Essential Low Bunk Bed
This bed is built with 2×6 and 2×4 boards, and is very sturdy and well planned. Please watch the build video of the low loft bed, it is very similar in steps:
Essential Low Loft Bed
Why a Low Loft Bed?
Low loft beds are gaining in popularity because they create more floor space for storage underneath, but are still easy to get in and out of an change sheets and make the bed.
I also love the low loft bed for toddlers, since the enclosed mattress has a crib-like feel, keeps pillows and blankets on the bed, and is the perfect height for tucking in littles.
Why Build a Low Loft Bed?
You can save money. There are many options for buying a low loft bed, but by building your own you can save hundreds (even thousands!) of dollars. This low loft bed cost about $50 in lumber to make.
You’ll get a more durable end product. Our homebuilt option is VERY sturdy, suitable for even young adults.
You get to customize it. We love that by building it yourself you get to choose your finish and can easily customize the storage options underneath.
And it’s pretty easy to build. Most store bought options you’d have to assemble anyway. In this well thought out and tested plan, we make it as easy as possible to build your own low loft bed.
Build Video for Low Loft Bed
Don’t just take my word for it – watch me build this low loft bed! It took me about two hours to cut and build this bed. Painting is definitely the hardest part, but if you prefinish your boards, you’ll save a ton of time.
Video coming soon
Add on Plans and Customizations
The big benefit of a low loft bed is the added storage space underneath. We will be adding plans for storage underneath, as well as a bunk bed option.
You can make this bed into a regular height loft bed, but the bottom of the legs will need some supports at the bottom of the legs.
Essential Entryway Shelf with Hooks
An good entryway or mudroom system is critical for an organized home. You need to know where things are, where they belong, so you can come and go without searching for misplaced items, or wondering where to put things.
Why This Entryway Set is Essential
There are many ways to organize an entryway – everything from built in cabinetry to eclectic solutions. But this system – what I call our “Essential Entryway System” is one I keep coming back to.
- Because it works in small spaces, and in big spaces.
- Because it works in modern spaces, and farmhouse spaces.
- Because it works when you are renting or a homeowner – it is not a permanent fixture.
- Because it works in front entryways and separate mudrooms.
- Because it’s easy to modify in size.
- Because it has the right storage for just about any climate and family situation. I use it and I live in Alaska with three kids.
- This system – the wall organizer and matching bench – can work for almost everyone in almost any home.
Why Not a Built-In Mudroom?
For this space, I thought long and hard about adding a full built-in mudroom solution. You know I do love me some built-in mudroom cabinetry.
But ultimately decided against that, since a built-in system would close off and make the space feel smaller. And since this is the main entryway (not a separate mudroom) I did not want it to feel like a back mudroom entrance.
Entryway Shelf with Hooks Build Video
We took the time to create a video showing how this shelf was built. But in the video, I did not like how the inside supports were added, so I updated this plan to a better method.
This plan is for just the wall shelf with hooks. You can find the matching bench plans here.
Beam Ledge Shelves
Reader submitted photo by ANACPOLAK shown in modified length.
Easiest Industrial Cart
This is a fun simple project with big impact! I love the mix of wood and metal.
Oh did I mention it only took 2 hours from start to finish, one board, one stick of “angle aluminum” and some screws!
Well, it actually goes finish first on this one! The first step was to cut down my 2 x 12 into 3 pieces at 31 1/2” (so I could get three shelves out of one 8 foot long board). I gave them a good sanding and stained them.
I used Carrington by RustOleum – it’s got a slight reddish tint, very pretty!
Now for the aluminum angle. You can find it at most any hardware store, and it’s pretty inexpensive –
Aluminum angle comes in precut sizes, but mine were 48″ in length, so I decided to cut them in half.
The best way I’ve found to cut aluminum angle is with a jigsaw with a metal blade.
Just clamp the aluminum angle down,
And it cuts like butter!
Even easier than cutting wood!
Then it was time add the aluminum angle to the boards.
I set my 3 boards on their side on a couple sawhorses, set the first aluminum piece flush with the top and bottom board.
Then I predrilled through just the aluminum where I wanted to place my self tapping screws,
One on each side of the angle piece.
I did the top board first and then the bottom. I measured and marked the middle of the angle piece and set the center of the middle 2 x 12 board and did the same, predrilled and sunk my self tapping screws.
I did the same for all four sides. Almost done.
Then I just needed to add these sweet casters! I used 1 1/4” self tapping screws here.
I flipped it up and stood back to admire.
AMAZING! It’s really is amazing what 2 hours and few materials can make!
Can I Build This Bigger?
Yes! You can build this project in different sizes. Check out the brag posts for some inspiration. But do keep in mind a 2×12 can span about 4 feet before it starts to sag. And also as you go taller, there might be some wobble – consider adding flat metal bar to the back to create structure as done here:
Photo submitted by JOSS