Replies

1. 
   gj13 | Sep 29, 2005 09:28pm | #1

   We were planning a loft bed "house" for our daughter.   The matress would be inside the second floor of the house, with a play/desk area underneath. I wasn't sure how to join it together and so was going to opt for a skeleton of 2x4s underneath either mdf or paint grade plywood.

   The plan was never finalized so I'm interested to hear other ideas. 

2. 
   jackplane | Sep 29, 2005 09:28pm | #2

   Reinforce the rails with angle iron or angle aluminum if you want the bed to last.

   And bolt a piece spanning the midsection so it doesn't splay out at the sides.

   
   

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   Edited 9/29/2005 2:30 pm ET by jackplane

3. 
   Segil | Sep 29, 2005 11:20pm | #3

   Please consider using baltic birch plywood for this project.  I use MDF quite a bit in my shop and it does many things well, but this job has baltic birch written all over it.  Far fewer structural issues than MDF, takes paint very well, and is economical to use.  It also weighs a whole lot less, and is available in many different thicknesses.

1. 
   chrisdavis | Sep 30, 2005 01:59am | #4

   I've built a few beds like that.  You can see a picture at http://www.poggyskids.com.  I don't mind if you use that design as long as it is for personal use only.  This one is built from all MDF excet for the slat supports, they are 3-24 x 1 1/2 x 1 3/8 strips in pine on each siderail.  This keeps them straight.  I also use a slat pack that has 12 to 15 slats in them and make sure at least the center slat is screwed down.   The side rails have a 2 sets of brackets, mainly because they are 16" wide. 

   There is also a third siderail at the bottom/back for support.  Not counting the slide, tower, and door kit, there are 5 pieces to the bed.  Once you fasten the tower and slide, this bed is very solid. 

   Hope that helps.