Category: DIY

If you find that your room is not spacious enough for both a bed and a desk or other furniture, the loft bed may be the solution. This is provided you’re not intimidated by the thought of climbing high to get to sleep.

 A loft bed is accessible by stairs or a ladder. It’s more like a bunk bed without the lower bunk, leaving room beneath it for a desk, storage, fort or even a play area. Loft beds are endlessly customizable, and the building your own allows you to create exactly what you want.

You don’t have to sacrifice design and comfort when living in a tiny space. Knowing how to build a loft bed is a great way to keep your room as spacious as possible. But loft beds are not just for tiny homes; the fact that they are space efficient is a big advantage, but they can add a great sense of coziness or personal style to even large rooms.

Adult loft beds come in a wide range of options, such as size, shape or material. If you like more traditionally-styled rooms, a wooden loft bed will blend in nicely with your other furniture and decor. In contrast, those who love the sleek lines and minimalism of the modern look will prefer a metal loft bed.

The most common loft beds are made out of wood, often pine, oak or aspen. There are different types of loft beds, which may include:

Loft bed with a desk

Probably the most popular loft bed design. This loft style features a bed on top with a desk or work station underneath. It’s classy and a nice design to make your room bright.

Loft bed with stairs

A ladder can be difficult for those who are injured, older, or lack mobility. Stairs are a safer alternative and still offer all the other benefits of lofting. As a bonus, some designs feature additional storage under the stairs.

Loft bed with a closet or a dresser

A dresser built into one side of the loft offers built-in storage, while still saving room space for other furniture beneath the loft.

Storage loft

Who doesn’t want more storage?  A storage loft might incorporate cabinets, drawers or storage under the bed. Here are some cool shelves under the bed ideas from Pinterest.

Twin loft bed

In this case, we have one bed at the top and the other bed.

Loft beds with nothing underneath

Free, open space beneath a loft bed leaves room for lots of imagination or calm minimalist room space.

Loft bed with couch

Putting a couch under a loft bed offers seating or an extra bed, depending on your needs.

Before building a loft bed, there are some things that you need to consider:

Space

Measure the room, especially the space from floor to ceiling. How much high the loft bed should be will depend on the height of the ceiling. There should be enough room between the mattress and the ceiling to allow someone to sit up comfortably (preferably with several inches to allow for growth). If a bed will be placed under the loft, the height will have to be considered the same way. If you plan to install stairs, you must consider the height of the stairs, as well as the placement of any drawers (so that they do not pull out onto stair surfaces) and whether the storage will be accessed from the inside or end of the bed.

Style

Before you shop or make anything for your full-size loft bed, consider the materials and methods that you want to incorporate. Make sure they complement your house decor. Wood is the most popular material for loft beds, but metal frames are also an option. The material will change the style and vibe, so choose wisely based on your own personal taste. Also, consider the finances you have when deciding on the style to adopt.

Read more>> Tips to Painting a Tall Wall Above The Stairs Successfully

Durability

When it comes to durability, wood and metal have their pros and cons. Wood offers a vast array of colors, shapes and sizes. Wood is expensive and more complicated to work with if it’s not pre-cut, but it guarantees good results. Metal frames, on the other hand, are cheaper and provide a lightweight build and versatility. They can be painted, last a lifetime and are easy to move and maintain. The choice is yours and as such choose wisely. Here Hometalk shows you step by step process of painting a metal bed.

Comfort

Your loft bed should be durable and stylish. It should ensure that you are comfortable and at ease. We spend a third of our lives asleep, after all! You should be able to look forward to coming home to your bed to rest after a tiring day of work or school. Whatever material you choose to use for your bed, make sure you are comfortable and familiar with it. Create loft bed plans that are strong, compact and well-designed so that there is no risk of falling off.

Read more>> Oriental Rug Cleaning: 10 Easy Steps to Follow

Building a full-size loft bed

Step 1: Materials

As a project, this most importantly requires the right materials and safety measures to ensure that it goes smoothly. The structure must be built properly as any sway in the frames can lead to injuries, since the user will be sleeping fairly high off the ground. Buy enough materials for your loft bed frame to accommodate your preferred mattress size. Here Youtube will help you to find the right mattress size for you.

Choose materials carefully. If you need to move in a few months, planning a heavy built like queen loft bed (which is rare to find) with a desk below will not make moving easy for you.

Are the materials you want too use expensive? Cut your own boards and posts to minimize the cost, making sure you choose clean boards and work on a level surface. Level every board before installing screws to make sure they are straight.

Here are the materials needed for a DIY loft bed:

1 – 4 x 8 x ¾ inch plywood

4 – 4 x 4 inch at 8-ft length posts

4 – 2 x 6 inch boards, 8 ft long

6 – 2 x 2 inch, 8 ft long

Wrench

Drill

Level

Measuring Tape

Screwdriver

Nuts lag bolts, and screws

Clamping device (optional)

Step 2: Measure the Ceiling Height

A home with a large ceiling is the perfect fit for a loft bed project. It makes great use of the space above your bed and can be customized by adding storage or address and any other needs plus preferences. However, if the height of your ceiling is too low or the area is not measured correctly, you might end up installing the bed where it doesn’t fit. Use a measuring tape to determine where to install your loft bed. Consider the size of the mattress that you intend to buy and any furniture that is going underneath the loft. You can add stairs or a cute ladder on the side as well as shelves, a desk or storage below the loft bed frame.

 Step 3: Construct the Loft Bed Frame

With the height of your loft space already determined, it’s time to build your loft bed frame. Cut or construct a box. Using a drill, create pilot holes in the boards where the nuts and screws will chip in. Connect the planks with the nuts and lag bolts with your wrench. Insert the plywood on top of the loft bed frame using drywall screws or install slats using screws instead; either way, the plywood or slats will hold up your mattress. Pre-drill all holes when screwing your boards together to prevent the wood from splitting.

STEP 4: Attach Legs to the Bed Frame

Drill pilot holes into the bed frame and connect the posts on each side using nuts. Make sure the legs are all level before drilling: use clamping devices to keep the legs in place on the bed frame before you finalize your drill holes.

Step 5: Attach the Rails

After firmly connecting the legs to the bed frame, attach the rails. Stand the loft bed upright. To secure the loft bed, connect the boards across the legs using your drill and screws or lag bolts. This will serve as rails, or stairs, leading to the mattress.

To hide the head of your screws, do a pre-drill, and countersink them. Wood glue can also be used to conceal.

Attaching a loft beds to the wall.

To help prevent injuries, you can secure a loft bed to the wall. Since most loft beds are constructed on a 2×6-inch frame, you can drill through the section of the frame that’s near the wall and secure the bed to the wall.

You will need:

• Wall stud finder
• Power drill
• 1/4-inch spade drill bit
• 3 1/4-inch lag screws, 1/4-inch in diameter
• Lag screw washers
• Ratchet set with hex-head sockets
• Safety glasses (for drilling)

Step 1: Mark the Studs

To locate the wall studs where the loft bed is situated, slowly slide the stud finder horizontally along the wall. When the finder beeps, it has located a stud. Mark the location of each stud on the wall with a pencil.

Step 2: Drill Holes

Drill a 1/4-inch hole from beneath the loft bed frame and into the wall stud. Drill at least three holes on the long side of the bed and two holes on the short side of the bed, if possible.

Step 3: Insert Screws

Slide a washer onto a lag screw and insert the lag screw into the first hole. Select a 1/2-inch (or 13 mm) hex head socket from the ratchet set and attach it to the ratchet. If your 1/2-inch socket does not fit the hex head of the screw, try one of the other sockets.

Step 4: Attach to the Wall

Place the socket over the lag screw’s head. Attach the lag screw into the wall stud by pumping the ratchet clockwise until tight. Install the other lag screws.

Building stairs for a loft (in this case we are using the stairs as shelves).

Step 1: Assemble Bottom Step

Assemble the bottom step by attaching the sides to the base with pocket screws and glue; then, attach the front in the same manner.

Step 2: Assemble Middle Steps

Assemble the middle step by attaching the sides to the bottom with pocket screws; then, attach the front, followed by the base.

Step 3: Assemble Top Step

Begin assembly of the top step by attaching the sides of the top step to the top compartment base with pocket holes and glue.

Step 4: Secure Steps

Attach the front and back of the top step from the inside with pocket screws and glue. Attach the top step base from underneath with pocket screws. (The top step base is NOT the same size as the top shelf compartment base.)

Step 5: Add Tread Braces

Add 1×3 tread braces to each step using pocket holes screwed from the inside. It would be easier to just screw down from the top.

STEP 6: Finish

Attach the stair treads to each stair using hinges.

Building a loft bed with a desk.

The most common configuration, the loft bed with a desk beneath is often used when dealing with small spaces. A full-size loft bed with a desk is almost every millennial turned working adult’s dream as they try to make the most of a small apartment.

Bed above and work below. Talk about a win win. The benefits of a loft bed with a desk and additional storage include:

• Multi-purpose: the area beneath the bed can double as a workspace, storage, study table, bookcase, or play area for kids
• Efficiency: Make the most out of any space
• Functional for having roommates, mostly in on-campus contexts
• Create additional floor space for other activities and furniture
• Convenient: Workspace right below your sleeping area
• Comfortable, affordable and practical

Tools and materials required:

• Air compressor and hoses     
• Circular saw
• Finish nailer
• Jigsaw
• Measuring tape
• Orbital sander
• Safety glasses
• Speed square
• T-square
• Table saw
• Plumb Bob or string line and weight
• Screw gun
• Eight sheets of 3/4” medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
• Three sets of 22″ drawer glide
• One 1-1/2″ stainless steel pipe (normally used for a handrail)
• Two 1-1/2″ stainless steel pipe flanges

Step 1: Layout

One end of this particular bed will be held up by a desk with hutch, and the other end will be held up by two bookshelf towers. Instead of a ladder, there is a staircase with the desk running right into one of the stair treads, plus a fireman’s pole next to the bed.

Step 2: Design

 Make a cut list by sketching out the design and determining assembly pieces and steps.

Step 3: Cut

Cut all the pieces using the table saw for long rips and the circular or miter saw for crosscuts. Marking everything will make assembly easier.

Step 4: Assemble the Desk and Stairs

It’s best to assemble the bed in sections and then install them together inside the room. Assemble the desk and stairs first as the surface of the desk and the second stair tread is the same piece of wood; one side of the desk is held up by the lower staircase, and the other side is held up by two support pieces. There is no riser for the lower staircase; the sides will be open to provide storage.

Build the bottom step with a riser and tread but leave the tread off the second step (the tread will be the end of the desk). Build the fourth, fifth, and sixth steps as one piece, and the bottom of them will sit on the desk while the top will meet the base of the bed. If you plan on painting the bed, fill all the nail holes with wood filler and caulk all the seams.

Step 5: Build the Hutch

The hutch is two simple bookshelves, assembled the same way. Lay out the sides of each unit, and then mark where you want the shelves to go. Glue and nail the shelves between the uprights. Assemble the pieces using glue and a finish gun.

Step 6: Build the Bed Frame

Cut the base of the bed frame about two inches bigger than the mattress. This allows enough extra space to tuck in the sheets. Create at least 6-inch side pieces to go around the base. You do not need a side piece for the backside of the bed. Create an additional safety railing for the front and, if desired, the open end of the bed. Assemble using glue and a finish gun.

Step 7: Fill and Finish

Fill in nail holes and caulk gaps, then prime and paint each piece. It’s best to do this outside. This way you’ll have less mess to worry about.

Step 8: Build

Install each section of the loft bed, starting with the desk. Attach ledgers to the wall for the desk, nailing it into the studs. Make sure the tops of the ledgers are at the same height as the top of the lower staircase piece. Attach the bottom of the staircase to the wall. Lay the surface of the desk on top of the ledgers and bottom steps, and then attach with wood glue and nails.

Step 9: Install

 Attach a ledger to the wall for the long side of the bed. Attach one of the bookshelf units to the ledger, ensuring they are level. Attach the base to the ledger and the top of the bookshelf. Attach the end piece of the base to the wall.

Step 10: Nail Staircase

 Attach the top part of the staircase nailing it into the desk and bed frame.

Step 11: Fasten Staircase

Slide the second (outer) bookshelf into place and fasten to the bed frame.

Parting short!

You are now set to build a loft bed that satsifies your needs as well as fitting comfortably in your room. Safety of course is an important element when biulding one. Ensure your loft bed is  properly supported to avoid hazardous falls. Consider you budget carefully and then build a comfortable and yet cosy looft bed you’ve always dreamed of. Good Luck Mate!!!!

Fathers are an important figure in our lives and we should certainly show them more appreciation. A cute and meaningful gift always works wonders when you want to appreciate or please someone. And especially if that gift is a handmade present in which you put some work. But it’s never easy to think of gifts for someone who generally has almost everything! However, it only takes some keen observation to know if they really need or want something. Getting your dad something he will love or appreciate is a good step. However, if you truly want to make the gift special, try some do-it-yourself (DIY) gift. Your dad will surely appreciate the effort and love you put into it! If you’re not sure what to make or what your dad will like, don’t worry! There’s no shortage of creative DIY gift ideas for dad to suit his taste and your budget. Here’s a list of some truly creative DIY gift ideas for dad that will certainly help you prepare the best gift for your dad!

DIY Lap Desks

Instead of wondering what your dad would want, why not gift something he will need? You can diy this amazing lap desk for him to work on in bed! It’s easy to make and also pretty comfortable. It is surely something all fathers will appreciate!

Hand Stamped Key Rings

You dad might have a lot of key chains already, but does he have the ones you hand stamped for him? No? Well time to get him one! These hand stamped washer key chains look great and are also an easy diy project.

Hand Print Father’s Day Shirt

One of the easiest yet cutest diy gifts ever, these hand print t-shirts can make anyone feel special! Get your little ones to stamp their hand prints on a plain t-shirt and voila! You gift’s ready! Make one of these and see their fathers’ face glow!

DIY Firewood Tote

If your dad loves to sit by the fireplace and chill, he is most likely making frequent trips to bring in firewood. Why not gift him a hand-made DIY firewood tote to carry the logs in? You can easily make one with some good quality canvas cloth!

Comic Book Coasters

For those dads who love comics, this is the perfect DIY gift! DIY coasters with their favorite comic book pictures on top will surely make them geek out whenever they see it. It’s easy to make and the kind of gift they will love!

DIY Laptop Riser

Another great gift idea is a DIY laptop riser! There are many different materials you can use for this project. However, wood and copper are popular. Your dad can use it at home as well as at work and he’s sure to love it!

PVC Notebook Holder

Is your dad among those who take their notebooks everywhere they go? Then this is probably the best DIY gift you can give him! He will surely love this inexpensive and durable DIY PVC pipes holder!

DIY Picture Frame

You might say this is the most common and easy DIY gift. So how about you make it a little uncommon? Why not try to make a unique frame yourself? You have many options like wood, marble, paper, cloth, thread, glitter, etc. to choose from!

Faux Copper Book Ends

Get a wood block and a toy eagle or any other topper you like from your local craft store. Spray the eagle with metallic copper paint and when dry glue it on top of the wood block with all purpose glue. Isn’t it the perfect gift for your dad’s bookshelf?

Creative Handmade Bookmarks

If your dad is avid (or not so avid!) book reader, this is a good gift you can make for him. However, instead of going for the same old quotes, you can do something creative. Try some origami or use crochet or cloth paint for a dramatic effect!

Dad’s Stache Jar

Are your kids very excited to gift their dad something diy? Make them fill up a mason jar with his favorite sweets like candies, chocolates or anything else he likes. A good phrase like ‘Dad’s Stache’ printed on the jar would make it even more interesting.

Wood Grain Steel Flask

This DIY wood grain flask is perfect for your dad. You need a steel flask, contact paper, and paint marker. First write your dad’s name on the paper. Now peel of the backside and wrap the paper around the flask. Your DIY flask is ready!

Dual Sided Etched Glass

Etching a glass (or anything else) yourself is not as difficult as it seems! The supplies are readily available and cheap too! So go ahead and etch something fun or sweet on your dad’s drink glass.

Bottle Cap Fishing Lures

This is a lovely gift for all those dads who just love fishing. You can DIY these cute lure from the beer or soda bottle caps you normally throw away. There are a lot of tutorials easily available on the internet to make these lures.

DIY Leather Keychain

Leather key chains look very pretty and elegant. They are a great gift for men as well as women. And making one yourself is pretty easy too! Plus, there are plenty of tutorials available online. So go ahead and make one already!

Travel Dop Kit

If your dad has a travelling job or is fond of travelling for fun, he will really appreciate this gift. With a little sewing and some readily available materials you can DIY a simple travel kit for him to store his toiletries or essentials!

Wooden Grill Scraper

Does your dad man the grill every time you barbeque? Give him a gift that will reduce his time wasted in cleaning the grill afterwards. A DIY grill scraper will show him you care and be a useful gift too.

DIY Apron

A dad who loves to grill or cook will surely appreciate this DIY gift and the effort you put in it. Show off your sewing skills and make him a handy apron. Add in a few extra pockets and make it adjustable. He’ll surely be grateful!

Activities Jar/Jar of Time

Can’t think of anything creative to give to your dad? How about some of your time? Fill up a mason jar with notes of activities you want to do with your dad and as a family. Then gift it to him as a jar of your time. He will surely cherish it!

Mason Jar Lid Coasters

Make coasters out of mason jars. This is an easy and inexpensive gift that all dads would appreciate. They look good as coasters and you can customize them according to his likes! A great DIY project and a lovely gift for dad too!

Wool iPad Case

Show some love to your dad with this DIY wool iPad case. These iPad covers are very easy to make and require a little sewing work. However, the end result is a sleek, cheap and elegant iPad cover that he will love to show off!

DIY Business Card Holder

No more business cards lying around the table! Make a business card holder for your dad to store them in. This DIY gift with all your love and efforts is sure to make him feel special. Plus it’s also something everyone can use.

DIY Citronella Paint Can Candles

If you live in a mosquito-populated area, this is a good gift for your dad. Citronella oil candle is an effective mosquito repellent. It is pretty easy to DIY and perfect for those who love camping. Just put it in something manly like paint cans!

Homemade Shaving Cream

Now this is a DIY gift that your dad is sure to appreciate! A homemade shaving cream means less expense and good quality shave. Plus the absence of harmful chemicals will ensure healthy skin afterwards!

DIY Fringed Flannel Throw

This super easy and very cool DIY fringed flannel throw is definitely a creative gift! All you need is thick flannel, matching thread, sewing machine, and fabric scissors. Although, it’s better to take some manly design like buffalo plaid if you want him to use it.

Shirt and Tie Paper Gift Boxes

These shirt and tie paper gift boxes are a great DIY gift project! They look cute and masculine at the same time. Put your gift inside them or fill them up with his favorite goodies! Either way they are sure to make your papa smile!

DIY Wooden Tie Rack

If you are good with woodwork, a DIY tie rack is a good gift to make for your father. It is a long-lasting gift and a fun project to take on. Plus, it’s something that your father can use and appreciate every day!

Lego Pen Holder

This cute little gift will not only make your kids feel happy and proud, but also be a useful addition to your husband’s study table. It is pretty easy to make and can become a fun project to do with your kids!

DIY Sock Bouquet

So, you’re at a loss what to give your father and bought socks for him? No worries. This sock bouquet is a great way of gifting it to him. It is creative, fun, and makes your simple and common gift much more interesting and unique!

DIY Photo Book

As they say, a photo is a memory relived! Gift your father a collection of all your good and fun times in this DIY photo book.This book is similar to a scrap book but full of photos that your dad will cherish always!

DIY Insulated Beverage Holders

These insulated beverage holders will surely light up your dad’s mood. And he will think of you whenever he drinks. Plus it’s great for enjoying a cooled drink for a longer time! Trust me, he’ll surely love this!

Necktie Eyeglass Case

Use your papa’s old necktie to make an interesting and creative eyeglass case for him. With some creative thinking and sewing skills, you can gift him some pretty cool eyeglass covers to use regularly!

Memory Box

Gift your father a box full of all your cherished memories to show him how important he is to you! Just gather stuff that reminds you of a good memory or some fun times you two had together or as family and fill it up in a box. Easy!

Homemade Fishing Pole

Does your dad love to fish regularly? Then make him this DIY fishing pole and see his face light up! He will surely enjoy this gift better than any other and appreciate your efforts too.

Family Photo Coasters

Coasters are a pretty common gift these days. But you can always personalize and make it unique! Just stick your family photos on existing coasters or customize and buy some pre-printed with the photos you selected.

Homemade Beer Soap

These simple and easy DIY gift ideas for dad involve just a few materials and steps. And you get a great handmade soap to use too! Since soap is a pretty girly gift, make it beer soap so that your father can actually use it!

Embroidered Linen Tie

If you have to give the same old gift of a tie to your dad, don’t be disheartened. Personalize it with his monogram in simple embroidery. This embroidered tie with his initials or monogram will look suave, sleek and very elegant.

DIY Gift Coupons

Gift coupons are always a great idea for gifting anyone. But more often than not, we cannot afford them. But you can always make them yourself! Just make interesting coupons with fun things like a homemade dinner or a head massage from you.

World’s Greatest Dad Wooden Medal

What better way to show your love than a ‘World’s Greatest Dad’ medal? Make your own wooden medal from wood discs and attach them to ribbons. You can even hold a mock function or event to award it to him!

DIY Hand Warmers

These hand warmers will not just warm his hands in the cold winter they will also warm his heart! They are easy to make with readily available materials and don’t take much time. However, it is wise to use dark and masculine colors and fabrics.

Roll-up Tool Organizer

All dads love a good tool organizer! Your dad might have one too. Although he will surely not have a DIY organizer made by you! Give him a nice and easy way to organize his tool and minimize the mess in the work room!

DIY Pre-Shaving Oil

A great way to show your love for your dad! You can make your own shaving oil or shaving cream with a few simple ingredients and little effort. The result is a handmade oil/cream that is much more effective than chemical products.

DIY Fire Starter Kit

Whether your dad goes camping or not, whether he may need it or not, this is a gift all dads would love to receive! A kit which helps him start a fire anywhere is certainly the most appreciated and cool gift you can give him!

Beer Bouquet

So your dad loves beer more than he loves flowers? No problem! Give him a bouquet of beers instead! He will surely find it a much more cool and useful gift anyway. You can even pack it prettily like a bouquet for effect!

Jars of Infused Liquor

Since we are on the topic of liquor, this is another great idea that your father will love. Infuse his favorite liquors with some nice complementary flavors like fruits and herbs, etc. Experiment your infusions first and then gift him the best ones in airtight jars.

Hand Painted Pots

For those fathers who love gardening, pots and plants are great gifts. It’s a gift he will truly enjoy ad appreciate! You can also personalize the gift by hand-painting the pots in various colors to give them some charm and character.

DIY Mouse Pad

Gift him a mouse pad made entirely by you! You can use any material you want. However, wood is the commonly preferred choice for such DIYs. You can even personalize these mouse pads with his favorite cartoon character or movie!

Shrink Paper Keepsake Key Chains

They are not as difficult as they sound, I swear! There are a lot of tutorials available online to make these amazing keepsakes. It is cheap and easy project which gives pretty amazing results.

Customized Wine Stoppers

Customized wine stoppers can be tricky to make. However, they do make for amazing DIY presents. Your dad will just love to use them whenever he drinks!

DIY Coffee Mugs

These are pretty common DIY gifts to give your dad. However, a sturdy coffee mug with your family photo on it is always a special gift to give to him. Trust me, he’ll love it!

DIY Mini Pool Table

An amazing and cool gift to your golf-loving dad! What, a portable mini pool table within an aluminum box? Yeah, definitely a cool gift that he’ll love!