|
  |
|
|
How to Build a Loft Bed for a Teen’s Bedroom
By Anna Young
A loft bed is a space-saving option that makes a small bedroom more functional and spacious. Because you are getting the footprint of the bed off the floor, it leaves more space for other furniture or for a little breathing room. You can buy a loft bed at a furniture store or you can save some money and build a custom sized/custom designed bed perfectly suited to your teen’s bedroom space buy building it yourself. The Planning Process
Before you start thinking about the size and height of the bed you need to take a good look at the room itself. Loft beds require a ceiling height of at least eight feet in order for your teen to be able to comfortably sit up and turn around in bed. Sleeping too close to the ceiling can induce an anxious state of claustrophobia and it is important that there is adequate space for ventilation above the bed. Loft beds are popular in college dorms where space can be really tight, but be sure that you have approval from the college to install a loft bed; at the very least, they will require that your beds meets their building standards and safety regulations. Where to Find Bed Plans
If you are an experienced builder with knowledge of structures and load bearing limits you can probably design and build a safe loft bed from you own plans. However, the average do-it-yourselfer will need more guidance to be sure that the finished bed is sturdy and safe. Many DIY and wood project periodicals offer loft bed plans and you can also find plans through an Internet search. You may also considering purchasing a bed kit which includes plans and a list of basic materials you’ll need to complete the project. Safety Considerations
There are several safety issues to keep in mind when building a loft bed. First, the unit will require a ladder for entry to the elevated bed; this must be securely attached with screws to the frame of the bed so that it does not shift, tip or slide when in use. To keep the ladder from sagging or breaking, wood used for ladder construction should be at least one inch thick; the rungs should be spaced 10 to 12 inches apart. Secondly, the loft support should be built out of heavy duty plywood and should be pre-sized to accommodate the dimensions of the mattress. All supports must be sturdy and properly braced and joined with screws and bolts rather than nails. Bolts and screws will result in a more secure construction, are less likely to scratch or injure your teen, and also give you the option of taking the bed apart and moving it later on. Building Materials for your Loft Bed
Plywood is a good choice for the platform of the bed and the remaining structures can be made of oak, pine, bamboo or whatever wood you desire. Think about how you want to finish the bed when choosing wood: Oak is generally stained to show off the wood grain, but if you plan on painting the bed, pine is easier to paint and is more affordable. If you are skilled at metal working, you can build a bed make of metal tubing; do an online search for plans and structural requirements.
|
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
No reactions yet.
Please login or sign up to rate this intel.
Please login or sign up to add a comment.
Thanks Anna. That's a nice looking picture. What size plywood should be used?
The copyright for this content entitled "How to Build a Loft Bed for a Teen’s Bedroom" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
|
 |
|
This intel was contributed by Anna Young
Anna Young
|
May, 2012
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May
|
|
Not a member yet?
Qondio is a powerful network for making it online. If you have a website to
promote, we can help.
Sign up and get in on the action.
|
|
Welcome to Qondio! Discover the awesome power this network can deliver by going to our About page. Or you could skip straight to the Sign Up form.
|
|
