How to Build a Loft Bed in a Garage Room

A loft bed in a refurbished garage makes for extra storage and sleeping space. Building a loft bed for a garage room is no different from building a loft bed for any other room. The real differences will come in leveling and bed placement, along with a higher bed because of the increased ceiling height in most garages. Plans for a twin-size loft bed are adjustable for smaller or larger beds by altering the lumber sizes.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood sheet, 1/2 by 38 by 75 inches
• 2 beams, 2 by 4 by 75 inches
• 2 beams, 2 by 4 by 35 inches
• 4 posts, 6 by 6 by 78 inches
• 2 planks, 1 by 12 by 72 inches
• 4 planks, 1 by 12 by 32 inches
• 3-inch wood screws
• Power drill with screwdriver bits
• Cardboard sheets
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Set the four beams in a rectangle with all beams lying on narrow ends. Set them with the 35-inch beams inside the 75-inch beams.

2. Connect the beams of the rectangle, using two screws at each joint. Drive the screws in through the face of the 75-inch beam and into the center of the end of the 35-inch beam.

3. Lay the plywood sheet over the frame with all edges flush with the edges of the frame. Screw it in place with one screw per corner. Drive the screws in through the plywood and into the beam.

4. Set a post in the corner of your frame, nestled in the angle formed by the beams.

5. Screw the post in place with four screws. Drive the screws through the plywood into the end of the post. Use four screws, one for each corner of the end of the post.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to attach the other three posts.

7. Connect two posts on the long side of the bed, using one of the 72-inch planks, set halfway between the two ends of the posts. Screw it in position with four screws per post, set in a square. Drive the screws through the plank into the post.

8. Attach the second 72-inch plank directly opposite the other, screwed in place in the same way.

9. Connect two posts on the short side of the bed, using one of the 36-inch planks, set so the top of the plank is flush with the bottom of the longer planks already installed. Screw it in position with four screws per post, set in a square. Drive the screws through the plank into the post.

10. Attach a second 36-inch plank directly opposite the other, screwed in place in the same way.

11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for the other short end of the frame.

12. Set the bed in position--if possible, against an interior wall. This will almost always be warmer than the exterior garage walls.

13. Stabilize the bed, if necessary.. Garage floors are often uneven. Use the utility knife to cut pieces of cardboard for shims. Slide cardboard slices under unstable support posts until you've formed firmer ground.

Tips & Warnings

• If your garage floor is very uneven, consider leveling it with concrete or a wooden platform before installing a loft bed.

References

• Better Sleep: What Size Mattress is Best?
• Gene Brick, Retired Contractor and Furniture Hobbyist, Hillsboro, Oregon