Ideas needed for bed framing

[SensualCealy]

So okay, I have got a great deal on two twin size beds that I want to make into an 'L' shaped day bed for my kids to hang out on in their Den.

My thought is, I would buy two sheets of wood, not sure what kind- this is where you guys come into play.
Then cut them to fit the size of the mattresses and curve the corners so no one is knocking their ankles against them.
I have decided to put both sections on wheels so that they are easier to move together to make a king size bed for when someone sleeps over.

Ikea has a few of these style sofas, thats where I got the idea from.

So what kind of wood should I get, MDF, 1" Ply...?

My plan is to put heavy duty caster/wheels on the bottom so I have to be able to screw them in with good screws.

Thanks in advance,
C

 

[ltnsfr007]

(checks page to make sure I'm on Lit. & NOT Tool Time)

 

[TxRad]

I'm don't know the ages or sizes of the kids but I'd suggest some heavy duty framing if they are anything like mine were....

2x4 frame with braces in all four corners and 1/2" Plywood for a top. Use some of the cut off sections of the plywood on the bottom of the corners to attach the coasters..

Make sure the coasters or wheels are at least 3-4" wide if the room is carpeted or has soft tile or wood floors. Saves on mars and scratches and it'll move easier.

Carpentry 101

 

[SensualCealy]

I'm don't know the ages or sizes of the kids but I'd suggest some heavy duty framing if they are anything like mine were....

2x4 frame with braces in all four corners and 1/2" Plywood for a top. Use some of the cut off sections of the plywood on the bottom of the corners to attach the coasters..

Make sure the coasters or wheels are at least 3-4" wide if the room is carpeted or has soft tile or wood floors. Saves on mars and scratches and it'll move easier.

Carpentry 101

First thought was to make a box out of ply, using the 2x4's as braces across the width of the beds and as you said, use 45 degree cuts to fit pieces into the corners to support the wheels. However, I was thinking if I just got a heavier duty wood substance would I have to go to all that work? The wheels I was thinking of I can get for $5 a piece and they are used in workshops and kitchens for work tables.

Both kids are teenagers, manchild is 5'8" and about 130lbs, his sister is 5'4" and about 125lbs. Most of their friends are about the same size and weight.

Do you think MDF would be structurly sound if I were to use a heavier guage screw to put the wheels on?

 

[SensualCealy]

(checks page to make sure I'm on Lit. & NOT Tool Time)

I knew there are alot of handy people on lit to get this info from, so why not go to genuine resources instead of someone just trying to up sell a woman in a lumber store!!!

I hope you were just joking!
C

 

[TxRad]

First thought was to make a box out of ply, using the 2x4's as braces across the width of the beds and as you said, use 45 degree cuts to fit pieces into the corners to support the wheels. However, I was thinking if I just got a heavier duty wood substance would I have to go to all that work? The wheels I was thinking of I can get for $5 a piece and they are used in workshops and kitchens for work tables.

Both kids are teenagers, manchild is 5'8" and about 130lbs, his sister is 5'4" and about 125lbs. Most of their friends are about the same size and weight.

Do you think MDF would be structurly sound if I were to use a heavier guage screw to put the wheels on?

Is it the mattress and the box spring or just a mattress.... and what height do you want the top of it to be?

 

[glynndah]

I'd watch out for MDF or seal it extremely well. If it gets wet, the fibers begin to swell. My choice would be plywood.

 

[Guest]

Ideas needed for bed framing

1. Leave some of the bed's DNA at the crime scene
2. Make sure people witness the bed arguing with the victim

 

[glynndah]

Ideas needed for bed framing

1. Leave some of the bed's DNA at the crime scene
2. Make sure people witness the bed arguing with the victim

3. Bribe a few of those extra pillows. They're always "lying" around, anyway.
4. Always wear protective gear. You don't want your DNA contaminating things.
5. Make sure the cops know about the bed's rap sheet.

 

[angelicminx]

So okay, I have got a great deal on two twin size beds that I want to make into an 'L' shaped day bed for my kids to hang out on in their Den.

My thought is, I would buy two sheets of wood, not sure what kind- this is where you guys come into play.
Then cut them to fit the size of the mattresses and curve the corners so no one is knocking their ankles against them.
I have decided to put both sections on wheels so that they are easier to move together to make a king size bed for when someone sleeps over.

Ikea has a few of these style sofas, thats where I got the idea from.

So what kind of wood should I get, MDF, 1" Ply...?

My plan is to put heavy duty caster/wheels on the bottom so I have to be able to screw them in with good screws.

Thanks in advance,
C

I'm sure if you don't get the answers you need by the time hubby gets home, he'll be more than happy to help. Or you can ask SeaCat, he knows everything.


ETA: Or you and Tx can work it out, lol.

 

[christabelll]

If they already come with the metal frames get some heavy duty zip ties to "wire" the frame together.

MDF is really a bad choice for support - it will bow long before a decent plywood will... just make sure (and no offense to the nationality) that its not asian manufactured ply go for american or canadian...

But then again, as I am into recycling - milk crates are marvelous, stable, easy to move and can hold all kinds of things that you only need to get at once or twice a year...

wood works on line is a good resource for information too

 

[Weird Harold]

First thought was to make a box out of ply, using the 2x4's as braces across the width of the beds and as you said, use 45 degree cuts to fit pieces into the corners to support the wheels. However, I was thinking if I just got a heavier duty wood substance would I have to go to all that work? The wheels I was thinking of I can get for $5 a piece and they are used in workshops and kitchens for work tables.

Both kids are teenagers, manchild is 5'8" and about 130lbs, his sister is 5'4" and about 125lbs. Most of their friends are about the same size and weight.

Do you think MDF would be structurly sound if I were to use a heavier guage screw to put the wheels on?

If you have both box springs and mattresses, I'd just use a sheet of 1/2" or thicker plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand board) meant for subflooring.

Cut the board to the dimensions of the box springs, following the contours of the rounded corners. Make sure the board is NOT bigger than the box springs; you want it recessed.

Mount the wheels on the board with "carriage" bolts and screw the board to the bottom of the box springs.

You can do the same thing with a rectangular platform of 2x4's but the sheet-wood is actually stronger than an open framework would be.

 

[Vermilion]

Ideas needed for bed framing

1. Leave some of the bed's DNA at the crime scene
2. Make sure people witness the bed arguing with the victim

HAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

yes, i found that mildly amusing...

 

[DeeZire]

I now have the title to my next story: The L Shaped Bed (all characters over the age of 18)
Could be a series:
The L Shaped Bed Broke
The L Shaped Bed Broke up my Marriage
Fixing the L Shaped Bed with Dan, the Tool Man
The L Shaped Bed Spells L.O.V.E.
The 'V' Shape lying on the L Shaped Bed
Stains on the L Shaped Bed
My Hell: The L Shaped Bed
Shape-Shifting on the L Shaped Bed
Handcuffs, Rope, and the L Shaped Bed

 

[SeaCat]

It depends on what you have to work with and what you want to do.

If you have the Box Spring and Mattress then you can go a bit lighter on the framing.

I built our bedframe, but then again I planned on it lasting for a long time through hard usage.

Let me know what you have and I'll give you some ideas.

Cat

 

[SensualCealy]

Thanks to EVERYONE~ EVEN the smart ASSES! lmao!!!
( I pray there is no DNA spread on those mattresses for a while!!!)

So to answer some questions, yes it is both the box spring and mattress, and yes they both have to be on wheels.

Not sure if there were more questions, the CSI posts took me off track! lol

At this point, I am getting 3" diameter wheels with locks for the bottoms, likely 6 per bed. 3/4" Ply for the bases ~ you think that will be strong enough?

I found a cool navy and white fabric that is a polyester base that will hopefully camoflage the spills the kids leave on it. (not DNA spills!) It almost looks like denim but the old dark denim fabric. I am going to make box style covers to go down over the top of them with pleats at each corner so they can get at the wheels to lock them. (they have to get at them so they arent rolling around when they are making out with their other halfs!)

I have 4 wedges on back order to cover and then a store not too far from me has twin pack pillows on sale this week, hoping I can get 4 packages to start. I will cover them with fabric and put them on end around the back over the wedges.

OKay, so Martha look out!
Thanks again everyone.
C

 

[SensualCealy]

I forgot to mention, the whole bed with frame can not be any higher than 14"- my daughter wants her feet to touch the ground! lol
C

 

[Vermilion]

I now have the title to my next story: The L Shaped Bed (all characters over the age of 18)
Could be a series:
The L Shaped Bed Broke
The L Shaped Bed Broke up my Marriage
Fixing the L Shaped Bed with Dan, the Tool Man
The L Shaped Bed Spells L.O.V.E.
The 'V' Shape lying on the L Shaped Bed
Stains on the L Shaped Bed
My Hell: The L Shaped Bed
Shape-Shifting on the L Shaped Bed
Handcuffs, Rope, and the L Shaped Bed

And people found The L-Shaped *Room* provocative!!!


x
V

 

[SensualCealy]

Have the beds now, they are in excellent shape...pays to know people! lol

I have the fabric to cover them as well, they will look great when finished. Picking the wood up on Friday for the bases, and likely picking the wheels up next weekend.

I promise to post pictures when I have them all done!
(you may have to remind me! lol)
C