A loft bed is simply a bunk bed with just a top bunk and an open space beneath. As the bed is off the ground and makes use of the vertical space in a room, it supplies you with more usable floor space. Since you can put chests, drawers, desks, or anything else you want below. Some individuals even use the space beneath a loft bed as a closet.
Particularly if you reside in a small apartment where you need all the space you may obtain, or in a room shared by 2 or more children, a loft bed can be really useful and provide a lot of additional space. Loft beds are not really expensive, you might see a loft bed for as little as 0 however, extra add-ons like a desk or drawers will mean higher costs. If you are a D-I-Y person and you possess some knowledge about what you are doing then you may build a loft bed of your own as a weekend assignment. Here is what you will need.
Frame Risers
Required Tools
* Tape measure
* Screw driver
* Drill
* Ratchet
* Electric sander
* Required Materials
* Plywood piece
* Screws
* 2 x 6s
* 4 x 4s
* Lag bolts
* 2-inch thick wood slats
* 2x4 (optional)
* Angle brackets
Instructions
It is always best to begin with a plan; draw up a sketch of what your loft bed will look like and take out your tape measure to determine the measurements your bed will be. To measure the size of your bed decide whether you want a twin, double or queen sized bed and use the size of the mattress to settle the size the bed frame will have to be. Make the frame an inch wider than the mattress to allow for bedding and then it's time to go out and buy the lumber you will need.
When you have all the lumber its time to get to work. Use the 2x6 pieces of board to build a box which must fit over the mattress you will be using. Drill holes through the ends of the boards and use a screwdriver to screw the box together. Screw angle brackets onto the inside of each corner to support them. Then place the sheet of plywood over the box to create the bottom of the box. Attach the plywood to the frame with screws spaced 2-feet from each other.
Cut the 4x4s to match the height you wish your bed to be as they will be the posts of the bed. Set the posts in position and place the box on top of them (you will surely want help for this stage). Drill holes from on top down through the box and into the top of the posts. Next use the ratchet and secure the box to the posts utilizing the lag bolts.
The bed itself is now done but you still need a ladder to get into it. Make a ladder using the 2-inch thick wood slats, with each slat about 10 inches away from each other. Maintain the slope of the ladder to 60 degrees and finally secure the ladder to the bed using a few screws.
Use the electric sander to smooth necessary spots like the ladder, and if you wish you can add some stain and varnish as finishing touches.
Tips and Warnings
If the bed is not as firm as you would like it to be, use the piece of 2x4 to create a diagonal bracing across the back of the bed (the side that will be beside the wall) for added support.
It is best to use untreated wood for this project to lessen skin contact with any chemicals used for treatment.