DIY Loft Bed Plans: How to Build a Loft Bed with Free Plans

Building a DIY loft bed is the perfect way to save space, create a study nook, and give kids a fun sleeping area. In this tutorial, I’ll show you step by step how to build a loft bed with free plans and a full how-to tutorial.

I belive this DIY Loft bed is the fourth bed that I’ve built for my 9-year-old daughter! She asked to move to my oldest son’s room and she specifically asked for a Loft Bed with a desk underneath. With the new remote learning going on, I thought it was a great opportunity to get her excited for learning at home! So, I got busy designing and building! This is a massive project but it’s an easy build! I have broken it up into two parts. Today I’m sharing part one and will guide you through until the frame assembly! Watch the video below for Part 1!

Why Build a DIY Loft Bed?

A loft bed is a great space-saving piece of furniture because it can combine multiple pieces into one design. It’s also customizable to fit your storage and space needs. You can combine a full-size bed with a desk and set of drawers, one full-size bed with a twin bed underneath with a desk or set of drawers or a bed over two desks or two sets of drawers. The possibilities are endless and it’s a great piece for remote learning, sharing a room, adding more space to kids/teens room and it looks great!

DIY Loft Bed Plans (Free Printable + How-to Tutorial)

This loft bed is a huge piece of furniture but the price is amazing! I spent about $300 on all of the lumber and essentially go three pieces of furniture in one! A desk, set of shelves and a bed!

Click HERE to jump to the free printable plans!

You can find Part 2 of this DIY Loft Bed build HERE!

So, let’s get to building!

How to Build a DIY Loft Bed (Step-by-Step Guide)

Tools Needed for a Loft Bed Project

• Table Saw
• Miter Saw
• Drill
• Kreg Jig

Materials & Lumber List

• 4 – 2x10x8 Framing Lumber
• 14 – 2x4x8 Framing Lumber
• 11 – 2x2x8 Framing Lumber (I ripped from 2×4’s)
• 12 – 1x4x8 Pine or Common Boards
• 2 – 3/4″x48″x96″ Hardwood Plywood (I used Birch)
• 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 1 1/4″ Brad Nails
• 3″ Wood Screws
• 1 1/4″ Wood Screws
• Wood Glue

Step 1 – Build the Front and Back Loft Bed Assemblies

Cut and Prep Lumber

Cut the back assembly pieces to size and drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes according to the cut list.

• You can find our favorite Kreg Jig model here!

Assemble the Side Rails

Attach the pieces together with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Note the 2×10 board should have pocket holes facing the back.

Cut the front assembly pieces to size and drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes according to the cut list. Attach the pieces together with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Step 2 – Build the Loft Bed Side Assemblies

Measure and Cut Shelf Side Pieces

Cut the shelf side assembly to size and drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes according to the cut list. Attach the pieces together with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. The outside of the horizontal pieces should be flush with the outside edges of the legs.

Build the Desk Side of the Loft Bed

Cut the desk side assembly pieces to size and drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes according to the cut list. Attach the pieces together with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. The outside of the horizontal pieces should be flush with the outside of the legs.

Step 3 – Assemble the Loft Bed Frame

Attaching the Back of the Bed to the Wall

I installed a scrap 2×4 board to the studs behind the wall to accommodate for the thickness of my baseboards.

Attach the back assembly to the studs behind the wall with 3″ wood screws.

Connect Front, Back, and Side Panels

Attach the side assemblies to the back assembly with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Attach the front assembly to the side assemblies with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Your loft bed should look like this now!

I’ll be back with the second half of this Loft Bed soon! Make sure to share your builds with us on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share them too!

DIY Loft Bed FAQs

Download the Free DIY Loft Bed Plans