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how do you make a metal bunk bed into a loft bed

by Finn Hessel DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

To turn a bunk bed into a loft bed, you will need to remove the mattress and the ladder, remove the bunking pins and bolts, add a diagonal brace, and replace the mattress on the top bunk.Jul 8, 2020

How do you turn a bunk bed into a loft bed?

Instead of starting from scratch, I was able to turn his bunk bed into a loft bed in a few simple steps. 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.

How to build a sturdy metal loft bed?

A strong structure stands on a firm foundation. In order to make sure that your metal loft bed or wooden bed is sturdy, you need to make sure that it stands firm. To do this, maximize the contact surface area of the bed poles with the floor. To do this, install feet on the bed poles that have a wider surface area than the poles themselves.

How to install a bunk bed frame?

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.

What are metal bunk beds made of?

Most metal bunk beds and loft beds are made of metal tubes. However, it is important to note that the hollow tubes of metal are less likely to bear heavy weight and pressure compared to solid metal tubes. However, beds made with hollow metal tubes and solid metal bars both have pros and cons.

How do you turn a bed into a loft bed?

0:023:01How to Loft Your Bed | No Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first step is just take your mattress. Off. Then just move your whole frame to the side.MoreSo first step is just take your mattress. Off. Then just move your whole frame to the side.

How do you separate metal bunk beds?

How to Separate Bunk BedsConsult the paperwork that came with your bunk bed to ensure that they can be separated safely.Remove the mattress from the top bunk. ... Remove the ladder. ... Unscrew and remove any bolts or slides holding the stacked beds in place. ... Lift the top bunk carefully off the bottom bunk at each corner.More items...

Can you convert bunk beds?

When your children have outgrown their bunk beds, you can convert those beds into a large, comfortable bed. Generally, bunk beds accommodate twin-size mattresses, measuring 39-by-75 inches each.

How do you raise a top bunk bed?

0:593:14Bunking, Unbunking, and Adjusting Beds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step to adjusting the bed after removing the mattress is to flip the frame upside down theMoreThe first step to adjusting the bed after removing the mattress is to flip the frame upside down the legs of the bed should be in the air. Next with each person on opposite ends of the bed lift.

How do you cut a metal bed frame?

2:017:06Home Metal-Shop Tips 101: 6 Easy Ways How To Cut Metal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just going to cut the ends off of these to get a nice clean cut so yeah that down get someMoreAnd just going to cut the ends off of these to get a nice clean cut so yeah that down get some tension on it.

Can adults use bunk beds?

Yes, certain bunk beds are safe for adults. People come in all shapes and sizes. The bunk beds you choose should be able to accommodate a heavier person as well as all the lighter ones. Look for bunk beds that are designed for 500 pounds. Usually, these are industrial-strength, metal bunk beds.

How do you reuse bunk beds?

Move that bunk bed outdoors after removing the mattresses, then repurpose some of the lower planking to create a full, solid floor and partial walls for the top. The former top bunk is the new play area, like an open-air tree fort, sans tree. Add a climbing rope and reuse the old bunk ladder as a means to climb up.

How do you remove a bunk from a top bunk bed?

1:222:03How to Bunk & Debunk a Bed | Gannon - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo debunk a bunkbed remove your mattress from the top bunk. Set off to the side use your AllenMoreTo debunk a bunkbed remove your mattress from the top bunk. Set off to the side use your Allen wrenches to remove leg braces with the partners lift both sides the bed.

How do you brace a bunk bed?

Whether you own a loft bed or a bunk bed, it is always a good idea to brace the poles of the bed. To do this, install a solid wooden or metal rail around the bed on top. This will not only brace the poles and make the structure sturdier but also protect your kids from falling down while they are asleep.

How do you make a bunk bed into a wall?

0:499:10Built-in Bunk Beds - Part 1: Framing & Trim | Woodworking Builds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEach horizontal frame pieces attached with three three and a quarter inch screws before mounting itMoreEach horizontal frame pieces attached with three three and a quarter inch screws before mounting it to the wall. You could replace these screws with joist hangers to add strength.

How do you extend the bottom of a bunk bed?

0:332:14Bunk Bed Full Size Extension Assembly From Legacy ClassicYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition the extension panel next to the lower bunk post and align the holes of the attached.MorePosition the extension panel next to the lower bunk post and align the holes of the attached. Bracket insert a hole cover on the outside of the post then install a bolt a lock washer.

How do you raise a bed DIY?

6 Best Ways to Make Your Bed HigherUse Bed Risers. Using bed risers is the most common way to make your bed taller. ... Use a Bed Wedge. Bed wedges are adjusters that fit under the head of your bed. ... Use a Mattress Topper. ... Add Wheels to Your Bed Frame. ... Switch to an Adjustable Bed Frame. ... Use a Mattress Foundation.

Step 2

Remove the lower bunk support struts or platform. In some designs, this may mean completely disassembling the bed and skipping steps during reassembly.

Step 3

Insert the lower bunk support struts for both ends and the side that lays against the wall. Do not include the support platform, if any. If the platform and struts are one unit, remove the struts and install them if at all possible.

Step 1

Measure the diagonal distance from the top corner of the end of the bed to the halfway point on the opposite post. Cut four support struts to match this length. It's best to use the same or similar material to construct these struts.

Step 2

Attach two struts to each end. The top strut will run from the top corner to the halfway point on the opposite post. The second will run from that halfway point to the opposite bottom corner.

Step 3

Measure the distance from the top corner of the side facing the wall to the opposite bottom corner. Cut two struts to match this length.

Step 4

Attach the two struts, overlapping in an X shape, across the side of the bed that faces the wall.

How to Separate Bunk Beds

Separating your bunk beds will be done at the bedposts where the legs of the top bunk may be connected to the legs of the bottom bunk with bunking pins. Your instructions may vary depending on the bunk bed model you choose. Take a look at these example instructions from Dorel Juvenile to see these steps in more detail.

Why Should You Separate Bunk Beds?

Bunk beds undergo rigorous inspection checks to ensure they meet all federal safety standards. This helps minimize the risk of accidents associated with using bunk beds. However, bunk beds should only be used by certain sleepers. Separating bunk beds will, therefore, offer better options without having to pay extra money down the line.

When Should You Separate Bunk Beds?

A lot of parents may have second thoughts after purchasing a bunk bed for their children. Changing the bed setup is not a bad idea in specific circumstances.

How to Turn a Bunk Bed into a Loft Bed

Turn your bunk bed into a loft bed. Image courtesy of Crate Designs Furniture.

Examples of Highly Rated Detachable Bunk Beds

There are many bunk bed options on the market. You should opt for a style that will best suit your sleepers, room size, and living arrangements. Ever wonder if you need to use a box spring with your bunk bed? Take a look at our article to find out our thoughts.

Conclusion

Before setting your sights on a bunk bed, and in light of the accidents associated with the use of bunk beds, there are a lot of factors you should consider. These factors include your sleeper’s age, height, and cognitive and physical abilities and will help you decide whether or not to detach your bunk beds.

Disclosures

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Step 1

Remove the mattress, box spring and slats from the wooden frame of the bed and place them to the side.

Step 2

Flip the bed frame upside down so the legs face upward. Remove the bolts that secure the legs to the wooden bed framing if possible. If the legs are permanently attached, cut the legs off flush with the bed framing with a flat saw. Sand any rough edges down with a sanding block or file.

Step 3

Place the bed frame on its side. Place a leg on the floor on each end of the bed frame. Position the legs on the inside of the bed frame. Slide the legs against the bottom of the railing that the box spring rests on. Drill two evenly spaced pilot holes through the end of the bed frame and into the pillar posts.

Step 5

Measure halfway up from the bottom of each post and drill a 1-inch-wide hole 1 1/4 inches into the post so that the holes on the left legs (as you're looking at the bed) face each other and the holes on the right legs face each other. Drill two holes in the back pillar posts so they face each other.

Step 6

Measure the distance between the front left leg and the rear left leg. Add 2 inches to the measurement, then cut two pieces of 1-inch dowel rod to match the measurement, using a miter saw.

Step 7

Measure the distance between both rear legs and add 2 inches to the measurement. Cut a piece of 1-inch dowel rod to match this measurement.

Step 8

Apply glue to each hole, then press the rods into the holes. This creates the bracing needed to stiffen the legs.

Tip 1: To make a wooden loft bed sturdier first install a rail to brace the frame

Whether you own a loft bed or a bunk bed, it is always a good idea to brace the poles of the bed. To do this, install a solid wooden or metal rail around the bed on top. This will not only brace the poles and make the structure sturdier but also protect your kids from falling down while they are asleep.

Tip 3: Disassemble your bunk bed and loft bed before moving them to prevent loose bolts and wood cracks

Bunk beds and loft beds aren’t designed to be moved as a whole. Moving a normal single storied bed as a whole is easy. However, if you move your bunk beds and loft beds as a whole, you’ll cause the nuts and bolts to loosen and make the wood crack.

Tip 4: Buy a Bunk Bed or Loft Bed with thick bed posts, storage units built into the posts, or consider a shorter loft bed

The thicker the poles of your bunk bed and loft bed, the sturdier the structure will be. If the overall height of your bunk bed or loft bed is low, you do not need to have very thick poles to ensure the stability and the sturdiness of the bed.

Tip 5: To maintain the sturdiness of Metal and Wood Loft Beds, teach your children how to use the bed properly and prevent wear and tear

When it comes to metal or woord loft / bunk beds, its important to set clear rules about the use of the bed. Make sure to tell your children that the beds are not to be used for jumping (as children tend to do) but only for sleeping and resting.

Tip 7: Install feet on your bunk bed or loft bed that increase the contact surface area to the floor

A strong structure stands on a firm foundation. In order to make sure that your metal loft bed or wooden bed is sturdy, you need to make sure that it stands firm. To do this, maximize the contact surface area of the bed poles with the floor.

Tip 8: For metal bunk beds and loft beds, buy solid metal bed posts and tubes instead of hollow metal tubes

Most metal bunk beds and loft beds are made of metal tubes. However, it is important to note that the hollow tubes of metal are less likely to bear heavy weight and pressure compared to solid metal tubes. However, beds made with hollow metal tubes and solid metal bars both have pros and cons.

Tip 9: Brace metal loft beds and bunk beds with bed rails similar to Tip 1

Just like it is important to brace and support the poles of a wooden bunk bed and loft bed, it is also important to do the same for metal beds. You can use bed rails on the top bed to support the poles near the top in both a bunk bed and a loft bed. Read Tip 1 for more information.

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