Fit for a princess! Crafty parents build their daughter an incredible CASTLE bunk bed for just $480 - using timber, plywood and some pink paint - to keep themselves busy during lockdown

  • Mary, 45, and Jim Garrett-Crabtree, 42, from Tennessee, built castle bunk bed 
  • Parents used DIY skills to complete project for their two-year-old daughter Izzy
  • It cost a total of $487 to build from scratch - using timber and plywood 
  • They revealed that it would have cost thousands to buy a similar bed readymade 

By Chloe Morgan For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Savvy parents have revealed how they built their daughter a castle bunk bed - all for just $487. 

Mary, 45, and Jim Garrett-Crabtree, 42, who both work as nursing assistants in Tennessee, were inspired to give their daughter Izzy, two, a castle bed - but rather than spend thousands to buy a ready-made one online, decided to create their own using their DIY skills.  

'My husband had seen some beds for sale online and started shopping around as he wanted to do something special for our daughter, Izzy, who will be three in July,' Mary said, speaking to money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk 

Mary, 45, and Jim Garrett-Crabtree, 42, from Tennessee, built their daughter Izzy, two, a castle bunk bed for just $487 (£400). Pictured, at the start of the project

Mary, 45, and Jim Garrett-Crabtree, 42, from Tennessee, built their daughter Izzy, two, a castle bunk bed for just $487 (£400). Pictured, at the start of the project

The savvy couple decided to make their own castle bunk bed after realizing they cost thousands of dollars to buy online. Pictured, the completed castle bed

The savvy couple decided to make their own castle bunk bed after realizing they cost thousands of dollars to buy online. Pictured, the completed castle bed

'The prices to purchase a castle bunk bed are outrageous - up to thousands of dollars for a nice one.' 

Mary said her husband (pictured with Izzy) is handy with woodworking as he used to do some amateur work with a construction crew when he was younger

Mary said her husband (pictured with Izzy) is handy with woodworking as he used to do some amateur work with a construction crew when he was younger

Mary went on to say her husband is pretty handy with woodworking as he used to do some amateur work with a construction crew when he was younger.

'He finished the project before lockdown,' she explained. 'It took him a couple of months working on it because he could only work on it on his days off.

'Jim built the lower platform first. This section slides out, so when she gets older or wants to change it up it can be taken out and a desk could be put there and she could sleep on the top bunk.

'The materials were 2x4 timber and plywood, and all the decorative bits, such as the trim and such, he cut out of plywood and sanded.

'The spindles are store-bought and just cut down. The materials for the bed probably cost between $350 and $500 if you count the paint and tools used. 

'The ladder goes up to the top bunk and is secured to the wall for safety. My husband is a big guy and he wanted to make sure it was well made and very safe. 

The couple revealed the project was completed using 2x4 timber and plywood, and a lick of paint. Pictured, the project taking shape

The couple revealed the project was completed using 2x4 timber and plywood, and a lick of paint. Pictured, the project taking shape

The couple said that making their home a warm and inviting place for them and their daughter is the key to their happiness. Pictured, the newly painted wall

The couple said that making their home a warm and inviting place for them and their daughter is the key to their happiness. Pictured, the newly painted wall

'It warms our heart to be able to give her the things we couldn't even have dreamed of when we were just poor kids growing up, and we have so much pride and feel so accomplished in turning this old house into our home. Optimizing every bit of space and being creative is key!'

Mary says that due to the couple's jobs, the pandemic has been extra stressful, and that projects like these are ideal for keeping oneself busy during the lockdown.

'We love our little one - we are both older and she was a miracle that we waited a long time for,' Mary added. 'I have a teenager from another marriage who lives with her father, but Izzy is my husband's only child.

'We have both worked in nursing since we were teenagers, so this pandemic has been especially stressful, worrying about bringing sickness home to our Izzy. Staying busy is our coping mechanism.

'We bought our home about three years ago when we found out we were going to have a baby. We didn't have much money but found a cute small home close to my work that was a rental but the owners were selling.

Mary says that due to the couple's jobs, the pandemic has been extra stressful, and that projects like these are ideal for keeping oneself busy during the lockdown

Mary says that due to the couple's jobs, the pandemic has been extra stressful, and that projects like these are ideal for keeping oneself busy during the lockdown

Two-year-old Izzy is delighted with her new bed - particularly the windows

Two-year-old Izzy is delighted with her new bed - particularly the windows 

'The house needed a lot of work but Jim and I have slowly done many time-saving, budget-friendly projects to improve it.

'We are older parents working in a high-stress field, so making our house a warm inviting place for us and our daughter is the key to our happiness.

'Izzy loves her bed, especially the cubby play area with the windows! She was so happy to have her big girl bed.'

Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented: 'Many children and parents would love an epic fairytale bedroom like this, but buying one online can be super expensive.

'Instead, make like Mary and Jim and inspire yourself with something you love online - then make it yourself!

'The internet is your friend, as there are countless helpful DIY tutorials on YouTube to help you with each step.'

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