Surf Bus or Van Loft Bed
Dream kids beds can come true! This DIY surf bus or van loft bed is easy to build with step by step plans, including diagrams, shopping list and cut list. Average cost: $225 in materials
Specifications
| Project type | Beds and Bed Frames |
|---|---|
| Room | Bedroom |
| Style | Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
3 sheets of 1/4" to 1/2” plywood, paneling or MDF (this is just decorative cover of the bus part)
16 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
5 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x6 @ 10 feet long
2- 1x2 @ 8 feet long (for front grill)
8 - Lag bolts (4” bolts) – the bed deck is easily removable (can also just use 3" screws to attach together)
2-1/2" pocket hole screws
1-1/4" finish nails or screws (for attaching plywood)
2" wood screws (for attaching upper rails)
Cut List
BED PLATFORM
2 - 2x4 @ 39"
2 - 2x4 @ 72"
3 - 2x4 @ 36"
1 - 1/2" plywood or MDF @ 39" x 75"
BED LEGS
8 - 2x4 @ 73"
8 - 2x4 @ 17"
4 - 2x4 @ 39" (end supports)
UPPER RAILS (measure and cut to fit)
1 - 1x4 @ 75"
2 - 1x3 @ 75"
1 - 1x4 @ 54 1/2"
2 - 1x3 @ 54-1/2"
1 - 1x4 @ 42-3/4"
2 - 1x3 @ 42-3/4"
1 - 1x4 @ 43-1/2"
2 - 1x3 @ 43-1/2"
BOTTOM PLYWOOD
4 - 1/2" plywood or MDF @ 29" x 24"
2 - 1/2" plywood or MDF @ 29" x 43"
LADDER
2 - 1x6 @ 56-1/2" (shortest point measurement, bottom end cut at 5 degrees off square)
4 - 1x6 @ 15-1/2"
ACCESSORIES
Wheels are 16" diameter circles cut from the plywood scraps
Grill is 4 - 1x2 @ 32" and 2 - 1x4 @ 9"
Bumpers are 2x4 - cut to fit Headlights are 4" and 6" rounds (can cut from plywood or try craft stores for precut wood rounds)
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- circular saw
- jigsaw
- nailer
- sander
- countersink drill bit
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Frame up the bed platform with 2x4s. Use 1-1/2" setting on your pocket hole jig to drill holes, and attach with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.
Step 2
Attach 1/2" plywood or MDF to top of framing. Use either glue and 1-1/4" finish nails or 2" wood screws.
Step 3
Build four legs as shown in diagram with 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.
Step 4
Mark each of the leg sets at the height you want the bed. Then attach the bed platform to the legs from the inside with 2-1/2" screws or lag bolts.
Step 5
Step 6
Next attach the end rails to the legs and side rails with the 2" wood screws.
Step 7
Drill 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x4 bottom supports and attach with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.
Step 8
Cover the base of the bed in plywood or MDF - use the 2" wood screws if you need the pieces to be easy to disassemble. Otherwise you can use nails and glue.
Step 9
Cut the wheels out of scrap plywood and attach to side panels. Use a single bolt in the center if you'd like those wheels to spin.
Cut to fit bumpers for the front and back.
Build the grill with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and attach with finsih nails and glue to front. Headlights are 4" and 6" rounds that can be cut from plywood.
Step 11
For the ladder, attach the rungs on underside with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and glue. Round top edge with jigsaw. Attach with screws to inside of 2x4s on bed.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/surf-bus-or-van-loft-bed