Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Oct 19, 2006 05:16pm | #1

   Edward,

   The flat canopy frame on my queen size bed measures 1 3/4"w x 1" th .  Two stretchers measure 1 1/2" x 1".  Walnut.  Hasn't sagged yet, after 15 yrs or so.

   I usually make the frame from the same wood as the bed.  One of the shops I worked at used poplar, stained to match, for all their frames, same as they used for the beds' side rails.  Most any hardwood will be suitable.  Mostly folks nowadays want a lightweight fabric or fishnet material for a canopy.  Beds with heavy drapery type canopies will need correspondingly stouter frames, which can be covered with fabric, like a window's valence.  Some of the old canopy frames were quite substantial, with pulleys and drawcords inside to open and close the drapery.

   In dressing stock for the frame, sometimes it will develop a bow as it rests.  If it does, just work the piece so it ends up on the bed with its bow up. 

   Regards,

   Ray Pine

2. 
   gboot | Oct 19, 2006 09:56pm | #2

   I made a single canopy bed maybe 15 years ago for my daughter, I used 1x2 Poplar half lapping the ends for the canopy rails, the bed is up again in our guest room, no problems with sagging.