We have limited space in our home. I’m not complaining. I don’t want a big house. It’s too much maintenance and furniture for my taste or lifestyle (Plus, my wife says she’s not interested in having to keep a big house clean). My family, and the fixer-upper we live in, keeps me busy enough–which leads to my point. It’s a challenge many families are faced with as more people are downsizing.
When we were getting ready to welcome our fourth child, we had to figure out a way to make our three bedroom house work. We figured we needed to fit three boys in one bedroom for about two years, until the baby became old enough to share a room with one of the others. Then it could be two boys to a room. By the way, we never got our girl, but we’re done trying. We’ve got all the craziness and potty humor we can tolerate. Okay, okay. My poor wife is really the one putting up with all that. So we’re done.
In any event, that’s when I came up with the Triple Bunk Bed (aka Triple-Decker Bunk Bed) for our three boys. And when we split them up two to a room, we would have an extra bed for sleepovers. I’ll be honest, my wife had her reservations. She wondered if each boy would have enough room to sit up or if it could be structurally sound (and safe). “You do realize you’re married to The Superhandyman don’t you?” I responded. It didn’t reassure her. I asked her to trust me. She agreed to give it a chance.
The Triple Bunk Bed needed to be open and functional, safe and sound, and fit within the space of our 8 foot ceilings. It took some designing, but I figured it all out. As you can see in the picture, the ladder for the second and third bed offer both support and access to their respective areas. There is no clumsy ladder to move around or out of the way. It all works together to create a sleek and inviting design that even gives each child equal space to sit up in.
In addition, since taking this picture I added a small IKEA light in each sleeping area for reading time. The boys love laying in bed and reading Star Wars books before ‘lights out’. There is still one last thing I want to add in each area when I have time: a small corner shelf for a book or two. Yes, even I have a “Honey-Do List” that’s not done. Admittedly, some items on it are nearly a year old. It’s a sore spot at home.
The Triple Bunk Bed is a great option if you need to save space and add character. It is perfect for a vacation home to make room for more guests or to be able to rent it out to larger groups. It is good for a basement, kids’ room, or multipurpose area. In fact, two sets can be nicely built catty-corner for maximizing even more space. Those are just a few ideas.
Lastly, this is something I can build for you. The beds can come in any color or in many custom finishes. Simply email me your desire and we will work out all the details. I am willing to travel to wherever you are to make this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Whatever the case, the Triple Bunk Bed is just one solution that may work for you. It has exceeded our expectations. Let it exceed yours. Plus, the kids love it!
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Beautiful work! Could you tell me how many inches are between the base platform of each bed and the base platform of e bunk above? My kids are bigger than yours, so I am trying to see if it would work for us. We have 8′ ceilings and are in Marietta. Thanks! Katie
There is about 30 inches between each bed. It’s enough room for them to sit up. Hope that helps!
Hi, I am wondering if you would be willing to sell the plans/bill of materials for your triple bunk bed.
Thanks.
Sure! I will email you direct.
This is exactly what I’ve been looking to do for my 3 oldest. I’m interested in the plans also.
I am also interested in purchasing the plans for my three boys. Thanks.
Hi, I am currently in the same situation, we have a joint family and plan on expanding. I would love the plans for this bed, Living in Australia I am unable to get you to come and assist. However if you could email me and discuss access to the plans that would be great.
Thank you
Megan
I am trying to figure out how to get these plans made up. I’ll let you know when I do. Sorry. Thanks for the visit though!
I need the plans also. I can PayPal you for the diagram/s. I’m interested in doing a suspended (aircraft cable) version. I’m a super minimalist with little space to spare.
We are also expecting our fourth and would love to have these plans! Please let us know when you have them – we’re only 8 weeks out!
Will do!
I see why your the superhandyman a great job an like you i have 3 kids all girls but we are expecting our 4th which is a boy and this bed would be ideal for us any chance you would mail me plans for this too..
Thanks.. 😉
I would be interested in plans as well. We have inherited my father’s house and are planning to build bunk beds as well for all the “grandkids” It will be 3 triple bunk beds in a U shape – so 9 bunk beds! Ambitious I know 🙂 How did you build the supports for the wall side? Just drilled into studs? More details would be much appreciated 🙂
I drilled straight in the studs. It is a great plan for your scenario. Have a first draft of the plans. Will keep you posted. Thanks for stopping by!
We also have four boys and would like to arrange for the oldest 3 to share a room for the time being. Money is tight and we are interested in building triple bunks and yours is the best we have seen. Would you be able to email us more information about the plans including the cost? Thank you!
Love the triple bunk. Do you have plans we can purchase? We live in the UK and would like to build two of these for our kids, as well as having extra space for cousins when visiting.
Hello there. We too have four kids – three boys and a girl, and need the boys to share a not so large room. We are moving in to a new house in a couple of weeks and would love to buys some plans for this bed from you. Any closer on finished plans 🙂 ? Thanks.
I would love to have the plans also. We have 3 boys and not a lot of space, this is the best looking bunk I have seen.. I have a great handyman who could make this if I had the plans. Let me know if I too can purchase them, thanks Julie
I love to open clean design. Is there any way to get a copy of the plans / diagram? We just had our 4th child and it’s a boy, looks like the three girls are going to be bunking up together now.
I am trying to draw up plans. I will keep you all posted if I come up with them. I’m doing my best.
They look awesome please let me know when the plans are ready also
Any closer on plans??
Sorry not yet.
These are wonderful! We have 6 kids, 3 boys and 3 girls, in a 3 bedroom house. These would be perfect for setting up our boys bedroom and girls bedroom. I will keep an eye out for information on acquiring the plans from you when you get them worked up.
Add me to the list of people desperate for the plans.
Please email me when they are ready.
please let me know also when the plans are ready cheers
I have a toddler and twins. This is exactly what I was looking for. Please add me to the list of people who would like these plans.
Ha! I will let you know.
I am in Georgia.
No. Sorry.
4-5 inch screws. One per stud.
Don’t have them done yet.
Not yet. Sorry.
Not done yet. Sorry.
Hi Superhandyman. Love your work.
We live in Melbourne Australia and would love a set of those white triple bunks. Do you make and post overseas? Obviously cost is of interest.
Also noted many people asking if they could purchase the plans off you. Do you have them available yet?
We have 9 children in a small home and are looking to squeeze our 5 in one bedroom.
If you could assist, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Gav & Bec
Hi Bec and I have 9 children and we love the look of your triple bunks.
We would love to know whether it is possible to ship to Australia or be able to purchase the plans from you?
They are fantastic.
Unfortunately, we cannot locate any manufacturers in Australia who make triple bunks.
Cheers
Gav & Bec
Sorry I can’t.