Solid Wood Bunk Beds

Most manufactured solid wood bunk beds are joined together with lag screws or bolts. A frequent complaint about beds held together this way is that they often wobble badly.
First, you should look for in solid wood bunk beds is, the use at least 1/4" carriage bolts to attach the side rails each end, when rails are attached this way they remain solid.
The next important feature to look for is, all corners of the bed should be held together using a strong triangle. What this means is, a bunk bed is similar to a large empty cardboard crate, if you push hard enough on a corner, it will collapse, unless the corners are locked into place with triangle formed trestles, similar to ones found on a bridge. If you looked under a bridge these triangle trestles are holding all the weight, which is what gives the bridge its strength.

When stress is applied to solid wood bunk beds over time, the screws begin to pull out and the bolts strip, which results in an unsafe wobbly bed and a replacement, is the only option. A triangle shaped support should also be used at each end. The final result of this type of construction is an extremely rigid sturdy bed. Most bunk bed manufactures fail to use this method because it requires more materials and higher labor cost at the factory.

Materials For Solid Wood Bunk Beds

The softer Pine is still an acceptable option in solid wood bunk beds, especially if you’re trying to match existing furniture in the room, and takes stain very well.

Finishes For Solid Wood Bunk Beds

A good finish for solid wood bunk beds should consist of a sprayed on clear lacquer. This is the perfect answer for Douglas fir, it totally seals and protects the wood, with a, clear, hard smooth finish, which lets the natural beauty of the fir show through. Maintenance is very easy; the only thing you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth.

The color is of course, a personal decision, but if you choose to stain or paint it yourself, looks for a manufacturer that offers an unfinished option, at a reduced price.