How To Build A Custom Bunk Bed

How To Build A Custom Bunk Bed

Key Takeaways

  • When standard sleep setups aren’t cutting it, create a custom bunk bed setup with Maxtrix.

  • Start by personalizing the perfect bed size and configuration for your bedroom space.

  • Choose your headboard type and finish color to fit your style.

  • Rebuild down the road as your family grows. 

Why Custom Bunk Beds?

Need to make the most of a small bedroom? Or maybe your family is struggling to create a shared space?

When a bedroom has a unique layout or needs to sleep a lot of people, many assume they need to hire a custom carpenter. But that route can be expensive, time-consuming, and out of reach for families.

That’s where Maxtrix custom bunk beds come in. You can create a one-of-a-kind setup tailored to your space, sleepers, and family’s needs, all without the unnecessary hassle of a private builder. With Maxtrix, build the bed you need right on our website.

6 Steps To Creating A Custom Bunk Bed

Crafting a personalized setup may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right steps, you can create a unique bunk bed that solves any bedroom challenge.

Step 1: Measure Room Dimensions

First things first, measure your bedroom to ensure the best fit. Once you know how much floor space you have to work with, choose whether a twin, twin XL, full, or queen-size bunk bed makes the most sense for your room.

If you’re considering a slide, leave at least four feet of clear space in front of the base for a safe landing. The same goes for stairs. Plan for at least two to three feet of open space around the base for easy access.

Choose Your Bunk Height Based on Ceiling Height

Ceiling height matters just as much as floor space. Since bunk beds stack two sleep surfaces, they sit much higher off the ground than a standard bed. 

For maximum comfort, aim for 30 to 36 inches of space between the top bunk mattress and the ceiling. This way, kids and adults can sit up without worrying about head bumps.

Our custom-build bunk beds come in four heights: floor, low, mid, and high. For a full breakdown of dimensions and height options, head to our measurement guide.

Natural light wood twin-over-twin bunk bed with built-in ladder and guardrails in a green-themed kids bedroom, green bedding and plush owl toy
Natural wood kids bunk bed with ladder, blue and yellow bedding, decorative pillows and teddy bear in a bright children's room — space-saving kids room decor
White wooden twin-over-full bunk bed in a bright modern children's bedroom with green bedding, ladder, safety rails, built-in shelf and cozy pillows

Step 2: Choose the Right Bunk Bed Configuration

Maxtrix offers three types of bunk bed configurations. Paired with the freedom to customize height, you can create a unique bunk bed that fits your room just right.

Every Maxtrix heavy-duty bunk bed is crafted from premium hardwoods, including aspen, birch, and maple, for lasting strength. With industry-leading 16-inch guardrails and an 800-pound weight capacity per bunk, this is quality you can’t find anywhere else. 

Classic Bunk Beds

Classic bunks stack two beds of the same size into one smart, space-saving setup.

A favorite for a reason, this configuration saves bedroom space and is popular among younger kids. Maxtrix offers classic bunks in every size from twin over twin to queen over queen.

Staggered Bunk Beds

For shared sibling rooms, staggered bunk beds are the way to go. In this unique bunk bed design, the top bunk is smaller than the bottom. 

This layout works especially well for siblings with an age gap. Older kids can climb up into the top bunk and enjoy a semi-private sleep space, while younger siblings can stay close to the ground for safety. Maxtrix recommends the top bunk for ages 6 and up.

Pro Tip: Choose an XL bunk bed for more room to grow. A twin XL over queen bunk bed gives your family extra sleeping space and a longer-lasting fit.

Triple & Quad Bunk Beds

Sleep more with triple and quad bunk beds, perfect for creating the ultimate sleepover setup.

Available in two configurations, corner bunk beds or a staircase in the middle, there's an option for any room configuration. Exclusive to Maxtrix, this unique bunk bed design provides space for everyone to rest comfortably. 

Wooden bunk bed with cozy bedding and a decorative rug in a stylish bedroom.
Solid pine quadruple bunk beds with built-in storage drawers and center ladder, twin mattresses with gray bedding in bright modern kids' bedroom
Solid pine twin-over-full wooden bunk bed with side ladder and blue bedding in a modern kids' bedroom, space-saving slatted design

Step 3: Personalize Bed Style

No bedroom is complete without a touch of personal style. We offer a variety of finishes and headboard types for any individual’s design preferences. 

Finish Color

Choose from our three colors: classic white, natural birch, or deep chestnut. Or, for a more modern, eye-catching look, choose a two-tone headboard that combines white with natural birch. 

All our finishes are designed to be easy to style and timeless, so you don't have to worry about kids outgrowing their bed look. 

Not sure which to choose? Natural birch is our bestseller.

Headboard Type 

Make it yours with two headboard options: panel or slatted.

Panel headboards offer a solid back that’s great for reading, relaxing, or bedtime snuggles. Slatted headboards deliver a more open look while still giving you the same sturdy, solid wood construction.

Step 4: Select Climbing Method

Next up, let’s personalize how you get up into bed. Maxtrix offers three climbing options for bunk beds: straight ladders, angled ladders, and staircases. 

Straight Ladder

Straight ladders are the best choice for maximizing your square footage. Since they attach directly to the solid wood bunk bed, they take up little to no extra floor space.

Available in either a side-entry or end-entry design, you customize it just the way you like.

Angled Ladder

For families who want to save space while giving younger sleepers a little extra support, angled ladders are a great choice. The gentle slant guides them to the top, providing extra peace of mind for parents. 

Make it your own by selecting front-entry, side-entry, or even a metal support bar for extra help getting up high.

Staircase

Last, but not least, you can choose a bed frame with a solid wood staircase. 

The wide, sturdy steps make it super easy to climb, idealport when for young kids still getting comfortable with bunk bed sleep. Additionally, the built-in banister provides an extra layer of support when getting up.

Maxtrix bunk beds with stairs have another hidden benefit. Each step features a built-in storage cubby, perfect for keeping bedding, clothes, and everyday bedroom essentials close at hand. What's not to love?

No matter which climbing option you pick, each one has its own benefits. Consider your sleeper’s age, comfort level, and the flexibility of the bedroom. Our ladders and stairs are all built from premium hardwood, ensuring every setup sturdy, secure feel.

Wooden bunk bed with slide in modern bedroom interior, featuring minimalist decor and neutral color palette.
Wooden bunk bed with storage stairs in a modern bedroom featuring a blue accent wall and natural light.
Triple solid wood bunk bed in natural pine with built-in ladders and neutral linens — space-saving bunk bed for kids' rooms.

Step 5: Add Storage & Functional Features

Now that your custom bunk bed frame is complete, it’s time to add your very own storage solutions. 

Maxtrix offers a wide range of solid wood accessories and storage furniture to make your tailored bedroom more functional and organized. Let’s take a look at all your clutter-cutting options.

Bedside Storage

Maxtrix families love bedside storage because it adds stashing power without taking up extra room.

One of our most popular options, the floating bedside tray, is especially helpful for top bunk sleepers. It keeps water, books, and other bedtime essentials close by, so kids have everything they need without having to climb down in the middle of the night. 

Or, for avid readers, get a bedside magazine rack. Remember, it’s your bed, your way!

Underbed Storage

Personalized underbed storage is one of the easiest ways to get more out of a space-saving bunk bed setup. With the exception of our floor bunks, any of our underbed storage solutions fit neatly under the sleeping space, no guesswork required. 

Storage drawers and dresser drawers are perfect for keeping clothes, extra bedding, and everyday essentials tucked away. Because they sit low to the ground, they’re easy for kids to reach on their own, which can help make cleanup a little easier. 

For quick access to toys and books, a storage cubby is another great option. Lastly, for families who love sleepovers, a trundle bed makes it easy to add one more sleeping space when needed. 

Natural wood pull-out trundle bed frame with slatted base for storage or extra sleeping space.
Natural light wood lap tray with built-in cup holder and foldable legs, portable breakfast-in-bed and laptop desk
Wooden under-bed storage drawers with natural finish for efficient organization.

Step 6: Plan for Future Reconfiguration

Parents often wonder whether a unique bunk bed frame is a smart long-term investment. It might be the perfect fit for younger kids now, but what happens as they grow? 

That’s where Maxtrix stands out. 

Our hardwood beds are designed to grow with your family, and part of the custom process is knowing you can reconfigure them later on.

With the Maxtrix Method, there are endless options. You can convert your bunk into separate single beds, two loft beds, or even upgrade to a triple or quad bunk. It’s that kind of flexibility that allows you to rebuild forever, instead of having to buy a whole new bed setup.

When you’re ready to reconfigure, our complimentary design team is here to help guide you through the process.

Custom Bunk Beds

When standard bed setups don’t work, we’re here to help.

Maxtrix custom bunk beds let you tailor everything to your specific needs. From bed height to unique layouts and endless storage add-ons, one bed can solve all your bedroom challenges. Plus, with the freedom to reconfigure over time, your setup can keep up as kids grow and needs change.

Start building your one-of-a-kind bunk bed today!

FAQ:

What's the best place to order a custom bed online?

Maxtrix Kids' is the best place to order an online custom bed! Design everything from bed height to color and smart add-ons right on our website. Plus, all our furniture is made from heavy-duty, premium hardwood and features industry-leading safety features. 

What materials are best for a durable custom bed frame?

If you are looking for the most durable custom frame material, look for beds made from solid hardwood. Hardwoods like maple, birch, and aspen are much denser than standard pine and MDF. This increases the longevity, safety, and strength of your bed setup.