I'll be busy the rest of this week making a loft bed for our 13 y/o daughter; the youngest of six.
I combed the web and found this OP Loftbed Gallery (https://www.oploftbed.com/photo-gallery/) where people show off the loft and bunk beds they made using OP Loftbed plans. As you can see, some of the people who put these things together were quite creative.
I purchased the plans for an XL twin, tall loft bed, and I went out to Lowe's and purchased the lumber and hardware, along with a few other things that I probably didn't need. :)
I'll try some before, during, after pics as I'm able.
Scuzzy; wish me luck
Looks like a fun project, just keep aCe away from the power tools.
We made a set of bunk beds a couple of years ago, mainly used cedar so it would fit in with the rustic house finish. That was a fun job. Last year I went to an Ikea store and bought parts for a bed, the legs and mattress supports and just went out and bought 4 boards for the frame. That was an easy fix for a new bed frame using a futon mattress.
Good luck. I noticed in several of the pictures that many rooms were fitted with ceiling fans. Probably a very good idea. The temperature near the ceiling is substantially higher than at floor level.
Looking forward to the pictures.
Bill
Good luck scuzzy! I am looking foward to the pictures.
Mark H
I'll try to chronicle this project as I go along, mostly to encourage others. My wood working skills are moderately good, but nothing fantastic. My biggest challenge is usually just getting started.
Click on a photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/room01-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/room01.jpg)
Megan's room in its current state, which is still a work in progress. She and Mom spend a few weeks in the summer (with lots of interruptions) custom painting her room and ceiling fan. The boxed window includes storage, which we plan to eventually finish with seat cushions.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/room02-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/room02.jpg)
How to properly make a bed. ::)
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/shop01-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/shop01.jpg)
Part of my 30' x 30' workshop / garage. The Hitachi table saw is now a few years old, purchased from Lowe's after conferring with Pat. It's been a great tool.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/tool01-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/tool01.jpg)
I had to spend $80 on this Bosch orbital sander for this project. My 20-year-old Black & Decker sander is in no condition for this job.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/tool02-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/tool02.jpg)
This is what I'm going to use for the miter cuts. :)
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood01-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood01.jpg)
A pile of 2 x 4 fir studs, along with a redwood 2 x 6 for special effects.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood02-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood02.jpg)
A pile of 2 x 6 fir boards, and another redwood.
I have an appointment this afternoon, so not too much will be accomplished today. It's just as well since we are are experiencing some frigid temperatures here. The wood needs to stay indoors to warm sufficiently for proper gluing. I'll probably be doing a lot of sanding tonight.
Scuzzy; I just need to stay indoors.
Here's Megan helping to build her bed:
Click on a photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/meg01-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/meg01.jpg)
Megan learning to use an orbital sander.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/meg01-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/megvid01.wmv)
Click for a short WMV format video (about 437 KB download). The background music that you blast for this sort of project is critical. :)
So now we know the truth about who is building the bed! ;)
I played the video, but couldn't make out the music over the sander noise.
Mark H; Maybe we should get a daugher for construction work.
Here's more of Megan helping to build her bed:
Click on a photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/meg02-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/meg02.jpg)
Megan learning to use a miter saw.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/meg03-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/megvid03.wmv)
Click for a short WMV format video (about 733 KB download) of Megan making her first cut.
We spent a lot of time on the safety aspects before we got to the saw. Then I spent some time showing her how to handle the saw properly by making a few cuts while she watched. We did a few dry runs, and then I allowed her to make the actual cut. She confidently made two or three cuts before the night was over.
I owe it to my daughters to teach them well. I never assume that they can't do certain jobs just because they're girls. This will also give her a sense of accomplishment and pride when the project is complete. For now she's excited about helping, and I'm enjoying time with my baby. In the process we're making good memories.
Scuzzy; think thrice, measure twice, cut once
Quote from: Mark H on December 17, 2008, 19:38 hrs
I played the video, but couldn't make out the music over the sander noise.
It's Bungle In The Jungle, by Jethro Tull
Scuzzy,
I think I have that exact same miter saw stand and sliding miter saw. I love my Dewalt! I noticed the stand on the floor in another picture and thought it might be the Dewalt Miter Saw Stand.
Mark H
One safety concern I see in the picture of Megan using the oribital sander is her pull strings are hanging down, which could get caught in the rotating shaft of the tool if she were to get closer to it accidentally.
Mark H; Safety is the key to any project
Unfortunately the miter saw is not mine. I borrowed it from our oldest son for this project. I'm fairly confident that he won't let me keep it.
You are right about the safety concerns. I was not paying attention and I did not notice until I went to poast the photos. We've had a discussion about loose clothing, hair, etc., and the problem was resolved before we got to the miter saw.
This project is going slower than I anticipated. I think that we spent around 15 man-hours sanding all the wood. It was quite an effort, but it's done. The basement is a mess as dust from the sanding is everywhere. The frigid temperatures have forced us to do the job indoors.
Megan has so far maintained a great attitude and has been a tremendous help, including with the cleanup effort. She's really enjoying the power tools, and she is easy to teach.
Due to a couple appointments tomorrow, and a promise to take Megan shopping followed by a movie at home, we probably will not be able to continue until my next set of days off. However, our 20 y/o daughter, Nikita, is getting married on Dec 30. So it may be a couple weeks before we can put another big dent in this. I don't expect that we'll get any work done on Christmas, either.
Click on a photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/legs01-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/legs01.jpg)
Four completed legs. It took a gob of glue and 36 each #10, 3.5" star drive screws to put these puppies together. Each leg is 90 inches tall, and composed of one 2x4 and one 2x6. All the screws were properly counter sunk prior to assembly.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood03-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood03.jpg)
The remaining wood that still have to be cut, drilled, etc. At least it's sanded. :P
We've been slowly moving along. We were able to work on this yesterday and today; mostly cutting the wood to proper lengths. Our next goal is to drill the holes and begin assembly. I hope to be able to work on this tomorrow, but I might have to put it off until next week after our daughter's wedding.
Click on a photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood04-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood04.jpg)
This is the mattress support. The pieces are just sitting together on the floor, but they are not assembled.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood05-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood05.jpg)
A close up of the miter and notch on the mattress support.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood06-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/wood06.jpg)
The woodpile in its current state, not including the legs. (See above poast.)
I bought the plans for $10 online from OP Loftbed (https://www.oploftbed.com). I have pretty much followed them along, but I have made some modifications. I'll elaborate once the bed is completed.
So far I'm pleased with how this is coming along, albeit it's a little more work than I expected. Nothing serious, though, and I think the end product will be worth the effort.
Nice looking miter! Did you cut the notch with a router or the miter?
Bill
There would also be a glue line on the ends if it were 2.
Bill
I used my table saw to cut the notch by setting both the blade and the fence for a 3/4" cut. It worked out well and required very little clean up.
I will most likely use my router to cut the lap joints on the X-braces, though. The OP fabrication instructions would have me using a circular saw and a chisel to do the job, but I think I'll fare much better with the router.
In case anyone cares, I weighed the wood and hardware. The total weight came out to 267 lbs. I estimate that the twin XL mattress will add about 60 lbs, for a grand total of 327 lbs.
Sounds like final assembly should be 'in place.' Moving that will be a task, particularly if it's a second floor bedroom.
Bill
Most of the materials are in and around Megan's bedroom, which is on the main level. We'll be starting the drilling and assembly soon.
We pretty much quit for the day. This project will have to be continued next week after our daughter's wedding. At least it's taking shape.
Meanwhile, poor ol' Megan will be forced to sleep on the basement sofa while watching TV. Poor, deprived, little girl.
Click the photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/megan-dad-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/megan-dad.jpg)
One lucky Daddy!
Looks to me like you have made great progress! And the oxymoron is hilarious!
Bill
I don't know if an oxy moron is one really clean moron, or a big one, but I guess the tee shirt helps other cops know you're an undercover one so they don't shoot you by mistake thinking you're not a cop when you really are. One.
Ace: I wonder if Penney's has a tee shirt that says "T Shirt" on it.
It's a big, clean moron on oxygen.
Scuzzy; I want a bumper sticker that says "Bumper Sticker".
Scuzzy, it seems you have made progress on that bed. I can tell you are definitely more handsome than Ace in that picture!
Mark H; No bells on curled up shoes for me
Okay, you got me there. I looked really hard, but I'm not finding Ace anywhere in that picture.
Scuzzy; sneaky Ace is soooo sneaky.
I don't "sneak"... I may nap, or lurk, or jest on occasion, or wet mop. But I don't "sneak."
I ain't no where no how near that dang photo.
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/Roxybob/Scuzz.jpg)
Ace; not no where, no how.
Geez. I just realized that there is some sort of tumor growing from my elbow.
Scuzzy; I should get that checked out.
And he said he isn't sneaky! What's next, Scuzzy with hair?
B-
Nice job on the cartoon John!
Mark H; sometimes, my life seems like a cartoon ::)
I agree with Bill, and don't think that anyone sitting at Wrigley field for that stupid outdoor hockey game and having to sit a few hundred yards away could see the puck anyway.
I suppose if there was a Saturday morning cartoon with Scuzzy and Megan building loft beds it'd be ok. About the only thing I'll tune into now is Vegetales. And Dragon, if we happen to catch it. Combining Home Improvement with cartoon violence would probably get a pretty good following.
There's no reason to air hockey, as it's a dumb sport. Now that we have this poast returned to its true purpose, which is diagnosing Scuzzy's elbow joints that he used in constructing his bed, bath and beyond, I look forward to more photos of home projects around his home. Perhaps a scaffolding or outdoor deck, to surround the appliances in the yard.
Ace; leave it up to me to keep everyone on task.
The bed looks great. Are you going to paint it or perhaps a stain and some polyurethane?
Is that a picture of me stuck to your elbow there?
The bed will ultimately be painted, with the exception of the redwood pieces that will receive a few coats of polyurethane.
The bed has made it to a usable state, but it is not completed. I did not have time to get the X-braces up, but it's working just fine. Since I'm having to deal with computer problems, it will likely be another week or two before I can continue.
There is still a bit of work to do, but Megan used the bed last night and she is very happy. The old white headboard will eventually see a new home, and I'll be building a bookshelf for her. The finished product will include lighting, outlets, shelving, an additional guardrail, as well as a new twin XL mattress. Her old standard size twin mattress is doing the job for now.
I'm very pleased with the results so far. The bed is looking good and it has opened up a lot of floor space. The build is amazingly solid, even without the X-braces in place.
When the project is completed, I'll come back and update the photos. Expect for it to take awhile. :)
Click a photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/room01-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/room01.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/room02-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/room02.jpg)
Before
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/loftbed1-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/loftbed1.jpg)
So far...
Note that this is not done yet. I still have to build the X-braces and some sort of steps or ladder.
Nicely done!
Bill
Real nice, I like the wood look and am not so sure I would paint it. But one thing I have found to make a paint job last without scuffing in a high traffic area, cabinet tops, etc. is a clear coat of water based urethane. The water based dries crystal clear so it doesn't change the paint color, but it does make a hard surface that is not as prone to scuffs and is easy to clean.
Thanks for the advice, Pat. I never thought of putting a coat of urethane over latex paint. I can see how that would be very helpful in preserving the paint job.
I too like the wood look, but we need to have the bed match the rest of Megan's room. However, I intend to leave a natural look with the few redwood pieces. Hopefully it will have a pleasing look when it's all completed.
More progress has been made and the bed is nearing completion. The next project will be to build some shelving, as well as steps.
I made the X-braces using my Makita router. The OP Loftbed plans called for a circular saw and a hand chisel, but I thought different.
Click a photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint1-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint1.jpg)
Setting up to cut out the lap joint for the X-braces by using a clamp and a straight edge piece of scrap oak.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint2-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint2.jpg)
I first made a 3/4" deep cut across the 2x4 using the router with a 3/4" straight bit.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint3-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint3.jpg)
I flipped the 2x4, then washed, rinsed and repeated.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint4-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint4.jpg)
I then began cutting left to right on both sides.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint5-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint5.jpg)
I continued working my way to the center. Doing it in this manner prevented splintering the outside edges.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint7-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/lapjoint7.jpg)
The finished product was a nice, tight assembly. I used wood putty for a smooth finish. Once painted it should look great.
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/loftbed2-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/loftbed2.jpg)
The loft bed in its current state. It's hard to get the whole thing into a single picture.
It is looking good Scuzzy! Thanks for keeping us poasted with pictures.
Mark H; I love working with wood
Thanks, Mark!
The bed is close to completion. I spent the last 24 hrs creating my own version of some steps. The platforms are 3/4" oak.
Click the photo for its larger image...
(https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/steps1-a.jpg) (https://poasters.com/base/photos/loftbed/steps1.jpg)
The 2x6s for the steps were dadoed, glued and bolted into the supporting 2x6s. The result was 2 very solid steps.
They're pretty creative. And so are you. Nicely done.
Bill
Thanks for the nice compliment, Bill. :)
Scuzzy; I wonder what Ace would say.
About what... complements?
Well, I think mustard complements a hotdog. And an elbow complements a funny bone. I think my favorite 2x4 would be a 2x6.
So, I was wondering.. when you "add paint" do you paint it? Or just put paint near it? In some proximity? I guess paint complements furniture, and varnish can complement the paint.
Ace; you'd think their heads would get big.
I think it's funny I got Page 3 of Scuzzy's Poast for myself, and then Johnny changed the subject and said to go somewhere else.