Easy Steps For Converting A Metal Bunk Bed Into A Loft Bed
There are mainly two reasons for converting a metal bunk bed into a loft bed: one is to create more space and the other one is that nobody sleeps on the bottom bunk. The conversion process is not too rigorous and as a result, it can be performed at home in a few very easy steps. You just need to use the right tools and technique & have a bit of time to perform this task. As soon as the bottom bunk is detached, you can then use the space beneath the loft bed into an office, a storage area, a reading nook, or even position a small couch in the space.
Things You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- Allen Wrench
- Ratchet And Sockets: Depending On The Style Of Bed
Step 1: Remove The Mattress
The first & foremost step is to get rid of the bottom bunk bed’s mattress as it is no longer required. You can take off the mattress and then use it for another twin bed, store it for extra visitors, or you can also donate it to a local thrift store.
Step 2: Disassemble The Bottom Bunk
With the help of a screwdriver, Allen wrench, or ratchets and sockets, unfasten the screws or bolts that hold on to the bed together. To find out whether you can get rid of the bottom bunk piece only, then use the right tool for the bolts or screws on your bunk bed. There are some beds where you only need to get rid of the bottom bunk without removing the remaining bed parts, however, you may have to take apart the entire bed frame, including the top bunk.
Step 3: Locate The Main Support Beams
Before putting together any of the bed parts, you need to make sure to check rigorously in order to find out where the main support beams are for the complete bed. These are the horizontal beams that generally go against the wall and keep the bed powerful and safe. Make sure to check whether those horizontal(parallel) support beams are section of the bottom bunk frame, or the bed is firm as well as safe on its own. The majority of the bunk beds have an extra support beam at the base of the bed that is not affixed to the base mattress support piece.
Step 4: Add Extra Support, If Required
If in case you get a feeling that a bed may be wobbly, that is, not entirely powerful and safe without the bottom bunk, then you need to add some extra support to the bed frame. With the help of a saw, trim the base bunk mattress support piece to one side from the main support beam you located initially. If in case this task looks difficult or you will go not to damage the option of having a bottom bunk, then buy a loft bed having the proper supports, because unsupported beds can cause serious injury to anyone mounting or sleeping on an unsecured loft bed.
Step 5: Reassemble The Bunk Bed As A Loft Bed
Once you are completely satisfied with your loft bed being supportive, safe, and super stable, then it is the time to attach back anything you detached earlier. The base mattress, as well as bed frame, should be gone, and only the vertical posts and horizontal support beams remain as they are needed for your amazing loft bed.
Step 6: Redecorate
The space that will have under your loft bed, you can utilize that space by moving things around in your room and reorganize. Make sure to be creative and use the space in order to build a whole new look.