How to Make Your Own Easy Loft Bed
A loft bed is a relatively easy addition to a small bedroom, literally doubling the floor space. In a bedroom with a high ceiling, it can be another whole room. In the average home with an 8-foot ceiling, it provides a cozy nest for sleeping. The area under the loft bed is then available for use as a study space, a media center with a TV and video games, a play area, or even a large closet. A loft bed installation is easily accomplished in one weekend. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Mattress, twin size
- Pencil
- Yardstick
- Level
- Stud-finder
- 1 board, 4-by-4, 5 feet long
- 2 boards, 2-by-6, 41 inches long
- 2 boards, 2-by-6, 77 inches long
- Drill with screwdriver bit
- 4-inch deck screws
- 2-inch deck screws
- 1-inch deck screws
- 8 carriage bolts, 4-inch
- 5 "L" brackets, 3-inch
- 1 sheet of plywood, cut 44 by 77 inches, 1 inch thick
- Sandpaper, fine grit
- Bunk bed ladder
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the corner of the room with a tape measure. A standard twin-size mattress is 39 by 75 inches. Allow for 2 extra inches for the frame, with one side at 41 inches and the other at 77 inches. Mark the wall with a pencil. You do not need a box spring.
-
2
Measure up 5 feet from the floor and mark the walls with a pencil. Using a yardstick and a level, draw a horizontal line on the two walls where the loft bed will be installed. Using a stud finder, locate the studs and mark the center of each just above the 5-foot mark.
-
-
3
Screw one 77-inch 2-by-6 board to the back wall, using the horizontal line to position the top side of the board on the wall. Have a helper hold the board in place with the 6-inch edge against the wall, while you drill through it and into the studs. Use three 4-inch deck screws at each stud.
-
4
Install one 41-inch 2-by-6 board horizontally on the side wall, butted up to the other board, with the tops even. Use three screws at each stud.
-
5
Predrill two holes into each end of the remaining 77-inch board, 3/4 inch from the end. Using carriage bolts, attach to the top side of the 4-by-4 post so that the side of the board is even with the top of the post. With your helper, lift the post so that the other end of the board butts up to the end of the 41-inch board. Attach the boards at a right angle with two carriage bolts.
-
6
Predrill two holes on each end of the remaining 41-inch board, 3/4 inch from the end. While your helper holds it up to the loft bed frame, screw the carriage bolts to each of the side boards.
-
7
Duck inside of the frame and screw one "L" bracket inside of each corner, using 1-inch screws. You need two brackets where the 4-by-4 post attaches to the side boards, one for each corner.
-
8
Sand any rough edges of the plywood with fine grit sandpaper. Place the plywood on top of the frame and screw it down around the edges, using at least four 2-inch deck screws per side. Lay the mattress on top of the plywood.
-
9
Screw the ladder to the front of the loft bed. Add curtains or other decor items as desired. A sconce or clip-on-light provides light for reading in bed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The hardware store or lumberyard can cut the boards to size.
Paint or stain the wood before you begin building the loft bed.
Put the mattress in a plastic mattress cover; it will stay clean.
Adjust the size of the frame to accommodate a larger mattress if desired.
Do not block the window. You must be able to escape if there is an emergency and the door is blocked.
If the loft bed is for a child, install a safety rail.
Use LED lights for safety. Hot light bulbs touching bedding can be a fire hazard.
Use safety equipment like safety glasses and gloves.
If you rent, use 4-by-4 posts as supports instead of attaching the loft bed to the walls. Otherwise, be ready to remove the bed, spackle and paint when you move out.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
