Folding Bunk Beds
by B. Muldrow
Project Description
Two sets of folding bunk beds. Time well spent on a great father/son project.
The first wall support was plumbed and lag screwed to horizontal framing already in the wall. Once the bed frames are temporarily bolted to the wall support frames, the second wall support was lag screwed to the wall. Angle iron feet were welded to the outer wall support uprights so that concrete wedge anchors could secure the outside legs to the ground.
Toggle clamps keep the bed frames from opening or closing unless released.
We cut aluminum tread plate to fit inside the 2x2 angle iron of the bed frames and then ¾ oak plywood was placed on top for a solid base. 1” screws through the bed frame then hold the tread plate and plywood in place.
Mattresses are held in place with buckled straps 6” from each end of each mattress.
Build Process
All framing was welded from 2x2-3/16. The bed frames were made to match standard twin size mattresses. Pivot points are at 1/3 the width of the head/foot. 5/8" bolts in sleeves with lock nuts are used for pivots. There's a 7/8" washer between bed frames and support frames for clearance. The nylon lock nuts allow for precise tension for opening and closing. Stop tabs keep the beds either exactly horizontal or exactly vertical (a nut welded to the wall support stop tabs allow for precise adjustment for horizontal).
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Add Your Comment
I also love this project. I am a welding instructor and one of my students is building an enclosed trailer and would love to add these floding beds! If you have any plans we would love to see them. Thanks
J. Hrizai • Sunday, June 9, 2013 @ 2:47 PMI would love to get the plans for this. I would duplicate it for a fish camp in the keys Please email me what you are willing to part with Ken@kengolding.com
Ken • Wednesday, June 5, 2013 @ 11:36 PM