The four drawings below should give you an idea of just how simple it is to build this bed.
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This sketch shows the necessary parts and the frame under construction.
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This image shows the plywood being placed on the frame. |
In this sketch, you can see the completed boxed frame being bolted to two of the 4x4 posts. Note that you must use two bolts and they need to be a minimum of 4 inches long. 4.5 inch long bolts would be preferable. You need two bolts at each post so that the bed posts do not fold under the frame.
Here is the completed loft bed with the ship's ladder. Trim the ladder for length if necessary. With a little bit of ingenuity, you can see how you can install drapes or short curtains on a rod between three of the posts. This will allow the person in the loft to have some privacy. I had the same thing on my loft bed while I was on the USS George Washington!
3D Illustrations by Marty Hovey
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Comments
Amanda
16 Jan 2008, 18:40
What if I wanted to Have Steps/Stairs instead of a ladder? Are there any
plans for those?
AsktheBuilder
18 Jan 2008, 06:05
Amanda,
You bet. I have other columns about building steps and I authored a nice
EBook about Building Stairs.
James
12 Feb 2008, 10:59
I ordered a full size mattress, and found that none of the stores near me
sell a full size loft bed. it seems that they assume loft beds are only for
children using twin size.
i was thinking about making my own much like what you have here, except
have 3 posts per side to support the larger frame and weight. is there
anything else i should take into consideration?
AsktheBuilder
12 Feb 2008, 14:38
James,
No. You do not need three posts per side.
James
12 Feb 2008, 16:45
Not questioning your expertise, but are you sure? i didnt mention it in my
previous post, but this bed is for myself, im 26. so its a full grown man
sleeping in this thing, and sometimes my girlfriend with me. so 2 full
grown adults with a double/full mattress, just 4 corner posts will support
it?
any suggestions on the kind of wood to use? of course it looking nice is
good, but having it strong and not collapse in the middle of the night is
more important.
AsktheBuilder
14 Feb 2008, 16:07
James,
Four posts is fine. Read all of my loft-bed columns. I describe lumber in
them. The key thing is to use 3/8-inch diameter bolts.....
Sean
08 Mar 2008, 17:04
Hi Tim,
I enjoy your newspaper column every week.
I would like to adapt this loft bed idea to a corner space, as a play loft
rather than a bed. The area available to me is triangular (roughly 70" x
70" x 100"). Any suggestions, or thoughts on whether this would work (I
searched other columns and couldn't find anything about triangular lofts)?
Would only three legs be enough to support the weight of a couple of 6-year
olds?
Thanks!
Sean
AsktheBuilder
12 Mar 2008, 08:21
Sean,
Three legs would be sufficient. Be sure to use 2x6s as the horizontal
members between the posts.
Allie
16 Mar 2008, 10:29
I have a double mattress. Would this mattress fit these plans?
Thanks!
Allie
AsktheBuilder
16 Mar 2008, 12:02
Allie,
If not, just adjust the dimensions of the lumber. You need to get out a
tape measure and see.
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