The Ultimate Double Loft Bed Build

It is time to get into my boys room! I already finished the closet. Check it out HERE. I will be honest, when I started this room, I was not sure if the room design was going to match the closet… so I guess we will see where it takes us! What I did know, was that they wanted a loft bed. But because my boys will be sharing a room, I needed to make it a double loft bed! So let’s get into it!

Step 1: Plan out your Double Loft Bed Build

If you have been here for a while, you should know my planning is very detailed. I decide what I want to make, I stare at the space for a minute to visualize it, then I take a measuring tape and wood and start cutting and installing. Thats it. Thats my whole planning process. haha! I am not a planner. In fact, when I plan, it stresses me out and I don’t do anything, so I just start and figure it out along the way.

Step 2: Frame out the double loft bed

Now that I know the measurements the platform of the beds need to be, I started assembling them. Using 2×4, I cut the width and length and screwed them together to form a rectangle. Then I made another one, because remember, we are making TWO loft beds, side by side.

Once the frames were built, I hung them on the wall. I used my stud finder to find the studs and used 3 inch screws and drilled through the frame into the studs. I did this on all the studs I could to make sure the frame was secure. BUT, I did not stop there. I also installed a lag bolt on each stud to ensure the frame was not going anywhere.

Next step on the frame is to install the “joists”. The horizontal pieces of wood spanning form the front to the back of the frame. To do so, I installed hidden joist hangers on the insides of the 2×4’s, then put the joist in and secured them all in place.

Step 3: Ladder frame

I was originally planning on building stairs in the space between the beds for the boys to get on the beds. Unfortunately, the space between the 2 beds is about 10 inches and that just isn’t enough for stairs. Instead, I will build a ladder for them to use to access the beds from.

Take 2 pieces of 2×4 and put them on the corners of the frame, extending to the floor. This is what will hold this corner of the bed up and be the frame for the ladder. I did one on the inside of the corner to the ground, securing it from the outside of the frame. The second went from the bottom of the frame to the floor. I secured that one to the first 2×4.

To connect the 2 bed platforms, I installed a few 2×4’s to act as joists, holding them together. I then covered the front of the ladder portion with plywood.

Step 4: DESK!

Behind the ladder I am building a floating desk for the boys to share. I used a 1×2 on the back side of ladder post and the wall, then put a piece of plywood on it. Using more 1×2 I trimmed out the raw edges of the desk, simply nailing them in place.

I then added trim around the bottom of the ladder post. I used the same baseboard that is in the rest of the room.

Step 5: Double Loft Bed Sides

For the railing on these I am making a unique, non traditional railing. I put 1×12, on the front of where the mattresses will go. I nailed them on from the front, then secured them with screws from the back.

In real life, I did this part later, but I could have done it now. I just was not sure what to do so I needed some time to think about it. The space between the 2 sides was so close that it did not really give them room to climb up and down. So I decide to cut out the corners to have a little detail that would open them up. I used my jig saw to cut the first out. I then used the piece that I just cut out as a stencil for the second so that they would match, then cut that one out too.

Step 6: Finish work and paint

When I tell you the finish work on this bed is going to take forever, I mean it! I used Bondo on the holes and seams, because it dries fast and hard and is less likely to crack overtime. However, the fumes are strong! So be sure to wear a mask if you use it. I then sanded it all smooth.

Next, I used caulk on all the spots that 2 pieces of wood met at an angle.

Now on to primer! I use BIN Primer. Remember, Anytime you are painting raw wood you need to PRIME IT FIRST! Don’t just use a paint+primer. I suggest a coat of primer, then sand it with 220 grit, then prime it again.

Finally! It’s time to paint! I only painted the ladder column right now. I used the same black that I used on the secret door to the closet. Its Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams. It is my favorite black!

Step 7: Ladder Rungs

Time to install the ladder, I will be honest. The ones I picked were not cheap, but matched the inspiration so perfectly, so I splurged on them, and I am glad I did! I love how they look!

Simply level them and space them correctly, and screw them in using the provided hardware.

I also installed side bars to help them climb the ladder easier.

Step 8: Platform

We had an electrician come wire up some lights on these beds, so I had to wait to put the platform on. But once that was done, I put the plywood on the platform and screwed it in place.

Step 9: Stain

I stained the desk, and side rail pieces. As always when you are staining wood, be sure to use a pre stain or a wood conditioner before you apply the stain. It will make the stain appear more even. Once that is dry, then you can apply the stain. Be sure to apply the stain in the the direction of the grain.

Step 10: Ship Lap

I added ship lap to the back wall. Pro tip – If you are painting the ship lap a color other than whatever color it is, paint the seams of the as you install it. I promise, getting in all the little cracks is such a pain and takes so much time. I also would recommend using ship lap on the bottom side of the beds to close it in, however, I did not have enough and did not want to buy more, so I used wood I already had in my garage, and stained it the same color as the railing and desk.

Step 11: Trim

For the railing wanted to do something unique. I found this rope and it was perfect! To install it, I added 1×2 to the inside base of the railing for the rope to attach to. I also installed a mini trim piece to the corners of the ship lap wall.

Step 12: Paint the double loft bed

Now it was time to paint and wrap this project up! I painted the ship lap wall and the bed platform the same black I painted the Secret Door, and the ladder column.

Step 13: Finishing work

To finish up the bed, I installed the rope railing, decorations and of course the mattresses! Then it was time for the BIG reveal! There is something so empowering about seeing my vision come to life on my own. This is the most popular room in our house right now and I hope this becomes a core memory for my kids.