I had an area in my son’s room that I wanted to create a loft for playing, reading, or even a makeshift bed if needed. There was a large desk in the room that I wanted to cover so that is what I used as measurements for building around my project. I started with looking at plans on Home Depot. They have a do it yourself area on the website you can look at for plans that includes all measurements and instructions. It also includes a what you will need list. I modified a loft bed to the measurements I needed. If you plan on modifying measurements you need to keep in mind that a 2×4 is not actually 2 inches by 4 inches, it is 1.5×3.5.
| 2 x 2 | 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches (38 x 38 mm) |
| 2 x 3 | 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (38 x 64 mm) |
| 2 x 4 | 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (38 x 89 mm) |
| 2 x 6 | 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (38 x 140 mm) |
I took my dad to Home Depot and fully intended on buying everything and having them cut it so all I had to do is take it home and put it together. Having my dad there didn’t really help because one guy wanted to charge me per cut, they usually do this for free. I had my dad walk away and I asked another employee who graciously helped with all my cuts. One change I made was to not use plywood, we used MDF for the top area so they wouldn’t get splinters and I bought a pretty birch plywood for the front knowing I wanted to stain it. For the front I didn’t need the plywood to go down to the floor I only needed it to go past the bed I was going to put against it. We also used a scrap to put in the front middle for support for the plywood and close up the empty space. We left a small space open to run the plugs up.
Overall it took about 3 hours to build. I had help from my dad and brother. I had to explain my plans a couple times because they assumed I was wrong but I had measured everything and planned it out to be just right. We built the frame and the legs outside and then carried it up and assembled together. They added a few screws to the wall studs to secure it to the wall on both sides after it was assembled. I wish I had taken more pictures in the building process but we were moving fast and working together. They added a small piece of wood at the top of the stairs as a rail for them to grab onto while climbing up and down. Originally I planned it to have a more secure guard rail and that’s why the wood in the front was taller. Another idea I had for the front was to use a cargo net for the car trunk secured to both sides.
I painted it to match the room and then we added LEDs because my son is all about LEDs. I stained the front and let it dry 2 days with the windows open before I let him spend time in the room. I added a nap mat up there at first because it was handy but then I added a crib mattress with a navy sheet and grey soft blanket and it worked great.
I knew this was not going to be a simple project but I knew we could do it. I love how the room turned out. I love seeing the boys up there playing together. It’s their favorite place to sit and watch movies. We made the rails so they could dangle their feet and not block their view. I hope I’ve inspired you to build something you’ve wanted.
Have any questions or comments let me know.
