Jan 8, 2014

Storage Stair System for a Bunk or Loft Bed - Free Plans



I designed this Storage Stair System for bunk/loft beds a while back as part of a boys' room makeover at our old house.  Since then, I've gotten so much positive feedback from the project that I wanted to share my plans.  You can access the FREE PLANS for each component by clicking the links below.  I have also posted some of my plans including the plan for the Mega Mom Board at ana-white.com, the website that inspired me and gave me the confidence to tackle this project. 

 *Disclaimer:  I am not an expert, I don't pretend to be an expert.  These plans are meant to show what I did and what has worked for our situation, not what you should do.  By using these plans, you assume all risks and responsibilities and release me from any liability.  I do not guarantee them in any way.  Build at your own risk, and check for safety issues before allowing your child to use anything you build.  

Don't miss my other free plans!


Final assembly directions are below along with an illustration of the loft bead footboard that I used.  You may need to make adjustments for your specific situation.

 Step 1 Attach Steps to Bed Frame.


Step 2 **Attach Bookshelf to Bed Frame and Steps.**


Step 3 Attach Railing to Book Shelf and Steps.



 **The Back of the Book Shelf Overhangs the Back Of the Steps to Accommodate the Baseboard.


11 comments:

  1. I'm pretty excited about this because my husband and I were already discussing building new beds for the boys when we move them into their new room to make room for the new baby!

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  2. Great-Grandma Snooky would be proud of you, Amy. You take on so many rupees of projects. I can't wait to share this with the carpenters in the family. Love, Marian

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  3. Anonymous2/26/2015

    Hi, I need help!! I cant seem to find a hinge that works with the way this door opens. If I want to get clearance for the door to open up i need to leave like a 2 in gap between the thread and the stair.

    Thanks!

    Amy

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    1. I'm not exactly sure where your having trouble, but I'll take a stab at giving you an answer. Please let me know If I don't address the issue your having. The hinges I used are simple narrow utility hinges. Kind of like these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-National-Hardware-2-in-Narrow-Utility-Hinge-Non-Removable-Pin-838FSP-2-HINGE-PS/204229577 . There is a gap between the tread of the step, and the riser. I took this into account by adding a 1 x 3 as the back edge of each tread. This makes it so each tread is really made up of 2 pieces with the hinge in between them. The back 1 x 3, and the front which is 16 3/4" deep for the top step, and 10 3/4 " deep for the other step.

      The only other bit of info that I can add is use hinges that have "ears/wings", you know the part with the holes for screws, that are as wide as you wood is thick. The "ears" attach to the sides of each piece of wood, where they butt together, and the barrel of the hinge pokes up slightly above the boards. This creates a slight gap between the boards, but it should be less than 1/4 ". Please let me know if this answers your question.

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  4. i was having the same trouble trying to find hinges that work without leaving a gap between the 1x3 and the tread.

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  5. I saw your plans on Ana White's site, and followed a link from there to here. Then, in the midst of my loft-bed-with-stairs researching, I came across this: https://www.elitedecore.com/item--Solid-Wood-Custom-Made-Stairs-For-Bunk-Or-Loft-Bed-With-Door--303usm.html

    If they're using your image (and perhaps your plans) with your permission, then cool. Otherwise, REALLY not cool, and thought you ought to know (trolls, dungeon, etc).

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    1. O.K. Wow! Thank you so much for making me aware of this. You are right, totally not cool for using my image. Since the plans are posted on Ana's site, they are free for anyone to use however they like as per her user agreement, but I will definitely follow up with that company to get my image removed.

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  6. Thanks for the great idea. My daughter is getting ready for college, will be living at home, and wanted her room to feel more like a dorm. She wanted a loft, but didn't want a ladder. Your stairs were the perfect solution. I used your plans with only a few minor alterations on dimensions to fit my space and to use some pre-cut lumber to cut down on my opportunities to make mistakes. I have included a link to a shared photo album with a few pictures of the finished product. https://goo.gl/photos/f9Denmmy9Upivw9NA
    Also, when I shared the photos on Facebook, I included a link to your blog, giving you credit for the stair and railing plans.
    Thanks again!!

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  7. How many pieces of plywood did you use for just the stairs

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- Amy