DIY Dad Creates Futuristic Bunkbed From Scratch For Just £280, Saving £100s

22 April 2022 at 4:00 pm

John Barnfather, 33, wanted to make something really special for his sons
He decided to build an amazing futuristic bunkbed for his kids from scratch
The creation cost him just £280, with similar shop-bought bunkbeds costing as much as £750

If a simple bunkbed won’t cut it for your kids’ room, get inspired by this incredible creation.

John Barnfather, 33, a dad of three and medical imaging engineer from Brighouse, wanted to make something really special for his sons.

He decided to build an amazing futuristic bunkbed for his kids from scratch.

The creation cost him just £280, with similar shop-bought bunkbeds costing as much as £750.

John told money-saving Facebook group DIY On A Budget UK: "I decided to build the bunkbeds because I wanted something fun and different for my children.

"The idea was just a spur of the moment one.

"I thought about circle holes first but ended up with this design.

“The rounded edges make it look interesting and also make it safer than having a square edge.

"The lights idea came from noticing how dark it looked so they would not be able to read a book at bedtime.

“This is also one of the reasons I choose bright colours for inside.

"I used C16 CLS timber for the frame, 18mm MDF for the front panel, 9mm MDF for the inside and the rest of the outside panels, wood screws, 4x12v small spot lights and a transformer from Amazon, 2x12v switches from Amazon, paint, some wire and a soldering iron, but the lights should only be done by someone who understands electrics.

"I first measured the mattresses and built a frame around those measurements.

"I then added supports to the frame, paying particular attention to securing the top bunk.

"After completing the frame with supports I tested its strength by putting mattresses on the frame and having two adults sit on the top bunk.

"After this I added the external panels and secured them loosely in place using a few screws.

"I then ran the wiring and the lights to position followed by placing the interior panels in place with a few screws.

"After this I removed all the panels and painted them.

"I then placed the panels back on and secured them properly.

"I then marked my front panel design and drilled a large hole in the middle of it.

"I worked the jigsaw out from this position to cut out the design.

"I then sanded down the edges and painted the front panels.

"After this I placed the mattresses in place and secured the front panels.

"I then secured the steps in places and added grip tape to each step and finally touched up any bits that needed paint.

“My tips for people would be to take your time and plan beforehand.

"I added 20mm extra to the length and width of mattress to make it easier to change the sheets.

"It was a great feeling when it was done.

"It’s something I made for my children and I even added some hidden messages on the inside of the woodwork telling them how much I love them.

“They will probably never see it but I know it’s there.

"All in, including the bedding which was £12 each from Amazon, it cost £280.

"Before I decided to make this I was looking at some bunk beds for around £750 and I prefer these more as they mean something!”

Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “This bunkbed is super-cool: John’s kids must love bedtime!

“They’re so lucky that their dad has spent time, blood, sweat and tears making such a special creation for them, that no other kids in the world will have.