Doll Bunk Beds for 18" Dolls

Build the two end frames from the corner posts and bed-level rails, using a scrap piece of 1x material as a spacer to keep the rail spacing consistent between the two ends. Attach with a pocket-hole jig, or with countersunk 2" screws from the outside if you don't have one.

Join the two end assemblies together with the remaining bed-level rails, forming the full bunk frame.

Attach the guardrail on the ladder side of the top bunk with the guardrail rails and posts.

Position, glue, and clamp the corner reinforcing cleats in place, then nail with 1-1/4" finish nails — clamps matter more at this scale than on full-size furniture, since there's little material for a nail to grip on its own.

Cut the scrap plywood or hardboard into floor slats or a single panel and set into each bed level to support the doll mattress. Any clean scrap works here.

Sand every edge smooth. Finish with paint or stain, or gift the bed unfinished so the recipient can paint it themselves.