You’ve been considering getting your kid a bunk bed, and you stumble across a Wood Whisperer video showcasing the construction of a bunk bed with slide. The project started when Marc’s son requested a bunk bed, and was built with Alder wood from a local supplier. The bunk bed features a twin size bed on top, a full size bed on bottom, three shelves for storage, and a ladder made of multiple rails. The video goes into detail about the milling, cutting, and assembly process, as well as the use of domino joints and connector hardware for assembly.
Watching Marc and his neighbor Jim work together to build this bunk bed with slide is both inspiring and informative. The addition of curves and decorative chamfers make for a visually appealing piece of furniture, while the slide adds an element of fun for the kids. It’s clear that a lot of time and effort went into creating this bunk bed, but the end result is well worth it when you see the joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they test out the slide.
Construction Process
Constructing a bunk bed with a slide is a fun and rewarding project that involves an intricate process of milling, cutting, and assembling various components. The creation of this piece involves the use of specialized techniques such as domino joints and connector hardware for sturdy assembly. Test cuts with a dado stack on a table saw are crucial to ensuring a perfect flush fit for the different parts of the bed. Additionally, outboard support is vital for joint assembly to maintain stability and accuracy throughout the construction process. The incorporation of half-lap joints adds strength to the structure and eliminates the need for additional reinforcement.
Use of Domino Joints and Connector Hardware for Assembly
Utilizing domino joints and connector hardware in the assembly of the bunk bed ensures strong and durable connections between the various components. These techniques allow for precise alignment and secure fastening, resulting in a stable and long-lasting final product.
Test Cuts with Dado Stack on Table Saw for Perfect Flush Fit
Performing test cuts with a dado stack on a table saw is essential to achieve a seamless and precise fit between the different parts of the bunk bed. This process helps in ensuring that all components align correctly, resulting in a smooth and seamless finish.
Outboard Support Critical for Joint Assembly
The use of outboard support during joint assembly is vital for maintaining stability and accuracy throughout the construction process. Outboard support helps in preventing movement or misalignment of components, ensuring that the bunk bed is structurally sound and secure.
Half-Lap Joint Strong and Doesn’t Need Additional Reinforcement
Incorporating half-lap joints in the construction of the bunk bed adds strength to the structure without the need for additional reinforcement. This type of joint provides a sturdy connection between components, enhancing the overall durability and stability of the bunk bed.
Materials Used
Choosing the right materials is crucial in the construction of a bunk bed with a slide. The materials used in this project include high-quality alder wood sourced from a local supplier, maple boards for slats and the construction of the slide, 3/4-inch plywood for slide stock, solid wood trim for supporting shelves and the slide, and Rubio Monocoat walnut oil finish with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for a beautiful and environmentally friendly finish.
Alder Wood from Local Supplier Austin Hardwoods
Alder wood sourced from a local supplier, such as Austin Hardwoods, provides high-quality and versatile material for constructing the bunk bed. Alder is known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent choice for this project.
Maple Boards Used for Slats and Construction of Slide
Maple boards are used for creating slats and constructing the slide of the bunk bed. Maple is a sturdy and attractive wood choice that adds a beautiful finish to the bed while ensuring structural integrity and longevity.
3/4-Inch Plywood Used for Slide Stock
The use of 3/4-inch plywood for the slide stock of the bunk bed provides a strong and stable foundation for the slide. Plywood is a durable and cost-effective material that is ideal for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing components.
Solid Wood Trim for Support on Shelves and Slide
Incorporating solid wood trim for supporting shelves and the slide adds structural reinforcement and visual appeal to the bunk bed. Solid wood trim enhances the overall design and ensures that the bed is sturdy and well-supported.
Rubio Monocoat Walnut Oil Finish with Low VOCs
Applying Rubio Monocoat walnut oil finish with low VOCs to the bunk bed provides a beautiful and environmentally friendly finish. This finish enhances the natural beauty of the wood while protecting it from wear and tear, creating a lasting and elegant look.
Design Features
The bunk bed with a slide features a twin-size bed on top and a full-size bed on the bottom, offering versatile sleeping options for children. Three shelves provide ample storage space for toys, books, or other items, while the ladder made of multiple rails adds functionality and aesthetic appeal. The addition of a slide offers a fun and exciting element to the bed, enhancing playtime and creating a unique and enjoyable experience for children.
Curves and Decorative Chamfers for Visual Appeal
Incorporating curves and decorative chamfers in the design of the bunk bed adds visual appeal and style to the overall look of the piece. These design features enhance the aesthetic quality of the bed and contribute to a more attractive and eye-catching appearance.
Assembly Process
Assembling a bunk bed with a slide is a comprehensive process that requires careful planning and precision. This project is best completed as a two-person job to ensure efficiency and accuracy throughout the assembly process. Notch cuts with a 30-degree angle on rail tops are essential for achieving a flush fit, while scribe lines made with a knife help maintain accuracy and prevent tearing. Additionally, topcoating the slide with table top epoxy provides wear protection, ensuring the longevity and durability of the slide.
Notch Cut by Hand with 30-Degree Angle on Rail Top for Flush Fit
Hand-cutting notches with a 30-degree angle on rail tops is crucial for achieving a flush fit in the assembly of the bunk bed. This precise cutting technique ensures that the different components align perfectly, resulting in a seamless and sturdy structure.
Scribe Lines with Knife for Accuracy and Tear Prevention
Creating scribe lines with a knife is a technique used to maintain accuracy and prevent tearing during the assembly process. By marking precise lines on the wood, you can ensure that components fit together smoothly and securely, enhancing the overall quality of the bunk bed.
Slide Rail to Legs Bolt Connection Planned
Planning the slide rail to legs bolt connection is essential for ensuring a secure and stable attachment of the slide to the bed frame. By carefully designing and implementing this connection, you can guarantee that the slide functions properly and safely.
Topcoat with Table Top Epoxy for Slide Wear Protection
Applying a topcoat of table top epoxy to the slide provides essential wear protection, ensuring that the slide surface remains durable and resistant to damage. This protective coating enhances the lifespan and usability of the slide, making it a long-lasting and reliable feature of the bunk bed.
Finishing Touches
The finishing touches of the bunk bed with a slide are essential for adding aesthetic appeal and structural integrity to the piece. Neighbor Jim’s assistance with glue-up stress, the use of epoxy for tricky plywood glue-up, shaping the ends of the rails for safety and aesthetics, matching finish with Rubio Monocoat walnut oil, and the Rocketskate video bed install with slide leg glued on location are all crucial aspects of completing the bunk bed project.
Neighbor Jim Helps with Glue-up Stress
Neighbor Jim’s assistance with glue-up stress provides valuable support and expertise in handling challenging aspects of the construction process. Collaborating with others, such as helpful neighbors, can make the project more manageable and enjoyable.
Epoxy Used for Tricky Plywood Glue-up
The use of epoxy for tricky plywood glue-up helps in overcoming challenges and ensuring a secure and durable bond between components. Epoxy is a reliable adhesive that provides strength and stability, particularly in complex or unconventional glue-up situations.
Ends of Rails Shaped for Safety and Aesthetics
Shaping the ends of the rails for safety and aesthetics is an important consideration in the finishing touches of the bunk bed. By carefully designing and refining the rail ends, you can enhance both the visual appeal and safety features of the bed, creating a more polished and professional look.
Matching Finish with Rubio Monocoat Walnut Oil
Matching the finish with Rubio Monocoat walnut oil not only enhances the beauty of the bunk bed but also provides protective benefits. Rubio Monocoat walnut oil finish offers a high-quality and environmentally friendly finish that brings out the natural characteristics of the wood while ensuring long-lasting durability.
Rocketskate Video Bed Install with Slide Leg Glued on Location
The Rocketskate video bed install with the slide leg glued on location showcases a step-by-step process of assembling and installing the bunk bed with a slide. This detailed video demonstration offers valuable insights and tips for completing the project successfully, ensuring a professional and visually appealing final result.
Slide Construction
Building the slide for the bunk bed is a key component of the overall design, offering children an exciting and interactive feature to enjoy. Solid stock trimming for durability ensures that the slide is sturdy and reliable, while long-set epoxy is used for tricky plywood glue-up, providing a strong and durable bond. Testing the slide with children expressing joy and excitement showcases the fun and engaging nature of the bunk bed with a slide, highlighting its appeal and functionality as a unique piece of furniture.
Check out our latest video! “Bunk Bed With Slide – Built with a crap-ton of Alder from my local supplier Austin Hardwoods, this bed is big, heavy, and takes a while to build. But the smile on your kid’s face makes it work every second of effort. Plans can be downloaded from our website.”
Watch it here: