Fort Bed

Fasten the panel trim pieces to the open end panel board with glue and screws — this is a permanent joint. Then attach the legs and the bottom 2x2 to the legs with 3" screws and glue, predrilling your screw holes.

Build the closed end the same way as the open end: glue and screw the trim boards to the particle board with 1-1/4" screws, then add the legs with 3" screws and glue, keeping the outside edges flush.

Using 3" screws, attach the side panel full-length boards between the two end panels to form the bed's rails and bottom framing.

Attach the ladder rungs across the open end's legs to form climbing steps, and add the ladder panel guardrail boards alongside for safety.

Choose one method for the slats: screw straight from the outside of the rails into the slat ends (visible screw heads); glue and screw a 1x2 nailer on edge to the rails first and attach slats to that; drill pocket holes if you have a jig and fasten to the rails that way; or screw steel angle brackets to the inside of the rails, rest the slats on top, and drive a couple of screws up from underneath.

For extra rigidity, add corner braces at the leg joints. Sand every surface and apply finish.