My intention is to create a thorough write-up on the clubhouse bed I made for Evan, but until I get around to it, here’s a little bit of information on the project.
Status: In use, but not really done
Project cost: ~$200
Interior dimensions: 78″ long x 42″ wide x 42″ tall
Exterior dimensions: 79-1/2″ long x 43-1/4″ wide x 84″ tall (excluding roof overhangs)
Evan’s clubhouse bed is designed for twin-size bed on both bottom and top bunks. If two bunks aren’t needed, the top or bottom can be a play area instead.
I constructed the bed out of 7 sheets of 1/2″ plywood, using 2×2s for supports, attachment points, etc. I didn’t think those materials would be strong enough, but it won’t wiggle at all and easily supports my weight on the top bunk. The roof is made from 1×4s and a 1×6 and uses 1×2s to simulate the exposed ends of the rafters. The trim is mostly 1/2″ x 1-1/2″ pine, but since trim is expensive I just made it from 2×4s by ripping them with a table saw and routing the edges. I used mostly 1-5/8″ square drive wood screws to hold things together.
I assembled everything down in the garage, not counting the trim. Since it’s way too big to fit through doorways, I took each panel apart and we carefully sanded, primed and painted everything. Finally, I assembled the bed in Evan’s room and installed the trim. Much of the trim will have to come off if we’re going to move it out of that room.
My sister-in-law has painted some signs for the walls, and I need to make some roof material. I plan to use regular birch underlayment stained to look like cedar shingles. I’ll cut it into the shape of shingles and make a panel to tack on the roof surface. We’ve also got some rope light which we’ll attach inside to provide some light. When Evan gets older I’ll put on a ladder up to the top bunk and a railing along the top bunk. If we had more room, we would have made stairs for him to get up there.
Evan seems to like his bed. He sleeps in it now (though sometimes he needs company in there) and likes to dive through the windows!
Visit the photo gallery to see all of the pictures of the clubhouse bed.
Required tools:
- Drill/driver
- Circular saw
- Tape measure
- Square
- Level
- Sander
Tools to make life easier:
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