How to Install Loft Railing

Some loft beds come with railings, and some do not.

Loft beds come in a variety of shapes and configurations, and can be designed to fit sleepers ranging from young children to adults. Railings may or may not be included with the loft bed, but can almost always be purchased separately. Loft railings help decrease falls, give a feeling of security and provide additional space for displaying art or attaching shelving for storage. They are typically wooden or metal pieces which match the rest of the bed, and span from one end of the bed to the other, usually about 3 inches above the mattress.

Things You'll Need

• Premade loft railings
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Check the instruction manual for the loft railing for a parts list. Compare the parts included in the box with the list of parts that should be in the box. Notify the retailer or the manufacturer of any discrepancies to increase the chance that they will be replaced without cost.

2. Position the long section of premanufactured railing against the side of the loft bed so that it is perpendicular to the ends of the bed. Line up any predrilled holes in the railing with the predrilled holes in the bed ends and have an assistant hold the railing in place during installation.

3. Set the included attachment equipment in the holes and fasten it according to its particular type, using a drill, screwdriver, Allen wrench or standard wrench to tighten the screws, bolts or metal pegs. Tighten all fasteners only halfway until all fasteners have been attached on both ends of the bed. Then fully tighten the fasteners so that the railing is firmly affixed to the bed.

4. Repeat the previous steps to add a railing to the other side of the bed for maximum security. Additional railing boards may sometimes be used underneath the bed section for further frame support or to form a ladder for entry and exit from the loft bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint or stain any railings to match the external appearance of the bed frame and the room, particularly if the loft bed has been modified or adjusted in any way.

• Never leave railings half-installed or allow the bed occupants to loosen the fasteners, as this could make the railings unsafe, leading to a possible fall and injury if the occupant leans against the railing and causes it to give way.

• Always install railings for the beds of children under 5, as they may not be able to control their night-time movements, leading to falls and injury if the railings are not in place.