Not Coop Related, but need building help

[marie_martin]

My house has really tiny bedrooms, especially the kids. I was thinking that I could raise their beds up like the dorm beds and use that underneath space and they would feel like they have bunkbeds. I have pretty decent furniture and don't really want to build all new. But I can't seem to find any plans for a riser that would convert my existing bed into a loft bed. I found plenty of plans for loft beds but I don't need to build the whole thing. Anyone ever attempted that or have any suggestions. I am not construction savy, but can do the basics. So lay it out in terms I can understand. Does not have to be fancy but sturdy and something that will last? I can paint it to match the current furniture. I know this is not chicken related and feel free to move the post but I thought some of you coop builders might be able to help.

Marie

 

[Cuban Longtails]

I saw an episode of Trading Spaces, or something like it, where they hung the bed from the ceiling with chains. That was pretty cool!

 

[marie_martin]

That sounds neat but I would worry that it was not stable. I have a 6 and 8 year old. And I am going to worry with it just being that high, I don't think having it where it can move around at all would make me comfortable. Thanks for the suggestion though. I really appreciate it.

Marie

 

[Cuban Longtails]

lol, I don't blame you. They might just bring the house down with them! Hopefully someone on here can actually help with your situation.

 

[Poison Ivy]

That's what my FIL did for my SIL when she went to college he hung chains from ceiling and hung the bed from it. But later on I think he did something so that they were like murphy beds so they folded up when not in use.

 

[Marlinchaser]

what type of legs do you have on your current beds? If you intend to continue to use them You could build four cornered frame that current bed would set into, I built a loft style bed used one end underneath for shelves/the plywood that you attach shelves also acts as bracing. Ran 2x4 along bottom edges and made ladder out of 2x4 and 1 1/4 dowel put desk and chaair under bed could also make one end a fold fown desk(secretary style)

 

[marie_martin]

That is kind of what I was thinking. build a frame sort of like you would for a table bracing at the bottom on each end and the back and then of course the book shelf on one or both ends would brace as well. On the top, making a sort of pit if you will by putting the 2x4s around the edge and the bed would sit inside. If built to size the bed would not be able to move. I did look at the bed again last night and the only problem will be the headboard. It is taller than the foot board. I may see if I can buy individual rails, use the footboard as the headboard and not have the headboard right now. Not sure. I am just trying to get some ideas. Thanks for your ideas though. Keep them coming. Any pics you have would be great. I will try to get some of the beds I have.

Marie

*forgot to say that they are both wooden beds with the legs made into the head and foot boards. Basically square.

 

[schmoo]

Here is a site with some awesome FREE plans

http://www.freeww.com/beds.html

tons of different styles and it lists what supplies you need

 

[marie_martin]

Thanks I will check it out. Most plans only tell how to build the whole bed, not just the loft part to raise an existing bed. I was hoping to use the bed I have but I may just have to start from scratch. I can always store these until they get older or we get a bigger house. Thanks for the info though.

Marie

 

[Marlinchaser]

we found it easier to build whole bed, Double size because that is the mattress size so we didn't have to buy new mattress too.

added: we just placed mattress on plywood, covered with fabric, bought heavy remnant from fabric store, no one sees under mattress so size doesn't matter, and it protects mattress from any wood splinters