43730&ap=1

John T.



I have used both mortise and mortise free. I have seen no performance
issues from either but the mortise type seems to fit tighter and has the
bottom/top of the mortise to help support the load rather than just the
screws. Small differences but Mortise free also disappears.

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 12:42:17 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:
On 2/17/2018 11:16 AM, wrote:

I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at
some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have
any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!


K mentioned hardware. I don't know what you planned on using for the rails,
but while you are out there looking for options, keep these 2 styles in mind:
Notice the square corners:
http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projec...sionbed/20.jpg
Notice the rounded corners:
https://i.imgur.com/V3o4qvR.jpg
http://www.cshardware.com/15-74-5.html
Which ones do think are easier to install? Hint: What kind of mortise does
router bit leave?
I used the "easier" ones on this bed. I recessed them very, very slightly
so that when you rubber mallet the rails into the head/foot board they pull
together really tight.
Naked:
https://i.imgur.com/80jaux9.jpg
Dressed:
https://i.imgur.com/GTDm9VG.jpg



Mortise-free bed hardware is also available :

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware...842,43730&ap=1

John T.



I have used both mortise and mortise free. I have seen no performance
issues from either

-1

but the mortise type seems to fit tighter

+1 See -1 above. Isn't a looser fitting a performance issue?

While I haven't tried the specific type that John T suggested, I have tried
other Mortise free styles. In fact, the bunks beds (my first major project)
had 2 different types on them (too chicken/no skills/no tools to mortise anything back then) I eventually got tired of tightening them up every now
and then. (young rowdy boys) Ever since I replaced them with mortised ones,
the beds are rock solid and you need a rubber mallet to get them
together/apart.

and has the bottom/top of the mortise to help support the load rather
than just the screws.

+1

Small differences but Mortise free also disappears.

+1

On Sat, 17 Feb 2018 08:37:40 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1:29:24 AM UTC-5, Clark Moss wrote:
I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at
some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have
any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!

K mentioned hardware. I don't know what you planned on using for the rails,
but while you are out there looking for options, keep these 2 styles in mind:

Notice the square corners:

http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projec...sionbed/20.jpg

Notice the rounded corners:

https://i.imgur.com/V3o4qvR.jpg

http://www.cshardware.com/15-74-5.html

Which ones do think are easier to install? Hint: What kind of mortise does
router bit leave?

I used the "easier" ones on this bed. I recessed them very, very slightly
so that when you rubber mallet the rails into the head/foot board they pull
together really tight.

Naked:

https://i.imgur.com/80jaux9.jpg

Absolutely gorgeous. Well done!

Dressed:

https://i.imgur.com/GTDm9VG.jpg

On 2/17/2018 12:36 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 12:42:17 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:
On 2/17/2018 11:16 AM, wrote:

I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at
some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have
any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!


K mentioned hardware. I don't know what you planned on using for the rails,
but while you are out there looking for options, keep these 2 styles in mind:
Notice the square corners:
http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projec...sionbed/20.jpg
Notice the rounded corners:
https://i.imgur.com/V3o4qvR.jpg
http://www.cshardware.com/15-74-5.html
Which ones do think are easier to install? Hint: What kind of mortise does
router bit leave?
I used the "easier" ones on this bed. I recessed them very, very slightly
so that when you rubber mallet the rails into the head/foot board they pull
together really tight.
Naked:
https://i.imgur.com/80jaux9.jpg
Dressed:
https://i.imgur.com/GTDm9VG.jpg



Mortise-free bed hardware is also available :

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware...842,43730&ap=1

John T.



I have used both mortise and mortise free. I have seen no performance
issues from either

-1

but the mortise type seems to fit tighter

+1 See -1 above. Isn't a looser fitting a performance issue?

Not loose as in rickety so much as the side rails tend to not fit
tightly against the head board leg. YMMV
The mortise type pull everything in tighter.



While I haven't tried the specific type that John T suggested, I have tried
other Mortise free styles. In fact, the bunks beds (my first major project)
had 2 different types on them (too chicken/no skills/no tools to mortise anything back then) I eventually got tired of tightening them up every now
and then. (young rowdy boys) Ever since I replaced them with mortised ones,
the beds are rock solid and you need a rubber mallet to get them
together/apart.

and has the bottom/top of the mortise to help support the load rather
than just the screws.

+1

Small differences but Mortise free also disappears.

+1

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 7:42:56 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:
On 2/17/2018 12:36 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 12:42:17 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:
On 2/17/2018 11:16 AM, wrote:

I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at
some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have
any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!


K mentioned hardware. I don't know what you planned on using for the rails,
but while you are out there looking for options, keep these 2 styles in mind:
Notice the square corners:
http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projec...sionbed/20.jpg
Notice the rounded corners:
https://i.imgur.com/V3o4qvR.jpg
http://www.cshardware.com/15-74-5.html
Which ones do think are easier to install? Hint: What kind of mortise does
router bit leave?
I used the "easier" ones on this bed. I recessed them very, very slightly
so that when you rubber mallet the rails into the head/foot board they pull
together really tight.
Naked:
https://i.imgur.com/80jaux9.jpg
Dressed:
https://i.imgur.com/GTDm9VG.jpg



Mortise-free bed hardware is also available :

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware...842,43730&ap=1

John T.



I have used both mortise and mortise free. I have seen no performance
issues from either

-1

but the mortise type seems to fit tighter

+1 See -1 above. Isn't a looser fitting a performance issue?

Not loose as in rickety so much as the side rails tend to not fit
tightly against the head board leg. YMMV

I agree. And that slight looseness tended to cause movement and more looseness,
at least in my experience.

The mortise type pull everything in tighter.

+1




While I haven't tried the specific type that John T suggested, I have tried
other Mortise free styles. In fact, the bunks beds (my first major project)
had 2 different types on them (too chicken/no skills/no tools to mortise anything back then) I eventually got tired of tightening them up every now
and then. (young rowdy boys) Ever since I replaced them with mortised ones,
the beds are rock solid and you need a rubber mallet to get them
together/apart.

and has the bottom/top of the mortise to help support the load rather
than just the screws.

+1

Small differences but Mortise free also disappears.

+1

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 5:12:42 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Sat, 17 Feb 2018 08:37:40 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1:29:24 AM UTC-5, Clark Moss wrote:
I'm going to build bunk beds this summer for our boys. I've looked at
some designs online, but I'd prefer to look at some books. Anyone have
any suggestions for books with bunk bed designs? I'll take web site
suggestions too. Thanks!

K mentioned hardware. I don't know what you planned on using for the rails,
but while you are out there looking for options, keep these 2 styles in mind:

Notice the square corners:

http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projec...sionbed/20.jpg

Notice the rounded corners:

https://i.imgur.com/V3o4qvR.jpg

http://www.cshardware.com/15-74-5.html

Which ones do think are easier to install? Hint: What kind of mortise does
router bit leave?

I used the "easier" ones on this bed. I recessed them very, very slightly
so that when you rubber mallet the rails into the head/foot board they pull
together really tight.

Naked:

https://i.imgur.com/80jaux9.jpg

Absolutely gorgeous. Well done!

Dressed:

https://i.imgur.com/GTDm9VG.jpg

Thanks. Reclaimed Douglas fir, left over from a post and beam house build. (Not mine, I wish)

I love this build! My plan has been to have 2 stackable twins with a built in ladder. I like how you sandwiched the boards to give a mortised look. Also, having the taller header/footer for the bottom double as the headboard when separated is genius. How did you attach them when they were stacked? I picture one or two 3/4 inch dowels on each post. Not sure that's strong enough though.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 2:31:39 AM UTC-5, Clark Moss wrote:
I love this build! My plan has been to have 2 stackable twins with a built in ladder. I like how you
sandwiched the boards to give a mortised look. Also, having the taller header/footer for the bottom
double as the headboard when separated is genius. How did you attach them when they were
stacked? I picture one or two 3/4 inch dowels on each post. Not sure that's strong enough though.

1/2", maybe 5/8" dowels were enough for years. About 2 " long.

The mattresses were supported by 3/4" plywood sitting on a 2x2 shelf glued and screwed to the
rails. Buttons hid the screws. The top plywood had a sheet of luan on the bottom to dress up
what the lower bunk occupant looked at. A sheet of birch or poplar plywood eliminates that
need. I didn't know any better back then.

Screwing the plywood to the rail shelves really stiffened up the beds.

Any other questions, just come on back.

On 2/21/2018 1:31 AM, Clark Moss wrote:
I love this build! My plan has been to have 2 stackable twins with a
built in ladder. I like how you sandwiched the boards to give a
mortised look. Also, having the taller header/footer for the bottom
double as the headboard when separated is genius. How did you attach
them when they were stacked? I picture one or two 3/4 inch dowels on
each post. Not sure that's strong enough though.

Had similarly-designed although were just square corner posts
mortise/tenon joints as kids. The head/foot board ends were
counter-sized also so did appear as ordinary twin when unstacked.

The connecting pins were 3/8" hanger bolts threaded into the lower
sections solidly with a set of turned newel knobs as finishing touch to
cover the post ends when unstacked.

I'm not sure what happened to those when folks refinished grandparents
house and our little house was sold and moved (back) to town...I suppose
were sold/gifted then; hadn't thought of them in almost 40 years...

--