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Hackers Help: Bunk bed using 4×4 Kallax?

heath·
Hackers Help
·17 Comments·1 min read

kallax-shelving-unit

Has anyone ever tried creating a “bunk bed” using two 4×4 Kallax shelves? Do you think that two units, one at the head of the bed and one at the foot of the bed, with an Ikea Fjellse single bed frame on top would work? Of course, the Kallax shelves would need to be diagonally braced with  Observator cross-braces, and all three units connected together with brackets or something. With this setup, you would almost have a mini-room underneath the bed, which could be used as a study space with the addition of a desk.

I’ve seen photos of people making storage beds with 2×4 Kallax shelves laid horizontally underneath the bed, but never anything made with 4×4 shelves. Too unstable maybe?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Heath

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17 Responses

  1. I made a bed with two 3×4 units. its 4 units high and 3 wide. I used a sheet of 18mm ply to create the support for the mattress. on the second shelf, I cut a sheet of ply to fit in one of the columns either side effectively making a desk. It’s been standing for 5 months now and no drama! I did use an old painters ladder, leaning against the wall in order to get in and out. the 4ft bed is perfect for me and my girlfriend in a tiny bedroom!

    Reply

  2. We have successfully built a loft bed using 3 kallax shelves 4×4. We used thick pine boards as base for the mattress. We also added angle fixings to secure the shelves against the wall and with each other. The result is a very sturdy bed. For stairs we used the children’s storage series called trofast. You can also build some stairs using other kallax shelves.

    I will try to post pictures.

    Reply

  3. Thanks for all the feedback. I have pretty much given up on the idea because I was thinking of creating it for our apartment in Japan, but with earthquakes pretty prevalent, probably not the safest idea. 😉 Also, I won’t have access to any extra 2×4 framing or any proper tools. If I were somewhere else, though, I think it is definitely worth a shot. With some additional timber bracing and support as Einar suggested, I think it is feasible. Too bad really, as the space savings in Tokyo would have been incredible. I hope someone else tries it out, though, and posts a pic!

    Reply

    1. I hope NO ONE tries this since it would be terribly unsafe. I could see using these shelves as useful “trim” outside the real frame of a bunk bed or loft bed, but these are way too flimsy to be safe.

      Reply

  4. Not a good idea at all, no matter how you brace it. As an owner of actual bunk beds, I see my kids climb the ends where there is no ladder (ladder is on the side), and those shelves will not support the weight of a growing child. You are asking for an emergency room visit for sure. That wood is not solid, it is just saw dust glued together in sheets. I promise you will regret that decision. Unless of course, you completely wall off both ends of the bed, to where the kids can’t climb. I would assume that is not the look you are going for though. Just trying for help you see it from a different perspective.

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  9. I would say to unstable, unless you fasten it to the floor and wall. And even then, I wouldn’t be so sure the unit could take the weight.

    Reply

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