New Bed for the Boys

Post by: Vicki

This past March, grandsons Tyler & Andrew, started sharing a room due to the new addition of a baby sister. 
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​In anticipation of the move, I was charged with finding a bunk bed. As luck would have it, I was first to respond to a totally free bunk bed listed on Craigslist. Although it wasn’t exactly what Ashley wanted, we felt it could be “hacked” to make it work. In the meantime, another bed came up on Craigslist which was perfect without any modifications. We sold the first on CL, which made enough to pay for the second one. My sister gave them a twin size bed, so the boys were good to go and excited about their new room.

2 packages of 1/2" galvanized 2 hold pipe holders were purchased: $4.52. Screws are not included.

Tyler is in the top bunk—he really wanted a fort up there. With a few pieces of PVC flexible pipe, some “U” brackets, fabric, and large binder clips, the fort came together, and he found it to be perfect! (Update: Tyler has found it too warm in the tent so the covering has been removed. A new "mesh" covering is in the works.)

Oma was a little anxious about the ladder situation so I suggested using the Ikea Trofast in Pine to function as steps. The bed was pulled away from the wall and the Trofast “steps” were wedged between the wall and end of the bed. With the top bunk off-set just a bit, it makes for a safer climb up and down into the top bunk. A large handle was added to the “steps” and sliders added to the underside of the unit to allow it to be pulled out easily for storage of out of season clothes and unused toys.

The former ladder got up-cycled into a blanket holder in baby sister’s room.