Under Loft Bed Tall Bookcase

Step 1

This bed was very much inpsired by Pottery Barn Teen’s Sleep and Study Loft. According to Pottery Barn Teen, their bed was made of: Frame: Pine Panels: MDF with veneers Slats: Pine Drawer Box: Plywood Shelves: MDF with veneers Knobs: Pine Ladder: Pine This is also the most economical materials to buy.

LOFT BED

Build the loft bed, but you can skip the bottom support on the side that this bookshelf will be installed. Loft bed plans can be found here. This bookshelf is designed for a twin bed. You can alter the bed by cutting all shelves and trim to 51″ long, assuming that your full size bed mattress measures 54″ wide.

BUILD THE BOX

Use the 1x12s to build the box as shown above. It is always recommended to measure and mark your joints on both sides of the joint so you know where to line the board up and where to screw. If you have a Kreg Jig™, you can drill pocket holes on the undersides of the shelves and attach the shelves to the sides. If not, 2″ wood screws and glue will keep everything in place. Don’t forget, we will also be adding a back that will hold the shelves in place and shelf trim.

FOOTER

Attach yoru footer as shown above. If you are using a Kreg Jig™, simple drill your pocket holes on the ends of the 1×3 and attach to the sides. Otherwise follow the instructions above.

Step 5

TOP SHELF TRIM

Just like the footer, attach the top shelf trim as shown above. Use glue and 2″ screws.

OPTIONAL: SHELF SUPPORTS

If you know these shelves are going to be taking some abuse, it would be a good idea to cut scrap pieces of 1x2s and fasten to the sides of the bookshelf under the top shelves. This will keep the top shelves from ever moving. The bottom shelf is attached through the grain to the back, and they are not going anywhere. But the top shelves are attached through the end grain, and a support like the one pictured above would add considerable strength to the shelves (and you already have the scraps laying around!). The 1×2 will be 9″ long if you inset your shelf trim pieces 1/2″.

ASSEMBLY

Screw the bookshelf to the sides of the legs to stiffen up the loft bed. The bookshelf replaces the bottom support, so you need something to keep the loft bed legs square.

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.