Print Article for : How To Build A Loft Bed

Your Online Guide » Home Decor » Home Management

[H883]How To Build A Loft Bed

by John Grant, Joh

Bed space-savers and multi-function bunkers; loft beds are best for utilizing space wisely in our rooms. They not only offer comfortable beds to lie on—loft beds also provide small storage spaces or cabinets or shelves underneath. And now we can make them ourselves following this guide.

Yeah, that's right, we said you can do it yourself and this home project is a perfect home addition for novice carpenters as well as skilled ones. So if you are a novie, don't be scared. Just have a plan and stick to it. Before you know it that loft bed will be ready for use.

1. First, we need the loft bed posts. Have the 4 posts measure exactly 4 by 4 inches by 8 feet.

2. We need to form a rectangular box shape of 40 by 78 inches with 5 and 1/2 inches height supported by these four posts. The rectangular box is formed by connecting 2 by 6 by 8 lumber pieces at their corners using 3-inch screws. Into this box we fit the plywood to form the lying on area of the loft bed.

3. Hold 2 posts parallel each other at a distance of 78 inches from outer edge to outer edge. Attach the posts to the 2 by 6 by 8 rectangular box by drilling holes on the post and at the box corners and inserting 4-inch and 3/8 inch bolts through them. Repeat the process with the other corners of the rectangular box and the 2 remaining posts. After this, we have the loft bed (rectangular box) connected to the post.

4. Make another loft bed (rectangular box) for the upper level. Connect this upper level bed in the same way as the first loft bed level. Then we make a wooden ladder with a riser height of 10 inches. Attach the ladder to the double loft bed with bolts, nuts, and washers at the foot and header, and also at the mid section, if possible. We may attach this ladder on any part of the loft bed.

5. Then, apply sanding on all the exposed surfaces of the loft bed before painting. Make sure that the upper level has enough head clearance with regards to the ceiling and do not make the loft bed size too narrow or wide. Check the dimensions of the loft bed to fit the available mattress size. And double check the safeness and sturdiness of the ladder material, construction, and attachment.

Always use machine bolts and nuts to attach the rectangular box to the posts. Make use of the space underneath for small storages or built-in cabinets or drawers. There are ready made units (wooden or metal) of these ready to be attached using studs.

Loft beds are the best option for space-saving bedroom ideas. They're easy to assemble and practical to use long term. Moreover, kids just love them - just make sure the kids will not fight about whoe gets which bunk.

Individuals of all ages choose to invest in a loft bed or bunk bed for their home. This classic childhood sleeper is quickly becoming a fun, inventive way for ‘tweens, teens, college students, and young adult hipsters to maximize their space without having to roll out a sleeping bag every night. When it comes time to shop for furniture, look to stores that specialize in bunk beds or loft beds.

First things first, there is a major difference between bunk beds and loft beds. Bunk beds are the most common form of alternative bedding, with an upper bunk stacked above a lower bunk. Some bunk beds stack two same-sized mattresses horizontally, while others stack a twin bed above a full size bed or even a futon that can serve as a larger sleeping or living area. Finally, other bunk beds create a playhouse type environment, with a top bunk running horizontally overtop of a vertically running bottom bunk. Some of these alternative bunk beds include stair steps and even slides, allowing the beds perfect for younger individuals.

Loft beds feature elevated platforms for sleeping, leaving much needed floor space below to place a desk, couch, or entertainment center to provide extra space for living. Generally associated with cramped dorm rooms, loft beds are becoming increasingly popular with teenagers who feel cramped in smaller rooms and want to expand their livable space. Also, young adults are also elect to choose loft beds in first apartments that may have less than desirable sleeping quarters. Think of loft beds like the new, hipper version of the classic Murphy bed.

When shopping for a bunk bed or loft bed, first consider the person that will be sleeping in the bed. For children, consider safety above all other aspects of the bed. Teenagers or young adults may want to focus on the size or the style of the bed more so than safety worries. When dealing with children, be sure that the child is ready to upgrade to a “grown up" bed before making the move. Children should be at least 35 inches long or two years of age before he or she should be moved to a bunk bed. Also, ground rules should be made regarding the proper conduct involving the bunk bed, since most injuries occur due to roughhousing or horseplay.

Regardless of your age, you should ensure the bunk bed or loft bed you choose has two sets of guardrails and a sturdy ladder that can support your weight. The guard rails are critical, even though your bed may reside next to a wall. More so with children, but occasional with teens or adults, bunk beds or loft beds without a guardrail next to the wall can cause the sleeper to slip between the bed and the wall during their sleep. Also, a guardrail on the other side of the bed is critical, since anyone can fall out of a bed while asleep.

For children, the guard rail should be no more than three and a half inches above the mattress. If the guard rail is too far away from the mattress, the occupant can slip between the mattress and the rail, resulting in a fall. Also, the guard rail should run at least five inches above the mattress to prevent the occupant from rolling over top of the rail.

Keep in mind there are a variety of bunk beds and loft beds on the market. Younger kids may enjoy the activity themed bunk beds, while teens may desire a bed that incorporates a loft instead of a bottom bunk. Also, the size of the room is directly associated with size of the bunk bed or loft bed. Although having a double or queen size bed may be luxurious in comparison to a tiny twin, but carefully think of the available space before choosing.

Article Source : Pg. 43

About Author

Both John Grant & Bill Carmel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

John Grant has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Travel and Leisure and Home Management. John Grant is a the author for a site where he is writing articles about. John Grant's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.

Bill Carmel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Site Promotion, Legal Matters and Recreation and Sports. Doug Mahopac specializes in Clocks. Bill Carmel's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.