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A fairytale loft bed

A loft bed has always been a popular furniture choice in children's bedrooms. There is plenty of room to play underneath, while the top part in our version is so imaginatively decorated that sweeter dreams are guaranteed!

 

 

Here's how:

Click here for construction diagram

 

1. Assemble the bed frame from the side panels, head section and base section

The head section, base section and side panels are fastened together to form a frame using bed joints. These are screw brackets with short arm lengths (in this case, 22 and 28 mm) and a large overall height (in this case, 127 mm). The fittings are positioned so that the long arm is always screwed to the short side (in this case, the head or base section) and the short arm is always screwed to the long side (in this case, the bed).

Position the side panels, the head section and the base section together on their bottom edges in the way you want to fasten them; the side panels are enclosed within the head and base sections. Now assemble the frame using the cordless screwdriver and round head screws (4 x 15 mm).

 

2. Fit the supporting timbers for the slatted frame

The slatted frame rests on square timbers, or supporting timbers mounted flush with the bottom of the bed side panels on the inside surfaces using five screws. The supporting timbers are shorter than the bed side panels and mounted on the panels centrally in accordance with their length: you must therefore leave enough room for the bed joints that are used to attach head and base sections to the side panels.

Predrill the holes for supporting timbers. Countersink holes pointed towards centre of the bed. Using flat head screws (4 x 60 mm), mount supporting timbers.

 

3. Cut the top of the posts in a pyramid shape

Adjust the longitudinal stop of your bench circular saw to 45°. Taper the top of the posts on all four sides.

4. Mount the posts and rungs to make the ladder

Now it's time to assign the five posts that will support the entire structure to their final positions. Mark the relevant positions using a pencil. Place the two posts that will bear the ladder rungs onto your work surface.

Predrill ladder rungs for two screws on each side and countersink holes from the rear. Position the rungs on the posts and attach using flat head screws (4x60 mm).

 

5. Join the handrail and posts together

Place together the completed ladder and the third front post with their front sides face down, in the way they will be assembled. Predrill the handrail to be fastened with posts and mount it using the cordless screwdriver and screws (6x80 mm).

6. Join the bed frame and posts together

The head section, base section and side panels are fastened together to form a frame using bed joints. These are screw brackets with short arm lengths (in this case, 22 and 28 mm) and a large overall height (in this case, 127 mm). The fittings are positioned so that the long arm is always screwed to the short side ( head or base) and the short arm is always screwed to the long side (bed).

Position side panels, head section and base section together on their bottom edges in the way you want to fasten them; the side panels are enclosed within the head and base sections. Now assemble the frame using round head screws (4x15 mm).

7. Sand wood surfaces

Take time to prepare the surfaces so they are in the best working condition possible before starting assembly. Chamfer all edges with sanding paper with 120-grit at a 45° angle to create a small bevel. Use your sander to sand all visible surfaces in the direction of the wood grain, first with 120- and then with 240-grit sanding paper. Wipe clean.

8. Stain or painting the surfaces

To stain: Use Woodoc Gel Stain in your choice of colour or wood tint. Let dry and then apply 3 coats of Woodoc 5 or Woodoc 10 interior sealer. A

To paint: The simplest solution is to use Rust-Oleum Painters Touch spray paint, or a Bosch PFS spraying system and acrylic paint. Apply a thin first layer of paint. Start with the edges and then paint the surfaces using even, parallel strokes. Apply the second coat in the same way. This time, you can apply a slightly thicker coat of paint.