CARRIAGE BOLTS

You can through-bolt bunk boards with carriage bolts. They must be installed before you put on the bunk carpet. Drill the appropriatesize holes in positions that match the bunk bracket mounting holes, then router a shallow recess on the topside of the bunk. Insert the carriage bolt from the top, and tap the head of the bolt firmly downward with a small hammer to seat the square shoulders of the bolt and ensure the head is below the surface of the wood. Now carpet the board. To install, use a flat washer, lock washer and nut to secure the bunk.