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The Daily Insight

How big of a piece of plywood do you need for a bunk bed?

Author

Zoe Patterson

Published Feb 08, 2026

How big of a piece of plywood do you need for a bunk bed?

For bunk beds and twin-size beds with 38 x 75 inches frames, you should cut a piece of 36.5 by 73.5 inches, or perhaps an extra inch on the sides for thicker upholstery. If you don’t have a circular saw, we recommend you take your plywood sheet to your local hardware store where they should be able to cut it for you.

Is there a way to lift an overhead bunk?

We hinged to two boards so we would still be able to lift that section if we wanted to. Originally the sides of the overhead bunk had carpeted end pieces with no real purpose to them other than framing in the mattress. We removed those and built cubbies for the kids.

Why do you put plywood over cab bunk?

The bubble insulation provides a little extra thermal barrier to help prevent condensation. Next up was laying plywood. We wanted to keep the hinged section, which allows the bed to lift a little for easier movement between the cab and inside of the RV, so we cut accordingly. First base layer of plywood. Final product with added cubbies!

Can you use plywood instead of A bunkie board?

Plywood costs less than a bunkie board. One reason to make your mattress support out of plywood instead of a bunkie board is that plywood is cheap. Using plywood instead of a bunkie board can therefore save you some money. The price for quality bunkie boards is around $100, and some of the best models can go up to several hundred dollars.

We hinged to two boards so we would still be able to lift that section if we wanted to. Originally the sides of the overhead bunk had carpeted end pieces with no real purpose to them other than framing in the mattress. We removed those and built cubbies for the kids.

The bubble insulation provides a little extra thermal barrier to help prevent condensation. Next up was laying plywood. We wanted to keep the hinged section, which allows the bed to lift a little for easier movement between the cab and inside of the RV, so we cut accordingly. First base layer of plywood. Final product with added cubbies!

Which is better plywood or a bunk board?

Bunkie Boards Can be More Aesthetically Pleasing Than Simple Plywood. Bunkie boards often come with a fabric covering designed to look good. This is especially important if you plan to use them for a bunk bed or a loft bed, since the board will be visible from underneath.

How do you make a bed out of plywood?

Keep in mind that you’ll be covering the plywood sheet in upholstery fabric. The thicker the padding you choose, the smaller the board you will need to be to fit into the bed frame. Step 2: Cut your plywood with a circular saw or have it cut for you. Once you have the plywood ready, cut it in the proper size.