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Jacob's new bed

Submitted by Pammylaine on Wed, 08/08/2012 - 06:52

I built this bed for my 4 year old son over the weekend....I'll admit to a LOT of help from his Mamaw and Pawpaw. We converted it to a full-size bed instead of a twin...simply so I didn't have to buy new mattresses. We LOVE the way it turned out and he thinks he's King of his own personal "castle". Thanks for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height
Estimated Cost
$57.00 for lumber plus cost of paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
All I used on the bed was a good coat of Kilz primer (since it was new wood that hasn't had anything on it) and followed it with Valspar Bistro White in a satin finish. I would have LOVED to stain it but, the walls are pretty dark and the white really helps to brighten up the room.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pammylaine

Wed, 08/08/2012 - 06:53

I should have mentioned that we're not quite done yet. I still have to fill in holes and do a bit more touch up painting on the bed. And there is still stuff going on in the room. I just wanted to get some pictures up on here.

Pammylaine

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 08:10

Thank you :) We had to do some rearranging, the leaf blocked his small television, but it ended up looking really cute. We used lots of green (it's his favorite color and he wasn't too pleased with me for painting the room blue) and that shade really pops against the blue and white.

Chris Nelson (not verified)

Sat, 09/08/2012 - 05:48

I have a couple questions...

1) how is the mattress supported? It's not really part of the directions in the original plan? Are the boards included in your cut sheet?

2) when did you paint?

3) how much sanding did you have to do?

4)What are PH screws and PH holes?? I was thinking Phillips head, which makes sense for the screws, but not the holes.

Thanks!!! This is awesome!

Pammylaine

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 12:07

Hi :)

To answer your questions....
1.) We used 2X4's to support the mattress...They are not included in the cut sheet, they were just left overs that we had. We used 7 2X4's cut at 55 inches as supports. You will want to measure the width of your bed on the inside to make certain you have the appropriate length.

2. and 3.) We cut the boards and sanded (it felt like a lot, but with two people sanding it wasn't too bad) and painted the same day. My parents sanded and then I painted. That cut down the work time. We did have to go back the next day and do another coat on one or two boards but, it wasn't bad.

4.) I took PH Screws to be Phillips head as well, and that's what we used. 2 and 1/2 inch long ones to be exact...we got them at Lowe's...they were kind of a grey color, not the black one. PH Holes are pilot holes. We invested in a Kreg Jig Jr to make our pilot holes. It drills a hole at an angle which allows your joints to be stronger. That way your screw is biting into more wood. The Kreg Jig was about $40.00 and completely worth it. Just make sure you have a C-Clamp if you get one. We did not use a Kreg brand C-Clamp but, the next time we do a project, I'll get one.

We weren't real sure how to use the Kreg Jig so, we searched on YouTube for an instructional video..it's amazingly simple to use and the added security of having strong joints is totally worth 40 bucks.

bhoppy

Tue, 09/25/2012 - 08:09

I loved how your bed turned out! My daughter also has a full sized bed and I don't want to have to get a new mattress so I really appreciate you taking the time to post such detailed instructions on how to convert to a full sized:-)

I could be wrong, but I always thought PH stood for Pocket hole screws... They are actually a little different than phillips head because they are "self tapping” you don't have to predrill a pilot hole into the joining board in order to keep it from splitting... I usually buy the Kreg brand ones that they sell at Lowes but I have read on this site that you can buy them online that aren't the Kreg brand and they will work.

Pammylaine

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 08:08

You're probably correct about the screw thing. When I first read it that was my assumption as well. However, I was told by my dad that I was incorrect, but what does he know?! I tried to make the information that I shared as detailed as possible because I know it can be a bit of a pain in the rear end to have to try to modify something without really being sure of what you are doing.

Good luck with your build if you haven't already finished it. I'm sure she will love it as much as my son does. My only real down side to the bed is that even at 5 feet 8 and 1/2 inches tall I have to stand on my tiptoes to give my son his goodnight hug and kiss. But, whats a little stretching going to hurt? I figure I may as well get as many as I can before he decides he's too cool or old to kiss his mama.