How to Make a Slide for a Kid's Bunk Bed

Before Construction

• 1

  Predrill bolt holes through the bunk-bed frame. Bolt all parts of the frame securely together. Add metal brackets to the back side of the frame for additional support if necessary.

• 2

  Remove the mattress and screw the mattress' support boards or bunkie board to the bunk-bed frame, using deck screws that extend at least 1 inch into the wood.

• 3

  Locate the studs in the wall with a stud finder. Mark the center point of each stud with a pencil. Predrill through the side of the bunk-bed frame and into the stud. Screw 4-inch lag screws through the frame and into the stud to secure the bunk bed to the wall.

Build the Slide

• 4

  Cut the ends of two 2-by-6-inch boards at a 30-degree angle, using a miter box and saw.

• 5

  Place the two boards side-by-side on a flat surface on the 1 1/2-inch side, with the cut ends facing up.

• 6

  Measure and mark 4 inches from each end of the boards. Then measure and mark every 18 inches on both boards. The marks must align on both boards.

• 7

  Move the 2-by-6 boards 24 inches apart. Place a 1-by-4 board at each mark with the 3 1/2-inch side flat against the 2-by-6 boards, spanning the space. Predrill two screw holes on each end, through the 1-by-4 boards and into the 2-by-6 boards. Screw the boards together with 3-inch deck screws.

• 8

  Turn the slide frame over. Lay the plywood into the framework, aligning with the ends of the 2-by-6 rails. Predrill four holes through the plywood and into the 1-by-4 supports. Screw the plywood to the boards with 1-inch deck screws.

• 9

  Sand the entire slide with 180-grit sandpaper until smooth. Wipe with a tack cloth.

• 10

  Apply four to six coats of high-gloss polyurethane over the entire surface of the slide with a paintbrush. Allow to dry between coats according to the manufacturer's directions. Sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper and wipe with a tack cloth before applying the next coat of polyurethane.

• 11

  Turn the slide upside down. Attach two mounting brackets to the last support board at the bottom of the slide. Screw the legs onto the mounting brackets.

Finish the Slide

• 12

  Attach an adjustable joist hanger to each of the 2-by-6 rails on the slide. Mark the screw holes onto the rails, predrill and screw the hangers securely onto the angled ends.

• 13

  Mark the hanger's holes onto the side of the bed, flush with the upper edge of the side rails of the bunk.

• 14

  Predrill the bolt holes at the marks, completely through the bunk's rails. Bolt the hanger and slide to the bunk using bolts and nuts.

• 15

  Place floor cushions at the foot of the slide to protect your adventurous children.