A stilt bed is a bed that does not use a cot or metal frame. This type of bed consists of only a wooden platform and a mattress, sometimes with side supports, headboards, or drawers. The stilt bed has been around for a long time, while the cot has only been around for the last 150 years. A stilt bed may have a simple design or, on the other hand, be festively decorated. Beginner furniture makers can make this simple stilt bed with ease.
Step
Step 1. Measure the mattress
The stilts should be about 3 cm wider and longer than your mattress so that when the mattress is installed, there is about 1 cm left on each side.
Step 2. To get the size of the base of the stage, subtract 30 cm from the length and width of the mattress
The bottom of the stage should be smaller than the stage so you don't trip your toes when you get into bed.
Step 3. Prepare the necessary equipment and materials
In addition to wood for the stage, you will also need a set of tools and materials including materials to paint or color the stage.
Step 4. Create the base of the stage using wooden planks measuring 60 cm x 2.5 m or 60 cm x 3 m
Consider such things as underfloor heating, electrical outlets, and the thickness of the mattress when determining the height of the stage.
Step 5. Cut the wooden planks to the correct size for the base and assemble them to form a rectangle
Measure and cut 2 or 3 pieces of support wood according to the size of the inner side of the rectangle. Adjust the distance of these supports so that they are the same width.
Step 6. Attach the base using wood screws
Drill holes in the wood to screw in each board and apply wood glue to the ends of the pieces to help strengthen the joints. Check each corner and make sure it's 90 degrees with a ruler.
Step 7. Place small pieces of plank between the girders and screws to stabilize the base of the bed
Install these small pieces of wood evenly.
Step 8. Let the glue dry first
Cover the screw heads with putty, then paint or paint the outside of the bed base.
Step 9. Assemble the stage sections the same way you made the base, taking into account that the length and width of the stage will be about 30 cm larger than the base
Step 10. Mount the stage piece on top of the base, carefully positioning it so that it is right in the center, then screw with the base exactly where the stage piece and the base long stick meet
Using long deck screws, remember to drill holes in the wood first to prevent the wood from breaking.
Step 11. Attach a sheet of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) to the top of the stage
Carefully apply wood glue to the edges of the stage, then screw the MDF sheet to the stage. Take care that the screws do not damage the MDF sheet.
Step 12. Attach the edging to the edge of the MDF wood sheet to make it look neater
Step 13. Allow the glue to dry, then coat the screw heads with putty, then paint or color the stage
Step 14. Done
Tips
- Buy a mattress that is about 15 cm longer than the tallest person who will sleep on the mattress. The position of people when sleeping changes, not infrequently their legs hang if the mattress used is too short.
- Use good quality and smooth wood for your stilt bed. Softwood is easier to work with and can be painted after proper conditioning. Although more attractive, hardwood types are difficult to cut and drill. If the size is fixed, also consider requesting that the MDF wood sheets can be cut at a shop or carpenter.
Warning
- Make a stilt bed in the room that will be used. Although size and design matter, a stilt bed made outside the room may not fit through the bedroom door when moved into the room.
- Don't just estimate the size of the mattress. Even standard sized mattresses have several variations. If the stilt bed you make is the wrong size, repairing it will be difficult or even impossible.
- Don't buy wood on the same day the stilt bed is made. Buy it at least two weeks in advance and keep it indoors. Don't stack them, just lean them against the wall. Place a small piece of wood between other woods so that air circulation is smooth.
