softwood selection for built in bunk beds

[shedifice]

Real stupid question!

i am used to working with hardwood and have little experience in softwoods. i would like to build a built in bunk bed for my sons. would 'redwood' be good for this? what other flavour or spec of wood should I be seeking. It will be painted so grain etct no worries but it should fairly hard wearing given 5 and 7yo throwing matchbox cars etc

Any advice welcomed.

Leigh.

 

[Fishandchips]

3x2 frame and window sill wood for the face of frame.

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Redwood should be fine. As it's for furniture duty, it might be worth paying the extra for Unsorted grade from a proper timber merchant. Another possibility, as it's going to be painted, might be Poplar, which is a softish hardwood, relatively cheap because the colouring is often rather unattractive.

 

[No skills]

Yes redwood/pine is great for this sort of thing, I've just built an elevated bed that needed to take a bit more err... load... than what you need and its more than strong enough. I would imagine if you post up some more info/pictures on where its going/size/height etc then some helpful folk will be more specific with build style etc (not that Fishandchips hasn't been helpful!).

 

[mailee]

These were built in Redwood and have stood the test of time and heavy handed kids. :lol:

 

[shedifice]

Thanks for the good replies. redwood or poplar it is then. I think I will go for built in as its next to an alcove and I will do some shelves and cupboards at the same time.

I have a few independant timber merchants near swindon so will go for a look in the next week or so.

Again thanks for info, most appreciated.

L.