How to Loft a Bed

Loft beds are ideal for providing extra storage space.

A loft bed is any bed that is raised off the ground, providing extra storage space underneath. Loft beds are excellent uses of space in small and otherwise cramped rooms, allowing space for a desk to be set up or allowing a little extra space to store items when space is at a premium. With the right tools, a sturdy loft bed can be assembled inside a day.

Things You'll Need

• Bed
• Tape measure
• 8 pieces of 2-by-6-inch wood
• Drill
• 44 lag bolts
• Ratchet wrench
• 4 sheets of 1-inch thick wood
• 1 sheet of 3-by-6-foot-by-3/8 inch wood
• Lag screws
• Bracing strips
• Wooden ladder
• Mattress

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width and height of the space in which you will build the loft bed, using a tape measure. Cut two pieces of 2-by-6-by-1 1/2-inch wood to the length you measured. Cut two more pieces to the width you measured. Drill three pilot holes on each side of the end boards. Use a ratchet wrench and lag bolts to assemble the bed frame.

2. Measure the width of the frame, including the width of the wood. Cut the four 1-inch thick sheets of wood to form slats of length equal to the frame width. Attach one slat to one end of the underside of the frame with one lag bolt in each corner of the slat. Attach a second slat to the other end of the frame in the same manner. Attach the final two slats, leaving equal space between each slat.

3. Measure the length and width of the space inside the frame. Cut a large sheet of plywood to this length and width. Place the sheet in the frame, over the slats, as a support sheet for the mattress. Cut four more 2-by-6-inch pieces of wood to the height you wish to raise the loft bed. Attach the pieces to the bed using the lag bolts and bracing strips.

4. Cut two pieces of the 2-by-6 wood to fit the width between the rear two legs of the loft bed. Fasten the first of these pieces between the rear legs, one-third of the way up from the ground. Fasten the second piece between the legs one-third of the way down from the top of the legs. Use lag screws and a drill with screwdriver attachment.

5. Cut the final two pieces of 2-by-6 to the width between the legs on the sides of the bed. Attach one piece between the legs on either side, one-third of the way up from the ground. Again, use the screws and drill with screwdriver attachment for the fastenings. Attach a wooden ladder to one end of the bed using screws. Place the mattress over the support sheet.

Tips & Warnings

• Although a loft bed is excellent for storage, it also creates a very effective shade for anything stored under it. As a result, it can benefit greatly from having a light fitted to the underside of the bed. A small strip light fastened to the underside of the slats makes an excellent light source.

• Before the bed is used, it is essential to ensure that the frame has been securely bolted. Check the strength of each bolt and screw used in the frame assembly once the bed is assembled and also once the bed has had time to stand for a few hours, in case the frame loosens while settling.

References

• Ask The Builder: Build a Loft Bed
• Handyman Wire: Bunk or Loft Beds
• Ana White: How to Build a Loft Bed