Introduction: College Loft Bed

Spending most of my college years inside was not what I expected because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so I decided to renovate my room and add more space to chill and relax!

Supplies

All of the materials and tools used for this project are available at your local hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.)

Step 1: Sketch the Design

I design the bed on Fusion 360. I take measurement of the 2 adjacent walls, the height from floor to ceiling, and my height. I want to be able to sit fully upright on the top, so I have to take my sitting height into account. Some modifications are made to the physical design to increase structural strength and overall stability.

Step 2: Build the Platform

I cut and join the 4 outer edges using half-lap joinery. Then, I insert and distribute evenly the 2x2s bars inside the frame. These bars act as supporters for the bed to lay on.

Step 3: Attach the Legs

After building the platform, I raise it up and use some 2x4s as placeholders to lay the platform on top. I use some help from other people in this step to raise it up. My loft bed is not screwed in to the wall, so I use four legs to support four corners. I drill in 3 holes at every leg and screw it to the inner edge of each side of the platform.

Step 4: Install Bottom Bracing

I use 2x4s and cut them to length of 3 edges. Then I screw them in to the lower-most of the legs. These are attached on the outside. The purpose is to brace and "lock" the bottom part of the legs together, increasing the lower stability of the structure.

Step 5: Attach Flooring for Cushion

These are 3/4" melamine shelving that I cut into size and attach to the top of the platform to provide a smooth floor for bed cushion to lay on.

Step 6: Build the Ladder

Ladder is made out of 2x3s. I measure and cut a fitted slot for the ladder to push-fit onto the side of the platform. I sand the steps up to 220 grits. They are fastened to both sides of the ladder.

Step 7: Install the Ladder

I use a mallet to push fit the ladder's into the platform. Then I screw in both sides of the ladder using 6 screws.

Step 8: Build and Install Railings

Railings are made out of 1x6 premium pine boards. The vertical parts of the railings are then fastened into the side of the platform.

Step 9: Attach Diagonal Bracing

Diagonal bracings are 2x3s whitewood studs. I add diagonal bracing on the 3 closed sides of the structure to enhance the stability and rigidity.

Step 10: Paint

I use the paint kit and a gallon of Ultra Pure White paint to paint the loft bed. I also push a plastic drop sheet under the structure to prevent paint from getting on the carpet.

Step 11: Decorate

I decorate by adding a bean bag chair, a bookshelf, a plant, LED lighting, and a ukulele.

Anything Goes Contest 2021

Participated in the
Anything Goes Contest 2021