Thread: Loft Bed

PLY PLY PLY PLY PLY

and ply -

reason I say ply is because I feel it will have far greater stability and resistence to bowing. Also, it will be, and remain more rigid. One alternative would be particle board flooring..... though any of the materials will be ok provided your support is adequate.

above all (apt for a loft bed) have fun!!!! .... and a big WELCOME to the forum!


Steve

Thanks, what type of ply would you suggest?

Hi

I would use flooring grade (plyfloor) or structural grade CD plywood as they are cheap and structurally sound.

Thanks, yes, I want to keep the costs down, but still use a sturdy timber. Can you give me any idea of the cost per sheet?

can you state what the span is between the joists just thinking that you may be able to use flooring - ie: radiata floorboards, again depending on the span between joists

http://www.plansnow.com/loftcloser.html
There is a pic.
This is the website I bought the plan from.
75" (190cm) is the span.

Hi Hires

Looking at that plan it's using solid timber, not ply or MDF. I think you would get a much better result if you stuck with the conventional boards, even if it's just Radiata pine. Would be nicer if you can spring for something a bit better though, but I can understand the budget constraints.

If you want to go with sheet construction (ply or MDF) there are heaps of other plans around that would work better with those materials.

Cheers

Ian

I've been to the local supplier. How about Meranti?
Would this be suitable?

I made a basic loft bed for my son recently out of pine (with a little jarrah dowelling to give it some interest). Mortise and tenon joinery. Base is reinforced with steel angle (so less timber thickness and greater strength).

Picture below. Do a search for the original post here, which may have dimensions. If not, just yell out if you think you may want tp do something similar.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Any advice on using Meranti for the Loft Bed?

I've never worked with Meranti, but I see no reason it wouldn't work for the plans you have. The plan is designed for pine, so any wood thats a bit stronger / harder should be an improvement.

Reading the attached link, you may need to take extra care with screws (predrill the holes) to stop splitting, but apart from that it should be OK

http://www.timber.net.au/species/phi...e_mahogony.htm

Cheers

Ian

Hi,
Have started the Loft Bed, so far so good with the Meranti. Thanks, yes I am pre-drilling the holes. Very pleased so far.

I

Originally Posted by hires54

Any advice on using Meranti for the Loft Bed?

I don't use meranti, I like the malaysian rain forests the way they are ie; with the trees

Any ideas as to what finish I can use on the bed? I want something hardwearing.