Converting a storage closet into a sleeping area is a way to add extra space to an entire house. With the sleeping area in there, the bedroom turns into a work room or study, which opens up another room for whatever use you need. Better yet, the project is simple. It requires easy-to-find lumber and tools many people have at home. Set aside an hour for the project, assuming you've already cleaned out the closet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Preparation
1. Measure to confirm that the storage area is large enough to turn into a sleeping area. It should be at least as wide as the mattress is long and at least 2 feet deeper than the mattress is thick. If it's not, use a different mattress.
2. Measure the width of the closet and mattress with the measuring tape.
3. Cut a 2-by-4 beam to a length equal to that of the closet's width. Cut two 2-by-4 beams to a length equal to the mattress' width.
4. Cut a plywood sheet so it's as long as the closet is wide and as wide as the mattress is. For example, an 80-inch wide closet and 39-inch wide mattress need a plywood sheet that's 80 inches by 39 inches.
Mounting
5. Use a stud finder to find the wall studs in the back and side walls of your closet. Mark them lightly with a pencil.
6. Set a level against the back wall of the closet at the height where you want the mattress platform. Adjust it so it's level and draw a line along the top edge. Do the same for the side walls.
7. Set the long beam against the back wall, its top edge aligned along the line you just drew. Screw it in place with two wood screws for each stud in the wall. Do the same to mount the two shorter beams to the side walls.
8. Place the plywood sheet on top of the beams. Place the mattress on top of the plywood sheet.
Tags: plywood sheet, side walls, sleeping area, wide mattress, against back, against back wall, back wall
