Bunk Bed Design Question

[Samson J. Loo]

I am in the process of designing a bunk-bed for my kids who are six and three. If I use the dimensions in my model I would only need four cut sizes: 59.5", 28", 4.5" & 8" using (15x) 2x4 and (4x) 2x6 of select pine. This would roughly cost me about $75 for materials. The question I have is, would pocket pole joinery in conjunction with wood glue be strong enough and should the pocket holes be visible from the top or from the bottom of the mattress support slats? These are my kids so I just want to be safe.

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi Samson, although pocket hole jointery is a very strong joint I would definately not depend on the joint to be strong enough even with wood glue.  Due to the weight and continued stress applied to the jointery of the bunk bed by even the normal turning over and getting in and out of bed will take its toll on the joinery.  It is best to use a through bolt construction on the frame work of the main support post and horizonal frame members.

In answer to your question about the location of the pocket holes in tht slats, since the stress in downward it is stronger if you drill the pocket holes under the bottom of the slat.  I also would apply an additional horizonal member under the slats once the slats are screwed in place.  You do not have to glue this additonal member as several well placed screws will added an extra margin of safety.  

There are several other posts on the community related to this topic and provides you with a good amount of knowledge from the combined members posts.  It is all worth reading as it is better to be safe than to have an accident.  Have a Great Day....

 

[KregRep]

Hi Samson. Sorry I didn't reply to you sooner. Jay is right (as always). Pocket joints are very strong, but for a bunk bed, you need more. Through bolting and bracing, as Jay said, is the best to ensure adequate strength for the bes supports, etc. If you want to use pocket joinery on some of the other areas, that would work. You might even look at theKreg Jig HD.

KregRep

[Samson J. Loo]

Thank you Jay. I am going to revamp my model a bit to accommodate the support member for the bed slats. In addition I will definitely be using bolts to fasten the main frame. I really appreciate the information!

Jay Boutwell said:

Hi Samson, although pocket hole jointery is a very strong joint I would definately not depend on the joint to be strong enough even with wood glue.  Due to the weight and continued stress applied to the jointery of the bunk bed by even the normal turning over and getting in and out of bed will take its toll on the joinery.  It is best to use a through bolt construction on the frame work of the main support post and horizonal frame members.

In answer to your question about the location of the pocket holes in tht slats, since the stress in downward it is stronger if you drill the pocket holes under the bottom of the slat.  I also would apply an additional horizonal member under the slats once the slats are screwed in place.  You do not have to glue this additonal member as several well placed screws will added an extra margin of safety.  

There are several other posts on the community related to this topic and provides you with a good amount of knowledge from the combined members posts.  It is all worth reading as it is better to be safe than to have an accident.  Have a Great Day....

 

[Samson J. Loo]

I'll look into the HD, will it work with my K4 system?

KregRep said:

Hi Samson. Sorry I didn't reply to you sooner. Jay is right (as always). Pocket joints are very strong, but for a bunk bed, you need more. Through bolting and bracing, as Jay said, is the best to ensure adequate strength for the bes supports, etc. If you want to use pocket joinery on some of the other areas, that would work. You might even look at theKreg Jig HD.

KregRep

[KregRep]

The HD will work with your K4, and can be used on its own. I hope you'll share photos of your bunk beds here on the Community when you get them done. We'd love to see them!

KregRep

[joseph]

A bunk bed for kids is a necessity nowadays.When building a bunk bed, special attention must be paid to safety because the bed will not be subject to quality control testing like beds created in factories. Safety tips to keep in mind when building and/or maintaining beds created with you bunk bed plan begin with making sure the top bunk has guard rails on all four sides. It is critical to ensure that the mattress fits snugly on all sides of the bed, and that the bed frame is sturdy.