Building a Bunk house

Alter Ego · Posted: May 10, 2005 6:16 am Post subject: Building a Bunk house

Anyone ever built a bunk house? We are looking to build one at our cottage - something small 10x10 or 12x12. Nothing too fancy just 4 walls, a door and a couple of windows - run an extension cord from the main cottage for power and would only be used in the summers.

I'm thinking cinder blocks on patio stones to level the base - build floor joists and lay particle board for the subfloor - its the details i'm hazy on - how to get the frame up - roof - etc. any help is appreciated - links also help...ive been searching on google all morning with little success.

Cheerleader · Soul Rider Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 362

This is one of those cases where a library is much more useful than the internet. I've found designs for all sorts of things (birdhouses, mini-walking bridges, wind-chimes, wine cabinet/storage, etc.) in library books- I didn't even bother looking on the internet.

mbuck · Posted: May 10, 2005 8:08 am Post subject:

Not free but looks like everything you need.

http://www.summerwood.com/plans_landing.jsp
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mbuck · Posted: May 10, 2005 8:13 am Post subject:

Even better for $10 at home depot. I would think you could modify a shed to be a bunk house.

I used their software when I built an extension to my parents deck and it was very helpful. It put everything to code, kicked out drawings and a bill of material (almost perfect), for the permit.
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ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 15669 City: Russia

Alter Ego, I may be doing the same very soon... Let me know if you find anything good. And I believe the building code in our area allows us 100 sq ft without a permit. Sound right?

Tyler T · Posted: May 10, 2005 10:14 am Post subject:

Alter Ego, I'll design you something awesome for $100. Smile

Alter Ego · Posted: May 10, 2005 10:29 am Post subject:

Tyler T, lets see some work and references Cool

Alter Ego · Posted: May 10, 2005 10:53 am Post subject:

mbuck, ya i was thinking about modifying a shed - but seems to expensive for something pre-fab - the major problem is the ground is not level and digging out is obviously not an option (it will flood), so we have to raise the low spots. Something that I dont think is that easy with a prefab kit that needs to sit on patio stones.

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

Alter Ego,

Build it on (4) pressure treated skids--6" X 6". If it's on skids you can move it anywhere you want and you don't need a permit. Less time consuming and costly than a slab of concrete.

For the walls use 2"X4" and CDX plywood with battons or T-111 for the siding. Look up a millwork outlet for the windows and door. They end up with orders that people didn't want or extras at a resonable price.

For the floor use 3/4" CDX and Glue down comercial tile or VCT remnets. Cheep and easy to sweep. Stick frame the trusses and use 1/2" CDX for the sheathing--8 sheets. Metal roofing is sold in 4' wide sections and can be cut for you by the supplier.

If you go 12' Outside to Outside width and 8' high walls you'll need 11 sheets of T-111 for about $220

Leggester · Posted: May 10, 2005 1:14 pm Post subject:

I like Lcap's idea.

I'd one up it though. If you want it to last 20 years and it's built on skids I'd change the flooring.

I'd use two layers of 3/4 marine grade ply. Marine glue is a better performer when wet and won't degrade as quickly as regular.

Although, I'd also make my own Dutch style cabin door out of 1/2 ply and 2x6s. Just need a table saw, router, butt load of clamps, barn style hinges... ...

With old style post and pintle latches. Smile

nmballa · Posted: May 10, 2005 1:21 pm Post subject:

Go the distance and spit out a 10x 10 timber frame. Itll stand for 100 years.

Nor*Cal · Posted: May 10, 2005 1:23 pm Post subject:

lcap, just outlined a great plan. As for leveling you could do something temporary with cinder blocks or you could get more permanant by planting post in concrete and making a base out of pressure treated 4X6's that the bunk house can be slid onto and fastened to in the summer...

vision135 · Posted: May 10, 2005 1:28 pm Post subject:

I built a outdoor tiki hut bar last summer it was pretty similar to what your doing i will get some pictures if you want me to.

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

This is a picture of "bunk house" my daughter want's me to build. I'm going to start building next weekend. The stuff we do for our kids. Rolling Eyes

arof · Posted: May 10, 2005 4:50 pm Post subject:

lcap, how big is that?

When I was a kid, my dad would enter a draw every year for one ... He musta spent 100 bucks trying to win us something like that.

blairpoelman · Addict Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 595

Here's a picture of our "bunk house" during the construction phase. It's really just an addition to my vacation home, but it's been labeled as a bunk house. It consists of a 60 X 25 garage, 2 bedrooms, and a theatre room.

Alter Ego · Posted: May 12, 2005 5:07 am Post subject:

blairpoelman booooooooooooooo

pyrocasto · Posted: May 12, 2005 8:24 am Post subject:

I've been wanting to build a bunk house one day. When we go mountain biking in Tenessee, there is a barn with bunk beds we stay in. Works awesome!

It depends on how strong you need it really, and whether you need it insulated or not as well.