Ideal for smaller bedrooms, this sturdy, attractive bunk bed project is perfect for do-it-yourselfers with children or grandchildren. Combining a bed, a desk and a closet, the project not only saves space, but kids love it.

The bed has railings on two sides for safety and fits a standard twin-size mattress. The desk (lower right) is roomy enough for a computer and even has a handy pull-out shelf designed for a keyboard. The closet has generous shelves behind saloon-style swinging doors. The unit also has two large drawers and a big cabinet in front, as well as an easy-to-climb ladder.

Although the project does take some time, it’s not difficult and is well worth the effort. It requires about 15 board feet of lumber and five 4-by-8 sheets of matching veneer plywood (we used birch, but other woods will work), and most of the cuts are straight. Other materials include dowels, shelf standards and brackets, brass handles, screws, nails, nuts, bolts, glue and finish.

Since the completed bunk bed is fairly bulky and isn’t easy to move around, final assembly should be accomplished where the unit will be used. When completed, it measures about 6.5 feet long by 4.5 feet tall by 3.5 feet deep.

The 3-in-1 Bunk Bed Unit plan, No. 844, is $9.95 and includes complete step-by-step assembly instructions with photos, construction diagrams, a shopping list and a cutting schedule.

A package of four plans for kids’ beds, No. C76, is $24.95 and includes plans for this bed as well as twin-size bunk beds, a car bed and a fire engine bed. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2.00. Prices include postage and handling. Please allow about four weeks for delivery (for first-class postage, add $1 per item up to $3 maximum).

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o Lewiston Sun Journal, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409. To order by credit card, call 1-800-828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.

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