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!
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Every young boy wants a loft bed – mine included! You must have ESP because I’m in the process right now. Love how you transformed the bunks, using what you have is always a great solution for so many reasons and bonus mom points too!
The only thing is I have drawers under my bunk bed… is there any way I could still do this?
Very clever thinking that you can stabilize the whole structure using just one board in just the correct way. Looks great and should be completely safe, nice work!
Wow! This is really neat! I imagine many kids would love a bed with a space underneath to use as a reading nook, desk, fort, etc.!
How many screws did you you use for the bed? It sounds like you used two screws but I want to make sure.
Two per end.
Wow, that’s great one. But it makes me little confused. Maybe you can add some related videos for newbie like us 😀
Another newbie question – is there a reason to not make and ‘X’ and only a ‘slash’, meaning just one board instead of two that cross? I just want ours to be safe to play under, and I worry 🙂 or, could I attach the top bunk rails to the wall like cabinets and book shelves are with anti-tip devices?
Donna, you don’t need an “X”, the single board at an angle keeps the two ends square. Of course if you like the look, you can do two boards, but you’l have to contend with the spot where the cross being two boards wide. You can definitely attach the top rail to the wall with some large “L” brackets, but it’s really not necessary.
I am doing something similar for my eight year old. I have been looking for a chair for under it. Where did you buy your red chair for under the bed. Please reply if you have time. Thanks Susan
I am looking at doing this and thinking about more safety. Some ideas are plywood or small board attached to each end where the 2 beds meet in middle to secure where they connect. Another is using lattice board attach to back under top on inside just as another security. Plus you could easily attach twinkle light, fabric, bulletin board for decor to the area.
My grandson will love this bed! I have the confidence to know transform his bed into a more fictional bed. Thank you
I would like to try this but would it work if the ladder is attached to both the top and bottom bunk on the front?
Charlene, you’ll have to detach the ladder. Then make sure the top bunk is still structurally sound.
Hi, just wondering if you have any ideas about how this might be done with a metal bunk bed? One that is missing both the bottom mattress platform,as well as one of the railings? Any idea how to stabilize it, besides anchoring it to the wall?
Thanks, Teresa
Teresa, you could drill a hole into the frame and drive some eye-bolts into it. Then connect two with cable.
What kind of cable? I wanna fo same thing but with a meral frame
Hi,
I’m planning to do this for an office space for college. My bunk bed is made of metal, would I still have to put the reinforcement when I take down to lower bunk?
Thank you,
College Freshman
Ahh I seriously want to do this but I have a futon and I seriously don’t want to imagine how long it would take to remove it.
Thanks for sharing this. I might end up doing the same tomorrow!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
what if I have a metal bunk bed
It’s not going to work unless you can drill through the rails.
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.
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