You can build a bed frame only with logs cut and shaped so that they fit together perfectly, without the use of screws or nails. Once upon the log beds, wooden crossbars were placed on which the mattress was placed. Nowadays the bed contains a box spring and the mattress, so there is no need to mount the crossbars.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare the logs
Step 1. Choose the wood to use
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The best choice is the trunks of trees that are dead due to a fire but still standing. Fires cause diseased trees to fall, leaving healthy ones standing. So you will have a better chance of finding healthy logs among the burned ones. The fire also eliminates the bark, saving you from removing it.
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You can also use fallen or beached logs on a shore, or you can buy them at the sawmill. But you risk finding rotten wood or one that has problems that make it unusable.
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If the law permits, cut the logs still standing. You will need to let them dry for a year before using them. Removing the bark will dry out faster.
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Step 2. Saw the logs to the length needed for the project
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Saw two pieces of 120 cm and two of 90 cm, to raise the headboard and the bottom of the bed. These pieces must be large and solid.
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Saw the four horizontal short pieces. Measure the mattress and cut the pieces about 2.5 cm longer. After you have notched the tenons to fit them together, the pieces will measure the width of the mattress.
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Cut the pins to insert vertically into the headboard and bottom of the bed. They should be 90cm long for the headboard and 61cm long for the bottom. After notching the tenons will be shorter than 2.5 cm. The number of pins needed depends on the width of the bed.
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Prepare four horizontal pieces to connect the headboard to the bottom of the bed. Measure the length of the mattress and cut the logs 2.5 cm longer.
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Step 3. Remove the bark and shape the logs with the special tool, consisting of a blade with two handles, to be placed on the wood and pulled towards you
A curved blade removes the bark, while a straight blade is used to carve the wood.
Step 4. Cut the tenons into the horizontal pieces and vertical pins
To do this, there are special drill bits that work like large pencil sharpeners.
Step 5. Dig out the mortises with the drill and Forstner bits
These drill bits dig flat-bottomed holes wide enough to accommodate the tenon.
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The mortises of the headboard must be performed at 23 and 110 cm from the ground. For the bottom of the bed, on the other hand, they must be performed at a height of 23 and 80 cm.
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Also carve the mortises for the vertical pins, spacing them evenly.
Build a Log Bed Step 5Bullet2 - Mortises for long horizontal pieces should be made 13 and 33 cm from the ground on all four feet of the bed.
Method 2 of 2: Assembly
Step 1. Attach an eye hook to all four feet of the bed, at a height of 30cm from the floor
This way you can pull cables diagonally to hold the bed together.
Step 2. Connect the cables diagonally through the grommets
Use wire tensioners in the center to pull the cables and hold the bed together. Adjust them to keep the bed square.
Step 3. Make a notch on the short sides of the bed, so that you can firmly place the slatted base
Step 4. Apply a coat of wood stain to protect the wood
Step 5. Lay the slatted base and mattress on the bed
Advice
- You can also use logs that have knots or irregular shapes.
- Kits with pre-cut logs, with mortises and tenons already made, ready to be assembled, are on the market.
- Don't worry if the wood has cracks. It is normal when the wood dries. Just avoid digging mortise on the crack.
