Convert a Closet Into a Loft Bed
Building a loft bed in a closet is actually easier than building a standard loft bed. The walls of the closet form the support for your sleeping platform, making for a very stable and safe sleeping area. The biggest problem with a closet loft bed is that most closets are smaller than even twin mattresses. This design addresses the problem by installing mattress foam on the top of your sleeping platform, but you can spring for a custom mattress or camping pad if you prefer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the width and depth of your closet.
2. Cut the plywood sheet to match the dimensions of the closet. Cut two beams to match the depth of your closet. Cut the other beam to a length equal to the width of your closet, minus 3 inches.
3. Measure and mark a level line at the height you want to install your bed. Four feet is a height that allows an easy climb into the bed, sufficient headroom above and significant storage space below.
4. Set one of the short beams in position against a side wall of your closet. Secure it in place with two wood screws at each end. Space the screws vertically, 1 inch apart, and allow them to bite into the wall studs at the corners. If the closet has additional studs along the wall--often it doesn't--drive in two more screws per stud.
5. Repeat Step 4 to install the other short beam on the other side wall.
6. Find and mark the positions of all wall studs along the back closet wall. Set the long beam in position along the wall and drill it in place with two wood screws per stud. Space the wood screws vertically just as you did with the shorter beams. Use a stud finder to locate the studs.
7. Lay out the egg crate foam on top of the plywood sheet. Staple it in place with a line of staples along each edge and one line down the center. Use one staple for every 9 inches of foam, driving staples into the dimples, not the bumps.
8. Slide the sleeping platform into position, foam side up.
Tags: your closet, place with, sleeping platform, wood screws, your sleeping platform, Closet Into