How to Build a Loft Bed With 4X4s

Need to save space? Do you have to build up instead of out? A loft bed creates not only a sleeping platform, but frees up additional space, and makes any room feel larger. With some basic knowledge and some simple tools, it's a simple task to make a loft bed using mostly 4x4s.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• 4x4s
• a sheet of plywood
• Saw
• Wood screws
• Stud finder
• Pencil
• A partner
• a drill
• a stepladder

Instructions

How to Build a Loft Bed with 4x4s.

1. Find your location. For security, at least one of the sides of the bed will need to be secured into a wall. This will require a least four feet of open wall. You will need to use the stud finder to find at least two studs in the wall for the bed to fasten two. Mark these very clearly with a pencil. At the levels of the studs, mark a line at the height you want the bed, at least a foot wide at each location. This will help you keep the bed level.

2. Build the legs. You will now build four legs for the bed. Using the measurements you took earlier, cut four 4x4s to the height of the bed. Using your saw, take a length of 4x4 and cut it into 8 squares. Cut each of these squares in half. These are your ‘feet’.

3. Using your tape measure, measure 3 ½ inches from the top of each 4x4 and make a line on two conjoining sides. On those same sides, measure two feet up from the bottom of the 4x4, and place two more lines. Then, affix the feet so that the wide side sits against the lines you have drawn, creating a support for the rest of the bed frame.

4. Assemble the frame. Cut four 4x4s to the width of the mattress, plus ½ inch for safety. Cut four more 4x4s to the length of the mattress, plus ½ inch for safety. Assemble two sides of the bed separately. It is easier to build the two long sides apart and them bring them together.

5. Lie the struts on their sides, one set of feet parallel to the floor and the other pointing up in the air. Line them up so you can place the two side struts between them. Screw the side struts into the legs of the bed frame, resting on the feet, creating one whole side of the frame. Repeat the process with the other side of the bed. Then, have your partner help you rest one side of the bed against a wall, and then stand the second side up. Using the 4x4s that you have cut, complete one side of the frame, and then the other.

6. Secure the bed. Affix one side of the bed to the selected wall. Make sure it is securely fastened to at least two studs.

7. Finish the bed. Once the bed is attached to the wall, cut the plywood sheet to size and affix it to the top of the bed frame. This is the base of the bed. Finally, cut several more 'feet' and use these to affix steps to one of the corners of the bed, forming a ladder.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection when using power tools.

• This is a two person job. Attempting to assemble a loft bed with one person is dangerous.