How to Make a Platform Bed Out of a Bunkbed Frame

Disassemble the top and bottom parts of the bunk bed. Take out any screws or bolts that hold the two pieces together; the methods will vary based on the design of the bed. Put the joining pieces aside. Lay the beds on the floor, keeping the two sections intact. Leave the cross-supports in place.

Cut the legs off of each bed using a hand saw or electric saw. Create a smooth line all around the bottom of the frames so they will sit evenly on the floor. If your bunk beds have top pieces for side rails or headboards, cut them off as well to form a clean edge. Use a handheld sander to sand off the rough spots where the legs or posts were removed; doing so will prevent injury and damage to your mattress and bedding. If you will be moving the bed frame, glue felt furniture squares on the corner to help it slide easily.

Push the two bed frames together to form one large frame. Using a hand drill and long screws, attach the frames where they meet. Drill screws in from both sides, alternating every six inches. Test the stability of the full frame by wiggling the bed from the corners to look for movement. If the two frames move separately, add additional screws.

Lay a large piece of plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) across the bed frame. Use a piece that has two inches of space all around the edge to provide extra support and stability. Screw the piece of plywood or MDF in place with a hand drill, placing a screw approximately every foot. Sand the edges of the plywood.

Paint or stain the entire bed frame to cover the sanded areas or to create a new look. Use several coats until you get a solid color, allowing the frame to dry completely between coats. Lay your mattress on top of the platform. The sturdy platform base eliminates the need for a box spring.