Combining two IKEA classics to make storage steps.
We had a classic bunk bed with a steel side ladder. The bed is very nice, also because it came as a gift. But we just didn’t like the ladder.
Before …
So we looked up online for some ideas and we saw many examples. The bed, having a very high edge, was too tall for a TROFAST step unit stairs hack and therefore we had to add a STUVA wardrobe to create storage steps.
IKEA items used:
Other materials used:
- 40 × 40, 400 × 100 planed wood strips
- Hinges
- Bolts
- Anti-slip strips
- LED strips
- White and blue water-based enamel
Storage steps instructions:
The railing is composed by 40x40mm well polished poles that are anchored with screws to the IKEA structure.
Since the STUVA structure is not made of solid wood, I had some doubts about its resistance. Even if only a 6-year-old girl had to climb it, I wanted to stiffen the upper structure with a 20mm board well anchored with screws.
Now I can climb that too (I weight 80kg) without problems or creaks.
I have inserted inside a DRÖMMARE mirror.
Having also removed the plastic safety edge on the top bunk, I made a themed railing with 400x100mm boards and 40x40mm poles as a structure, all held together with wood glue and screws. The structure is very solid and resistant.
The structure is fixed with 3 hinges so that it can be flipped down to easily change the sheets. Once in position it is secured by 2 bolts inserted in the bed structure.
In addition, I inserted anti-slip strips on the steps.
I inserted along the side of the railing some LED stripes that light up when motion is detected. It’s powered not by electricity, but by 4 rechargeable batteries. The cables were masked with ducts behind the cabinet.
Before all this I made a simple model in sketchup, then modeled and rendered with blender. This is the finished work.
I strongly thank the user JMC1967 (Easy Full Height Bunk Bed Stairs) for giving me the idea. And much thanks to my friend Guido for helping me translate.
~ by Sir.Came
Jules is the author of IKEAHackers.net: 25 Biggest and Best Projects".
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