Kids' Room with Baseball Theme: Bunk Beds
From "Major League Remodel"
episode MLR-102 -- More Projects »
In this segment of Major League Remodel workshop, host Denny Janson helps Ken Griffey install bunk beds as part of the kids' room renovation. The custom-built beds are incorporated into the wood wall-paneling, and secured to the wall with wood cleats.
Materials: Bunk-bed/trundle-bed kit
2x2 lumber for wall cleats
Pneumatic nail-gun; finish nails
Hammer
Pry-bar
Chisel
Measuring tape
Level
Construction adhesive
Nails
Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools and pneumatic tools.
Steps:
- Begin the process by removing the baseboard molding (figure A) from the walls where the wood cleats will be attached. The headboard and sideboard of the bed are to be flush with the wall. Remove the molding using a pry-bar, saw and chisel.
- Measure out from the wall paneling, and mark for the placement of the wall cleats (figure B). Placement of the cleat closest to the paneling should allow for a 3/4-inch gap between the cleat and edge of the paneling. The gap will allow room for the decorative post that will be added later.
- Fasten the cleats to the wall using construction adhesive and finishing nails.
- Repeat the steps on the opposite end of the bed.
- With the cleats installed, position the headboard unit in place and attach it to the cleats (figure C).
- Corner molding can be added where the bed meets the paneling (figure D). Install the molding with finishing nails to achieve a clean, decorative finish.
- Attach the foot-board section to the cleats at the opposite end by toe-nailing with finishing nails.
- With the headboard and foot-board in place, position the center panel (figure E) and attach it directly to the wall using finishing nails.
- You can now begin installation of the side rails. Position the first bottom side-rail on the center panel, and use a carpenter's level to ensure that it is perfectly level (figure F).
- Use wood shims to hold the side-rail in position and level, and attach the side rail to the frame of the bed using a surface-mounted bed-rail bracket (figure G). Fasten the bracket to the frame and rail using wood screws.
- Repeat the process for the second (outer) bottom rail, taking into consideration the width of the bed slats (figure H).
- Repeat the steps for installation of the two rails for the top bunk (figure I).
- With all of the fixed components in place, the sliding trundle can be installed under the bottom bunk (figure J).
- Add the plywood supports and install the mattresses on the upper and lower bunks.
- Finally, install the ladder at the foot of the bunks (figure K).
The finished bunk beds, with the pull-out trundle, offers flexibility. The side rails are removable in case you ever want to convert back to a single bed.
In the segment that follows, the existing closet is converted to locker-room style storage lockers so each visiting kid can have a separate place to store his or her belongings.
RESOURCES :
Kids' Rooms: Ideas & Projects for Children's Spaces
Model: 0811828417
Author: Jennifer Ley
Chronicle Publishing Company
Website: www.chroniclebooks.com
Roadside Baseball: A Guide to Baseball Shrines Across America
Model: 0892047143
Author: Chris Epting, Joe Buck
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
Triumph and Tragedy in Mudville: A Lifelong Passion for Baseball
Model: 0393057550
Author: Stephen Jay Gould
W. W. Norton & Company
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