Stacking two full-size beds one over the other, better known as “full-over-full” bunk beds, is becoming more and more popular. Full-size mattresses typically measure 54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm), although some manufacturers size their mattresses a little differently. There are plans available for full-over-full bunk beds, but you probably will not find any free plans on the web. Fortunately, it is not hard to make your own plans. Because full-size beds are not much larger than twin beds, it is a fairly simple matter to use plans for twin bunks and resize them using plans for a full-size or double bed. Do you want a single unit with two beds, or do you want beds that can be separated? The former is a straightforward construction project, but the latter requires some extra thought. The key is to build two headboards and two footboards that can be used in any combination. The easiest way to accomplish this is to use commercial hardware for connecting the rails to the end pieces.
You will also need to center and drill eight 1/2-inch holes--one in the top of the corner posts on each headboard, and one on the bottom of the footboard corner posts. Then you assemble the bottom bunk using both headboards and the top bunk using both footboards; inserting 1/2-inch diameter dowels into these holes will hold the beds in place. Head space is also an important consideration. You should try to leave at least two feet of head space; platform beds make it easier to create this space than beds using box springs. Strong corner posts are important on all beds, but especially so as the beds get bigger. Though not much bigger than twins, fulls should never use anything less than 4 x 4s or 2 x 6s. Mattress supports should be thicker for full-size beds as well. You can use 2 x 4s for the slats beneath the bed. Side rails should be at least 2 x 6s, with 2 x 2s glued and screwed to the inside of the rails to carry the rails. You can also bypass the 2 x 2s and screw the 2 x 4s directly into the rails, but rotate them so a 2-inch side faces upward for greater strength.
In either case, you will need only five or six slats to support box springs; if you use a platform made of slats to support the mattress, you will need enough to make an almost solid platform. The box formed by the rails should be an inch or two larger than the length and width of the mattress; that way, you will have enough room for bedding. Do not forget to include guard rails. They should rise five or six inches above the mattress to be effective. Strong ladders are useless if they are not attached securely to the bed. You will probably want to use metal mounting hardware for this purpose. Build Your Own Bunkbeds: Planning Before You Build Shopping Matchmaker: Free Twin Bunk Bed Plans Woodgear Plans: A Simple Full Size Bed You May Also Like The vertical layout of bunk beds makes the most out of tight quarters and frees up valuable floor space. The bunk bed with a full bed on the bottom and a twin bed on the top is a popular design for... A queen size bunk bed is a truly unorthodox piece of furniture but can be a great addition to anyplace where sleeping...
A double or full-size bunk bed is just as easy to build as a more traditional twin-size set of bunks. Bunk beds are a good space-saving solution that only come in two sizes. Bunk beds are closely related to children who share... 22 DIY Ways to Update Your Home on a Small Budget How to Build a Queen Size Bunk Bed How to Build a Double Bed Bunk Bed How to Build a Queen Size Bed With Drawers How to Build a Full Twin Bunk Bed DIY Bunk-Bed Loft Plans How to make a Bunk Bed for Kids You (or someone you know) can pay & pick up online orders at a Kmart store - and even use an international credit card. U.S. shipping & delivery Get your order shipped or delivered to any address in the United States - including hotels. Via Sears, we ship to over 100 countries, so you can have your order shipped back home. Kmart International Online Shopping If you are planning to visit the United States, or have friends and family here, shop at Kmart to get everything you want - including gifts for yourself or others.
Shopping online in the USA at Kmart couldn't be easier. Once you place an order, you (or someone you know) can pick it up at a Kmart store, have it shipped or delivered to a U.S. address, and even have it shipped to over 100 countries - whatever is most convenient for you. Build Your Own Bunk Beds by Lee Wyatt (last updated March 2, 2016) If you are looking for a great simple building project, then building your own bunk beds is the perfect one for you. Not only is this a fun and unique project, but you will also be able to make some great beds that your children will love for years to come. All you need to do is follow these directions. Lumber (your choice): 70 inch by 4 inch by 4 inch square posts (Qty 4) Lumber (your choice): 57 3/4 inch by 2 inch by 4 inch square posts, with an angle cut at one end (Qty 2) Lumber (your choice): 2 inch by 4 inch by 14 inch slats (Qty 5) Lumber (your choice): 40 inch by 2 inch by 4 inch boards (Qty 4) Lumber (your choice): 81 inch by 2 inch by 4 inch boards (Qty 4)
Lumber (your choice): 1 inch by 1 inch by 36 inches square poles (Qty 4) Plywood 3/4 inch thick by 40 inches by 81 inches (Qty 2) Minimum of 31 screws #8, 3 inches long Drill with screw head (Philips and regular) attachment Full size mattress (Qty 2)Whenever you begin any type of building project, your first step should always be to draw up a plan. This sketch will serve you as a blue print, and help you out during assembly time. After you have drawn out the sketch, you should also begin marking the correct dimensions on it. The dimensions listed here will allow you to build a bunk bed that will fit two full size mattresses on your bunk bed.Once you have completed drawing your blue print, it is time to get everything that you will need. All of the materials listed above can be purchased at your local home improvement store or center. In order to ensure that you have the lumber cut to the correct dimensions, all you need to do is give the blue print you made to the lumber specialist.
However, if you want to do your own cutting, then be sure that you get enough lumber to complete the job. Any wood will work for this project, though you may want to use pine. Pine is a strong, though relatively light type of wood. That being said, these bunk beds will be fairly heavy when completed.After you have purchased all the materials needed, you need to begin laying the pieces to your bunk bed out. Laying the pieces out will allow for an easier assembly later on, and also gives you a rough idea of how everything should fit together. One way to look at this is the "dry run" of assembling your bunk bed. If you did not get your lumber precut, then this is the time that you should do that. Be sure that you carefully measure everything twice before making any cuts, and do not hurry! This will help reduce the possibility of mistakes.Once you have everything laid out, it is time to begin actual assembly. Start with the lower box frame. As you build the rectangle frame, use your bed legs as a guide, being sure that you use a minimum of two screws at each corner.
Also, be sure that you have about 18 inches space from the bottom of legs, to the bottom of the frame. Keep in mind that you should have the "legs" on the outside of the frame, since if you would not have enough space on the interior of the frame for them and the mattress. Once you have the built the skeleton of the lower frame, it is time to repeat the process for the higher frame. Measure 48 inches from the top of the bottom frame, to where you will begin assembly of the top frame. Repeat the same process as before. Once assembled, place the plywood platforms on top of each frame. On one side of the higher frame begin assembly of the ladder. Use the 57 3/4 inch 2 inch by 4 inch lumber, and the 2 inch by 4 inch by 14 inch slats to make the ladder. Be sure that you place the angled edge against the top frame, and screw tight. If you feel the need, you can also make some bed rails, though that is not really necessary unless the bed is for younger children.After you have everything assembled, it is time to sand the bunk bed down.
This will help reduce the possibility of any splinters, and any children getting hurt while using the bed. To give the bed a more finished look, fill in any holes with wood filler, and sand it down to be completely level. In order to be positive that you have removed any and all snags, lightly drag some cloth over the wood. If it snags, then you know you still need to do some work.Finally, once you have finished sanding the bunk bed, it is time to paint or stain the wood. While it is not completely necessary, it will provide a more "finished" look for your bed. Be sure that you allow enough time to let the paint or stain to completely dry between each coat. This will allow you get exactly the shade that you want. Once finished, all that you have left to do is clean up, and install the mattresses. Congratulations, you have now finished building a bunk bed. Keep in mind that this bed will be extremely heavy when assembled, and should be completely sturdy. All in all, it is pretty much perfect for a couple of rambunctious children to play around on.