2nd bed for Granddaughter; idea to reality

So here is the story. With #2 on the way, #1 needs to have a new bed and depart from the crib. So, the idea was born and I was given this pic as something that would be nice.

bed with couch and book shelves.jpg

So I started thinking. This is nice but could be outgrown and has limited flexibility. I did some sketchup work starting here.

bed with arch.jpg

The two end uprights are one solid glue up. The rear, side and center guard rails are glue ups, the book racks are glue ups and it all goes together with knockdown hardware. The bed can go on the left side (as shown) or the right side. Then, I thought about future growth and what additional parts would add to the overall concept. So, it can go to this:

bed with bunk.jpg

Bunk bed on top. Reading area replaced with a hook on desk. Heck, the lower bed could be removed and the reading area remain along with the desk. All again with knockdown hardware so it can be configured for access to the bunk from either end, desk can go on left or right, etc.

Let the work begin. Bring out the white oak, mill all the parts, do the fit and finish, dry assembled, glue up, add some Minwax Classic Grey stain, coat with General Finish High Performance Top Coat, Semi-Gloss, and deliver. Here it is in it first stage.

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Now just have to glue up, stain and finish all the top (bunk) guard rails. I have all the parts ready to go. And then make the desk. None of these parts will be needed real soon for sure.

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And the best part. The wife and I delivered it while the family was out and about. Total surprise as they thought I had a week or two to go. The Granddaughter walked into the room and said ... MY BED, MY BED ... jumped in and started reading. And then, gave it a try. Wonderful for sure.

M in new bed.jpg M in new bed #2.jpg

Thanks for looking. Now onto the dresser to go with the bedroom set.
 
Grandkids and beds. They sure do appreciate a new bed and don't have a problem showing the positive expressions!! Mine haven't been as elaborate as yours, but they do give us grandpas a warm fuzzy feeling don't they?! Great job on a bed to be used and treasured for years. I have two granddaughters planning on me to make them "castle beds" this year.
 
sometimes the kids and grand kids are the ones to keep us old folks busy,, looks great and good idea on making work later on when they get bigger..maybe they will have another ans you can make a triple decker:)
 
Really neat to see the evolution of the idea and how you brought it to reality. Thinking ahead so it can be reconfigured as the child grows is a great idea and sorely missing from a lot of childrens furniture design. Jan and I watch a lot of HGTV and we are often amazed on how much time, materials and money are spent on 'decorating' a child's room when it is obvious that it will all be obsolete in two years. You are a wise fellow to plan for the changes that are inevitable. Well done.
 
:thumb:

Adopt me? Seriously that's a nice piece of kit you put together there. The knock down hardware will keep it fresh for years to come as she can re-arrange and I really like the lower beds like that.. Great design and execution.
 
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