Mike, there were plans for a nice bunk bed in The Family Handyman magazine several years ago. I built the bottom unit only with two drawers in it. It used commonly available material such as 2x4's and plywood for the components. The article had great safety tips and the construction was very sturdy. Post if you have a source for the magazine from about '95 or '96 and I will see if I can dig out the right issue. They now have a web site but I don't believe they have much that far back posted on it. Henry in MI