built in bunk beds

[John Kain]

I'm building some built in bunk beds. Framed with 2x4, extended out from the walls to give the "built in" look. There is a set of beds going north-south and a similar set going east-west with stairs in between to reach the top bunks. The fronts and walls will all be extended from the exiting drywall to look "as one". My question is this: what material to use to case the project. It extends from ceiling to floor and will be sprayed a grayish-blue tinted lacquer. There is 10+ outside corners so drywall is giving me pause, plus I'm not terribly confident how a sprayed tinted lacquer would look on drywall. Using mdf or poplar/ply is fine but it requires some more fit and finish effort than hanging drywall. What say you?

[Charles Wiggins]

I can't picture what you're describing, but when I read "built in" (permanent) and "bunk beds" (kids) I think about durability and when I think durability, I think hardwood. Probably birch or maple.

[Jay Jolliffe]

When we were building our house we designed an alcove for them & each has their own window with a large drawer under the bottom one. Our grandchildren love them. They can pull the curtain for privacy. Their long enough for an adult to sleep in also. I used 2x stock for the frame, beaded board & poplar. We painted them to match the trim. IMG_8542.jpg No idea why this is sideways because it didn't start that way. If someone can let be know why it happened maybe it won't the next.

[John Kain]

Thanks guys. Wood it is.

[Chris Hachet]

Thanks guys. Wood it is.

What I like about real wood like poplar is that it is seemingly always repairable. Plywood...damge the veneer and it is a paint to repair. Drywall si soft,e asily damaged, and doesn't ahve a quality artisan feel like real wood.

Good luck with your project, pics please when you are done!