Learn to Build a Loft Bed
When bedroom space is tight, it makes sense to build a loft bed. Similar to a bunk bed, a loft bed raises the mattress to create additional space underneath. Unlike a bunk bed, a loft bed leaves the lower area open for a table, chair, or play area.
Step by Step to Build a Loft Bed (DIY)
The design of this loft bed is simple and elegant, gaining strength by using high-quality hardwood instead of regular solid wood. Also, borrow the nail holder in your home frame. The upper level accommodates a 60-inch-wide futon or mattress for the bed. The lower level is free to sit. Total Assembled Measurements: 67 '' high, 64 '' wide, 96 '' long with a 52 '' bottom clearance.
Security Considerations
Stay safe during construction with an assistant to assist you and use a sturdy ladder to access high points. Keep the loft bed user safe by making sure the bedside rails are securely attached and the screws on the sides of the wall are secured with nails.
What are you going to need
Equipment/Tools
- Keyset
- Speed square
- Circular saw
- Cordless drill
- Six-foot ladder
- Laser level or a rotating laser level
- Electric miter saw
- Measuring tape
- Beam finder
- Carpenter's pencil
- Throw away clothes
- Eye and hearing protection
Materials
- 14 Hardwood one by four, each 8 feet
- 2 planks two by two, each 2.5 meters long, pine or other softwood
- 20 boards one to four, each 2.5 meters long, pine or other softwood
- 2-inch screws and washers
- 1 1/2 inch wood screws
- Materials for painting or coloring
Instructions
1. Cut the wood to the correct size
- Cut six one-by-four to 64 inches each
- Cut four one-by-four to 67 inches each
- Cut two one-by-four 76 inches each
- Cut the 20 pine boards into 62 1/2 inches each.
- Using the pieces of trash, cut two one-by-four pieces of 15 inches each.
- Three of the 2.5 meters long one by four will not be cut.
2. Staining or painting the wood
In a well-ventilated area, such as an open garage, stain or paint all wood with a cloth before assembling the bed. Wait until the wood is completely dry before mounting. Generally, you will need to wait for one to two hours between coats of paint. Polyurethane lacquers and coatings can take a day or two to fully cure.
3. Attach the support posts to the long side
Place two of the 67-inch one-by-four vertically to the long side wall: one 96 inches from the corner and one at the corner. A skirting board may need to be removed or cut because the skirting board needs to fit snugly against the wall. Use the laser level or plumb bob to make sure the posts are perfectly vertical. Using the tape measure, make sure the furthest pole is exactly 96 inches from the adjacent wall.
4. Build the base of the upper loft
Lay two of the 96-inch boards one-by-four 64 inches apart and parallel. Place two of the 64-inch boards at each end to form a rectangle. Secure the boards with two screws at each end.
5. Top Loft Base Mount: Long Side
With the laser level, draw a horizontal line across the two adjacent walls 52 inches from the ground. With a helper, lift the base of the loft so that its bottom reaches this line and screw the base to the two vertical support posts. Ask the assistant to hold the base firmly.
6. Top Loft Base Mount: Short Side
On the adjacent wall, mount the third support column vertically 60 inches from the corner. Screw the corner of the short side (the wide side) of the bed onto the support post.
Tip: For added strength, secure loft base to additional vertical wall studs with matching screws and washers. Cut small pieces one by four to block between the wall and the base of the loft to avoid arching the base of the loft. Wall studs tend to run every 16 inches.
7. Attach the fourth vertical column
The fourth corner of the bed base should be free, held only by your assistant. Screw the 67-inch quarter one by four vertically in this corner.
8. Attach the bottom rails
Move the laser level down so that it projects a 20-inch line onto the ground. Place a 96-inch by four along this line next to the wall of the bed. Lay a 64-inch board horizontally along this line at the foot of the bed and another 64-inch board along with the head of the bed.
9. Attach the side rail: short side (foot)
Two adjacent sides of the loft bed do not need side rails as these sides meet the walls. The other two sides need a long handrail with a cutout for a ladder and a short handrail at the foot of the bed.
On the foot, attach a 64-inch plate that runs from the top of one support column to the top of the next support column. Place a second 64-inch plate in the middle. Since the distance is 15 inches, the medium must be 7 1/2 inches.
10. Attach the side rail: long side
Place two 15-inch one-by-four vertically on the side of the bed. One should be placed 50 centimeters horizontally from the foot of the bed (or elsewhere, depending on the width of the ladder) and the other board should be 60 centimeters from the foot. Lay two 76-inch handrails one by four horizontally in the same manner as the handrails.
11. Attach the slats to the bed
On the inside of the bed, secure them two at a time along the bed. The bed slats will rest on these boards. Lay the 62 1/2-inch pine boards on top of these rails, evenly spacing. Secure each side of the pine board with two screws.
We hope you enjoy watching this video about Loft Bed Construction DIY
Source: TheHackLab
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