There's a lot of reasons that might convince you to build a bunk bed, rather then buying one. The obvious one, of course, being that it is simply cheaper to build one yourself then to buy one new. However, if you get the bed second hand, you could find one for as little as $150. Actually, you might well be able to get one new for that price, but I wouldn't recommend it. As I'm sure you're aware, if something is cheap there's probably a good reason for the low price tag, and it's worth spending the extra money to get a better bed.

On the other hand, if you would prefer not to buy a prebuilt bunk bed, it's not as hard as you might think it would be to build one for yourself. While you'll have trouble finding a cheap bunk bed new, it is easy to get hold of a bunk bed kit. Not only are they easy to find and cheap, but they are also easy to put together, and you can either buy the materials to make them yourself, or get a kit which comes with them.

In the first place, as I've already mentioned, kits are easy to put together. Not completely effortless, but you don't have to be an expert woodworker to do it. All you need is a bit of basic knowledge, and some standard tools that you'll almost certainly have lying about anyway, such as a hammer or screwdriver. If you've bought a full kit, then all you need to do is start assembling it, otherwise you'll have to pick up the lumber first. Just stop off at your local home hardware store, and they'll have what you need.

Obviously, if you want something slightly unusual, then constructing it yourself is the only way to ensure that your specifications are met. As the old saying goes, if you want it done right, do it yourself. You can never be completely certain of the quality of something that you buy, but you can if you make it on your own.

The second most popular reason, after the lower price, for building your own bed is that it's something fun for the whole family. A construction project, such as putting together a bunk bed, is an excellent activity to which both adults and children can contribute to. Of course, if you think your kids might not be interested, or you just don't want them involved, you can always build it yourself. Perhaps give it to them as a surprise gift. I know they'll be proud to be able to say to their friends, when asked where the bed came from, that "my dad built it for me". Or even more so, "I built it- with my dads help"!

Another reason, which I've already said something about, is that only when you build something yourself can you be sure it works as you intend it to. Whatever you're looking for in a bed, you know that when you put it together yourself you can make it exactly what you want it to be. When you buy it, you have no such guarantee. Be careful not to change the designs too much, though, as you could end up reducing the structural stability. This is really not something you want to do, especially where your children's safety is potentially concerned. On the other hand, even keeping to the plans for construction exactly, there is a lot more opportunity to alter the designs with the use of pain, stencils, stickers, or whatever else you want to use. This is especially useful if you need to match some other furniture, or just not clash with your carpets. Think about it.

The number of plans available, as well, is extremely large, so you can easily find something that closely matches what you want and then adapt it to your specific designs. You can not only choose different shapes for the bed itself, but also find whatever extra features you want. For example, you might want a bunk bed with storage lockers or drawers underneath it. Or a loft bed with something larger, perhaps a desk, or closet, under it. any of these (and more) are available.

In the end, there are some situations where buying a bunk bed actually is the best solution. Obviously, if money is not an issue, then sure, go for it. On the other hand, it might be worth just buying a cheap bed as a short term solution, especially if you need it quickly, or will only be using it for a short time. A lower quality bed is not a good idea in the long run, as it will only break eventually, but for right now it could be worth it.

Building a bed, though, is not just about the cost. It's also about bringing you together as a family, and making a home that you can be proud of. It's about stamping your own personality and individuality as a family onto your furniture, so that you can look in your kids bedroom and think, I made that... no other child has a room quite like mine.