What. a. whirlwind. weekend.
In 3 1/2 days, 3 guys built-out and trimmed THIS:
For those of you that missed last weeks post, we have been planning out the transformation of our very large upstairs guest room into a cool and functional big boy room/playroom for Croix for months, and over the last 3 days a large part of that dream became a reality.
Here is the official "before" shot of the future site of the bunks:
We taped out the location of the bunk beds, stairs and the fort. Croix was making sure the tape was in the right place on construction day!
Things got started on Thursday when Brent's Dad and Laura rolled into town. The guys reviewed, tweaked, analyzed and finalized the plan and then headed to Home Depot to load up on supplies.
Once home, step one was covering the window. Initially we had hoped to keep the window, but it was just going to fall at a really awkward place, so we decided to cover it. From the outside the window looks just as it did, but from the inside, you would never know it existed. After that it was time to set the columns (2, 2x4s) against the left wall. These columns were especially important because they set the stage for the stability and overall layout of the bunks. The stud locations were really important here because the guys planned to anchor the columns to the studs for optimal stabilization. So, the base was increased in depth 9" to catch the stud. This 9" space would allow us to create a lip along the front + a small ledge at the back for glasses, phone, cup of water, etc...
Next, they got started on the frames for the mattresses. The plan was to create Queen size bunks because A.) the room could handle this size, B.) we already had these mattresses and C.) we wanted bigger beds to give our home additional guest bed options when family or friends were in town.
With the bottom mattress frame in place they installed the columns on the right side which were constructed of 2, 2x6s. These columns are bigger because more stability was needed since they would be free-floating in the space, not anchored to the wall. Remember, ability to anchor to the wall is dependent on stud location.
Electrical work was next. The guys tapped off an existing outlet to add an outlet, switch and sconce light for each bunk.
With the framing of the skeleton up and the electrical in place it was time to start putting up the paneling.
Croix and Gates were inspecting the paneling work on the bottom bunk, making sure everything was secure :)
Meanwhile, up top a small design change was made. At the end of the first day we had decided not to move forward with the fort. Not only was this portion of the bunk going to protrude into the space (left to right) more than we'd like but we realized the depth was going to be an issue because of the ceiling fan. In addition, Croix would definitely be able to stand atop it right now as a 2 year old, but it wouldn't be long before he would be too tall. We considered lowering the fort platform, but that would end up making the space underneath too short sooner rather than later, so we decided to just nix the whole thing. Because of this, the vertical boards going to the ceiling (look back, 2 photos before) could be cut down to make for a more open vibe.Below is a shot that sums up Saturday....two guys working on top to cut down the verticals and two guys working down below on paneling. If we could have a house full of willing workers with every project we would be unstoppable! :)
Oh, I forgot the other guy that was around for all the action all weekend long - The Croix!
With the verticals cut down and the paneling up it was time to get the top rail installed. We added that vertical in the center so the rail would be stable, but I really like the craftsman look it brings to the whole piece. The tiny platform you see in the photo below is the landing for the stairs!
Next, came the most technical, pain-in-the-butt portion of the project....THE STAIRS. Oh the math, just typing about it makes my head hurt but here we go.... We couldn't use the standard pre-cut stairs that Home Depot offers because we had a fixed height (rise) and depth (run) that we had to achieve in order to hit the landing and ultimately the upper platform to enter the bed. We knew we wanted a 2' platform at the top so we started from there. We had to build the platform an extra 6"" deep to get past the column at the wall. This left us with approximately 39" to get 5 steps up to the platform with one last step from the platform into the bed. The steps wound up being approximately 8.5" high (rise) and approximately 8" deep (run). The frames for the stairs were cut into a 2x10 board using precision cuts from expert craftsmen Bruce and Phillip Shearer.
This was by far my favorite part of the project - does it get cuter than mini stairs?!
Initially, the plan was to panel the side of the stairs, leaving only the small section against the wall for a little door. But the more we looked at it, we realized, covering up the small area right under the stairs was a missed opportunity for more storage and more charm, so....
We kept it! We will either leave it open or maybe add a little shelf inside for books/baskets.
The stairs were the last major construction element, so once those were in, the only thing left to do was to add the finishing boards over everything. This material is what gives the boards a nice smooth look - all ready to paint. The majority of this step went down on Sunday morning and by Sunday at lunch time, things were looking like this....
Talk about a labor of love! So many people took time out of their weekend to come and help us/cheer us on and we are SO happy with the results. Croix LOVES it and goes up and down the stairs over and over again. He's so excited!
Obviously we still have to sand, paint, add the little door, figure out a rail for the stairs, install lights, etc., etc. but for now we are relishing in the fact that THIS awesome beast is upstairs, only weeks away from being ready for Croix to move in!
Obviously we still have to sand, paint, add the little door, figure out a rail for the stairs, install lights, etc., etc. but for now we are relishing in the fact that THIS awesome beast is upstairs, only weeks away from being ready for Croix to move in!
All photos are my own.
do you know how tall the room is
ReplyDeleteThey are 108” high!
DeleteDo you have wood material list that you would be able to share?
ReplyDeleteThank You
Michelle
Hi- Yes do you have the wood material list you all used? Did you have to support the plywood the mattress was going?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI hope that is not the only window in the bedroom, because it's a fire code violation for a bedroom not to have windows.
ReplyDeleteYou can actually see the light from the other windows and an actual window in one of the last photos.
DeleteShut up Libby you fat ho
DeleteTroll. Too bad there is a code compliant egress window visible.
DeleteHi Libby, there are 4 other windows in that space + 1 in closet.
ReplyDeleteHow tall is the bed all together from the bottom buck to the top of the top bunk
ReplyDeleteSorry to keep asking questions but roughly how much did all the wood and supplies cost
ReplyDeleteLol, imagine going to someone’s diy they’re nice enough to share and being a Karen about windows.
ReplyDeleteAwesome project y’all, thanks for sharing!
So true lol
DeleteMy thoughts EXACTLY! Like are you for REAL!
Delete🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
DeleteNice
ReplyDeleteModern Bunk Rooms
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the fantastic designs of bunk beds that furniture brands give us, nowadays tastes in decoration have changed. If you have come this far, it is because you want to give this type of furniture a chance. Get inspired by this selection of modern bunk rooms. This is what is going on now.
I personally believe that they have not invented a more functional piece of furniture to furnish small bedrooms. It is indisputable that bunk beds optimize space by gaining meters, but I also do not know what they have that children love to sleep in bunk beds, especially in the upper bed, my children fought to sleep upstairs. As we mentioned at the beginning, it has pros and cons. One of the biggest concerns is security. We will not tire of telling you that if the little ones are very small, you must seek maximum protection against possible falls. Check the robustness of the side rails or add others if the gap is too large. If after this you are still thinking about the idea, you will like our selection of environments. Photographs full of inspiration to furnish bedrooms with children's bunk beds.
On the market, there are designs for any decorative style, modern bunk beds, contemporary bunk beds, rustic bunk beds, themed bunk beds, vintage bunk beds, etc... And if you are not convinced by what you find, you can always order a custom-made model, with this option you will also be able to take advantage of the maximum space.
Ideas for children's rooms with bunk beds
Children 's bunk beds with contemporary classic design. The first models belong to the RH Baby and Child furniture store. And although it is true that there is still no distribution in Spain, they can serve as an inspiration and a model when it comes to distributing our children's room.
For more information:
Small bedroom: A Ultimate Guide for the optimal platform bed size and type for the room
Things to Consider When Buying a Cheap Twin Platform Bed
Top 4 Twin Platform Bed for Sexually Active Couples
How to Choose the right wood panel bed
Wood Twin Platform Bed with Storage
Best Twin Platform Bed Without Headboard - The Ultimate Guide
Best Twin Platform Beds for kids
The Centerpiece of Every Bedroom, the Platform Bed
Best Ideas For Selecting A Round Platform Bed
How To Choose A Twin Platform Bed For Adults
The bed looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSweetNight mattress in a box
Thanks for sharing this post and visit bunk bed for kids
ReplyDeleteBeautiful style! Thanks for the info! Info Stafferci
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome. Anyone know the total length? We’ve been looking at bunk beds and DIY’s, but have a little bedroom to work with.
ReplyDeleteMay i ask how big the room is, I nned something like this in my 2 room apartmemt, I need to add a smal room
ReplyDeleteSorry i ment size of bed
ReplyDeleteDo you by chance have a material list?
ReplyDeleteI decided to check out your blog after hearing about it from a friend. Really insightful; I'll go back for more!
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