How to Make a Loft Bed Cheaply

Loft beds are functional and cozy

Loft beds are practical and free up extra floor space for a wardrobe, a toy chest, a desk, extra storage or a sitting or play area. Because loft beds are functional and allow numerous design possibilities, they are popular with children, teenagers, and college students. Building a loft bed might seem like a complicated project, but with a simple plan you can make one quickly and easily without stretching your budget. The result is a piece of furniture your children will enjoy for many years.

Things You'll Need

• Two 2 by 6 by 78 inches lumber planks
• Two 2 by 6 by 37 inches lumber planks
• Drill
• ¼ inch drill bit
• One box of 1 5/8 inch long drywall screws
• ¾ inch by 4 inches by 8 feet plywood sheet
• Saw
• Six 8 feet by 4 inches by 4 inches posts
• Eight 3/8 inch diameter 4 inches long lag bolts
• Paint or wood stain

Instructions

1. Overlap the end of a 2 by 6 by 37 inches plank with the end of a 2 by 6 by 78 inches plank to start constructing the mattress box. Align the planks and screw them in three evenly spaced places making a simple butt joint.

2. Join the second 2 by 6 by 78 inches plank parallel to the matching long plank indicated in step one. Join the second 2 by 6 by 37 inches plank parallel to the matching short plank indicated in step one.

3. Cut the plywood sheet to fit the frame. This should be 40 inches by 78 inches.

4. Screw the plywood sheet to the frame every two feet with drywall screws to complete the mattress box.

5. Cut the posts to 44 inches in length.

6. Lay the box on its side and align a post to each of the corners that are flat on the surface. Mark two drill holes for each post on the inside of the box frame.

7. Drill through the box frame and halfway through the post. Screw the post to the box frame with a lag bolt and repeat with the other post.

8. Turn the bed frame over, align two more posts, and join them the same way as in step seven.

9. Cut the last two posts to make four steps 40 inches long (you can make more steps if you wish). Screw them along one of the narrow sides of the bed to make a ladder.

10. Stain or paint the bed and let it dry.

11. Place the mattress in the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• The width and length indicated for the mattress box fit a twin size mattress and can be adjusted to fit a full size mattress.

References

• Ask the Builder: Build a Loft Bed
• Do It Yourself: How to Make a Loft Bed
• Monster Guide: How to Build a Loft Bed

Resources

• Ask the Builder: 3D Plans - Loft Bed
• Making Strong Wood Joints