How to Build a Reading Loft for a Playroom
- 1). Assemble the bed frame. Nail your 39-inch two-by-fours and 75-inch boards together to create a rectangular box. Nail the 18 39-inch boards onto the bottom side of this frame to make the bed slats.
- 2). Assemble the loft legs using the 4- to 6-foot two-by-fours. Measure 4 inches from the top of each leg on the 4-inch side. Attach a 2-by-3-inch block of wood to that mark with two nails. This makes the braces for the bed. Measure halfway down the length of the legs and mark. Place the legs flat on the floor so that the braces are facing down. Attach one 41-inch two-by-four on those marks to make supports for the legs of your loft.
- 3). Attach the bed frame to the legs. You will need two people for this step. Set the frame into two legs on the braces. Put two screws and washers per leg through the 4-inch side of each two-by-four and into the frame body using a power drill. Have your partner help you lift the frame into the corner of the room and hold in place while you place the two remaining legs under the frame on the other side. Screw two screws per leg through the 4-inch side of each two-by-four and into the frame body, using a power drill. Test the stability of the loft and adjust the screws as needed before proceeding to the next step.
- 4). Build the ladder for your child to get into the loft. Using the remaining 41-inch two-by-fours, create a ladder on the end of the loft, not against the wall, by spacing out the pieces of wood evenly down the frame and nailing them into place. Depending on the height of your loft, you may need additional pieces of 41-inch two-by-four.
- 5). Lift the mattress into the loft and dress it with a sheet, blankets and pillows for your child's comfort.
