Well, first of all, before we turn a bunk bed into a loft bed, let’s ask this:
Do you already have a bunk bed? If not, I would suggest checking out convertible bunk beds first, and see if something suits your tastes 😉
It will be a better option than manually removing stuff from your bunk beds, as the stability can be hindered.
So in case, you haven’t bought anything yet, and you want a bunk bed that can be turned into a loft bed, check out this one:
Twin Bunk Bed with Desk and Bookshelf specs
Dimensions: 78.7″ x 72.9″ x 68.8″
Weight Capacity: 220lbs per bunk is recommended
Item Weight: 160-170lbs
Colors: White
Material: Engineered pinewood
Suitable Mattress: Bunk Bed Mattress
I recommend this bunk bed if you definitely need a bunk bed that can be converted into a simple loft bed. The bed underneath is easily removable without you needing to use screwdrivers or cordless drills.
The ladder is also separate from the lower bunk bed, meaning that you won’t have to purchase a separate ladder.
It looks stylish and is sturdy enough for lots of customization.
What if you want to convert an existing bunk bed into a loft bed?
Then you will have to do some manual labor. This method will keep the bunk bed stylish while making sure it isn’t unstable.
You will need:
- Screwdriver or cordless drill.
- A long wooden blank, preferably the same color as the bed.
- 4 screws.
It will also depend on whether the ladder on the bunk bed is angled or straight 90 degrees.
If it is 90 degrees, then it’s best if it’s on the side, as opposed to the front:
PICTURE
Otherwise, you will have to figure out a new climbing method. If that is the case, I’d recommend buying a new angled ladder altogether.
But, back to business:
Instructions for conversion
To turn a bunk bed into a loft bed, you need to:
- Remove the mattress and the slats.
- Remove the front side rail.
- Attach the wooden blank to the backside of the bunk bed.
1. Remove the mattress and the slats.
I would keep the mattress just in case there are unexpected guests, but it does take a lot of room. Do with it as you will.
2. Remove the front side rail
To do that, you might have to disassemble the bunk bed to a certain degree. It will help you with removing the front side rail. Just take off all the wooden parts that are connected to the side rail, and put the mattress with the slats away.
Be careful not to put any pressure or bend the structure, as it leaves unnoticed cracks, which in turn compromises the whole structure once you put everything back together.
3. Attach the wooden blank to the back
That is done for no other reason but to stabilize the whole structure. After you removed the front side rail, it has less stability when someone is wobbling on the upper level.
By attaching the blank as it’s shown in the picture (colored red), the whole bunk bed gains back the necessary stability. Even more than before, I would say.
Now you are done! Just make sure that the ladder is positioned properly (an angled one is best) and you are good to go.
What if you don’t want the hassle and thinking of buying a real loft bed?
Then, I would recommend checking out this one:
Twin-Size High Loft Bed
Dimensions: 81.5” L x 59.5” W x 68.5” H
Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Item Weight: 160-170lbs
Colors: White, Grey, Brown
Material: Engineered pinewood
Suitable Mattress: Bunk Bed Mattress
I recommend this one if you want a strong bunk bed, that does not sway, and is already equipped with shelves and a desk with a similar design.
I have recommended the Max&Lily brand for a while now, and they are currently one of the strongest bunk bed brands on the market. Luckily, they also have a loft bed category, and this one is definitely a quality product.
It doesn’t look too flashy, yet it delivers in the sturdiness department and is comfortable enough for both kids and adults.
Harper & Bright Loft Bed
Dimensions: 79.5″L x 57.1″W x 65.7″H
Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Item Weight: 218lbs
Colors: White, Grey
Material: Pinewood + MDF
Suitable Mattress: Bunk Bed Mattress
Let me show you another loft bed variant, that has more customization options in terms of design. I chose this one due to its very comfortable stair placement. If you want more storage space instead, you can opt for something else.
That choice is given to you at the checkout!
This loft bed is also a lot bigger as well since the upped bed is “full” size. Meaning the one who sleeps above will have lots of movement space.
The only downside is that they use regular pinewood. It’s the most popular one with bunk beds, but it does come with the downside of not being as strong as hardwood alternatives. The price is significantly cheaper though.
But, despite that, it definitely gets my seal of approval should you go with it.
If you have any questions or something to add, leave them down in the comments and I’ll get to them!
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