How to Make a Loft Bed

The loft bed is considered one of the most cozy additions to the bedroom. It allows for comfortable sleeping without the loss of desperately needed space. In the following article, you will learn how to build a loft bed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4- 4x4x8 timbers
• 4- 2x8x8 pine
• 11 2x4x8
• 4- 1/2x 4" carriage bolts, washers and nuts
• Wood screws: 2", 2.5", and 3.5"
• 1- 4x8x3/4 plywood

Build the bed frame

1. Cut two of the four 2x8x8 pine boards down to 78 inches. Then, cut the remaining two down to 39 inches. Place the two 78 inch boards 39 inches apart and slide the 39 inch boards in between the top and bottom at the ends to form a rectangle. Use the wood screws to secure the boards, screwing three screws into each corner.

2. Make a mark 2.5 inches down from the top of the box and draw, with a straight edge, a line all the way around the box at 2.5 inches. Rip two 2x4x8 pine boards into two 1.5 inch strips. You will have 4- 1.5x1.5x8 strips when you are done. Cut two of the strips down to 75 inches and align the top of the strip below the line inside the box. Use the wood screws, 2.5 inches long to attach the strips inside the box; Screw the wood screws from the inside of the box. Cut one of the other strips into two 36 inch strips and slide them into the top and bottom of the box and in between the prior strips. Secure them with 2.5 inch wood screws in the same way.

3. 
   Alternative way to set post

   Cut the 4- 4x4 timbers down to 5 feet 0 inches. Make a mark at the top of the post 3.5 inches down from the top and square it around three sides. Lay the box upside down with the strips closest to the top facing the floor. Insert one timber inside one corner so that it comes to rest on the bottom of the applied strips. Insert 2- 3.5 inch wood screws into each side of the corner securing the post into place. Repeat this step on the remaining posts. See the picture for an alternative way to notch the post. It is more difficult and time consuming, but you may want to try it.

4. 
   Angeled braces

   Make sure the post are plumb and level. Cut eight- 2x4x2s and then make a 45 degree angle on each end and make sure the angles are facing the same way. Place the on each inside. The picture is for reference only. Pre- drill two holes about 2 inches from the end and 2 inches apart on each end of the brace. Secure with 3.5 inch wood screws.

5. Stand the bed on its four posts and cut the 3/4 inch plywood to 39 x 75 inches; Drop it in to the bed frame. Attach it, using 2 inch screws, into the 1.5 inch strips that run around the inside of the bed.

6. Cut two- 2x4x2s and pre -drill two 1/2 inch holes in the ends about 1 inch off the end and 2 inches apart. Make a mark 2 feet off the end of the bed and have a helper hold the 2 foot board plumb and even with the bottom of the bed frame. Drill the two holes all the way through the bed frame and insert the carriage bolts. Tighten the nuts and washers onto the back side. Measure 32 inches over and repeat the process. Cut 2- 32 inch 2x4s and screw them into the top and at mid way of the attached 2x4x2s. This will serve as a rail to prevent the sleeper from rolling off the bed.

7. Cut two- 2x4x5s and place an angle of approx 30 degrees on each end. The angles will be reverses on opposite ends. Cut 5- 2x4x2s and screw them about 12 inches apart in between the 5 inch runners. Use the 3.5 inch wood screws and place two into each step so as to secure it well. This will serve as the ladder and should be screwed to the bead frame at the desired position.

Tips & Warnings

• Measurements may be slightly different based on the space for the bed. It can never be under 39x75 inches. This is the minimum size for a twin bed.
• Always be careful when cutting with a circular saw. Wear safety glasses.

Resources

• Loft Bed Construction