With this method, you can build a loft bed by attaching two sides to the walls. This will make it easier to carry out the project and you will get a bed that can withstand a lot of weight. The measures indicated in the article are used to build a single bed.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Building the Upper Structure
Step 1. Measure the height you want
Evaluate how much space you want to leave under the bed. Use a tape measure and write down the value. Remember to take into account the size of each piece of furniture you want to fit under the bed.
Step 2. Attach the headboard to the wall
Using the tool to find the load-bearing beams in the wall, locate their location and make a mark with duct tape. Drill pilot holes that are slightly smaller than the diameter of the bolts you plan to use to secure the headboard. Finally attach the headboard with four 10 cm bolts and respective washers. Tighten them tightly with a wrench or socket.
Help yourself with a spirit level to keep everything level
Step 3. Secure the side to the wall
Drill pilot holes in the bearing posts of the wall and in the lateral axis of the bed. Secure the latter using eight 10 cm bolts and associated washers. Tighten them with a wrench or socket.
Help yourself with a spirit level to keep everything level
Step 4. Attach the footboard
Drill pilot holes at the end of the lateral axis, in the thickness, on the front of the footboard. Fix the latter to the lateral axis with two 10 cm bolts and respective washers.
Part 2 of 4: Building the Lower Structure
Step 1. Create a support pole
Cut it at the height that separates the bed from the ground plus another 10 cm and fix both sides by 5x10 cm with 10 screws of 6 cm. Alternate the screws on both sides.
Step 2. Level the pole
Place the spirit level on the top edge of the footboard. Place the support post in its position against the footboard and adjust the height of the footboard until it is level. Secure the post against the footboard with clamps or have a helper hold it steady.
Step 3. Secure the support pole
Drill pilot holes in the front of the footboard and on the support post. Attach the two elements together with two 10 cm bolts and respective washers.
Step 4. Prepare the outer lateral axis
Secure it with clamps to the support pole by calculating the appropriate height or ask a helper to hold it in place. A spirit level will be very useful to you at this stage.
Step 5. Fix the outer axis
Drill pilot holes in the face of the outer plank, at the end of the headboard, footboard, and in the support post. Connect everything with six 10 cm bolts and their respective washers (two bolts for the headboard, two for the footboard and two for the support pole).
Part 3 of 4: Assemble the Planks
Step 1. Place and secure the first plank support
You need to rest it inside the outer plank so that the top edge is flush with the top edge of the support post. With the spirit level, make sure that everything is horizontal and block the support of the slats with seven 6 cm screws.
Step 2. Place and secure the second plank support
This goes inside the lateral axis so that the top edge is aligned with that of the support pole. Make sure everything is level and then secure the stand with seven 6cm screws.
Step 3. Now mount the plank support to the headboard
This is fixed inside the headboard with four 6 cm screws.
Step 4. Add the support for the footboard slats
Lay it on the inside of the footboard so that the top edge is flush with both the side support and the support post. Secure it with four 6cm screws.
Step 5. Add the planks
Take the measurements and mark the exact position for the 14 planks by spacing them evenly along the supports. Secure each plank by first drilling pilot holes at the ends and with two 3.5 cm screws.
Part 4 of 4: Building the Stair
Step 1. Cut the stair posts
Cut two planks with a 5x15 cm section to a length 15 cm longer than the height of the bed from the ground.
Step 2. Angle the posts
Cut one end of the uprights at 15 ° using a power or circular saw. Rest this angled end on the ground while the other end of each post rests against the outside of the outer bulkhead of the bed, in the final position where you want to secure it. Draw the cut line so that the edge rests completely. Also cut this end at 15 °.
Step 3. Cut out the notches
Lean a ladder post against the outside of the bed side bulkhead and take the markers for a 3cm deep incision. Cut the notches with a circular saw and then refine them with a hacksaw. These notches allow a more secure attachment of the ladder to the bed. Use the first mounted as a template to make the same notch in the second as well.
Step 4. Add the ladder rungs
Measure and trace the marks on the uprights, spacing them evenly. Make sure they are always well leveled. Drill countersunk pilot holes along the sides of the posts, one for each rung. Secure them each with four 6cm screws.
Step 5. Prepare the main staircase
From inside the outer bulkhead, drill pilot holes that go completely through it and enter the stair posts. Secure everything with four 6cm bolts and their washers.
Step 6. Attach the supports for the posts
Drill countersunk pilot holes through the supports and secure them to the posts with four 6 cm screws. Make sure the top of the uprights are aligned with the top edge of the side bulkhead.
Step 7. Secure the lower supports of the uprights
At the base of the ladder insert two supports by making countersunk pilot holes and using four 6 cm screws. Make sure the stand is aligned with the base of the ladder.
Step 8. Secure the ladder
Drill pilot holes in the outer bulkhead and secure the entire assembled ladder to the outside of the side bulkhead using two 10cm nuts with their washers.
Step 9. Finished
Buy a nice mattress and enjoy the new bed!
Advice
- Only one screw is required at each end to attach the planks to the support battens. The screw doesn't do much of a support but prevents the slats from sliding off.
- For best results, you can round off the top and bottom edges of the exterior facade of the railings. As you prepare them, cut a small piece of wood at a 45 degree angle at the top and bottom of one side. Finish with a sander.
