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How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed

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.

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

This will leave you with a loft frame.

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

The diagonal brace will look like this after installed.

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

Replace the upper mattress and make the bed. That was easy wasn’t it?

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

For now, I have one happy older son who is doing his happy dance over his new loft bed!

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See how Pretty Handy Girl turns her son's bunk bed into a loft bed in a few simple steps | DIY bed | DIY loft bed #prettyhandygirl #DIYbed #DIYproject #DIYloftbed

48 replies
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  1. Amanda Abell
    Amanda Abell says:

    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

    Reply
  2. Julie
    Julie says:

    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

    Reply
  3. coraliecicala
    coraliecicala says:

    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!

    Reply
  4. Evelyn
    Evelyn says:

    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?

    Reply
  5. CJ
    CJ says:

    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.

    Reply
  6. emma
    emma says:

    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?

    Reply
  7. Mel Cole
    Mel Cole says:

    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?

    Reply
  8. Abby Hope
    Abby Hope says:

    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.

    Reply
  9. Ani
    Ani says:

    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!

    Reply
  10. Kristi
    Kristi says:

    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!!!

    Reply

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