I plan to build a queen size captian’s bed of walnut. I plan that the rails will be attached only to the head and foot boards. The drawers will float off the floor. I am trying to minimize the bulky appearance of a conventional captian’s bed.
What would be your recommendation regarding the minimun height and associated thickness of the rails?
Would laminating the rails contribute to the strength and stability? By that I mean if the rails are, for example ,1 1/2 inch thick would it be an advantage to laminate three 1/2 inch lenghts?
I have suitable vacuum weneering equipment and would use a thermosetting adhesive to prevent creep.
Thank you
Replies
Hi Wood1Work:
There's no need to laminate the rails for this project for stability at least. A solid piece of lumber will be plenty strong. The only reason I've seen laminations of this sort is so that you can use a high-quality piece of lumber on the show side and a less expensive, plain piece where no one will see it.
Regarding width and height, I think it should be somewhat driven by your design. But a good ball-park figure to work with is somewhere around 8 in. high by 1-1/2 in. thick.
This article is by far the best we've done on the subject and should help as a design guide: http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=24114
Matt
Thanks !!
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