Hi,

I'm planning to build paint grade, built-in bunk bed for my kids, similar to this. IMG_5646.jpg
My question at the moment is how to build the 9' vertical posts. I could buy solid 4x4 lumber and have the posts be 3.5"x3.5", but I am thinking they may look a little bit dinky and we might prefer them to be slightly chunkier, maybe 5"x5". I've asked friends for advice and have gotten a few suggestions:
1. just go with 4x4, it will be fine.
2. Build a 4 sided, mitered box post with plywood, hardwood, or other.
3. Build a butt-joined box post with plywood, hardwood, or other
4. "Sister" 2 2x6s, which would create a 3x5.5" post or 3 2x6s, which would be 4.5"x5.5".

Any thoughts from the peanut gallery? This project is going to be a lot of work, so I'm looking for a solution that is as quick and easy as possible, but also looks good and will be sturdy.

Also, does anyone have a good source for plans for a bunk bed like this. I'm 90% through winging it on my own, but it always good to see how others do it. Thanks in advance!