OP Loftbed - A Sturdy Loft Bed that You Can  Build
 

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Frequently Asked Questions for
OP Bunkbeds

How long does it take to build an OP Bunkbed?
How long does it take to assemble an OP Bunkbed?
How much weight will the OP Bunkbed support?
What are the six holes for near the top of each leg?
This loft bed doesn't shake at all. I can't make it move. What's the secret?
How much does a completed OP Bunkbed weigh?
The plans don't include any special fabrication or assembly instructions?
Does the OP Bunkbed have special rails or safety devices for small children?

Can I use carriage bolts instead of the hex head bolts?
I'm having trouble getting all the washers on the bolts. What can I do?


How long does it take to build an OP Bunkbed? Depending on the skill of the woodworker, and the tools that he or she is using, you can expect to spend a good 10 to 12 hours in the shop.

How long does it take to assemble an OP Loftbed? You can expect to spend about an hour assembling your loft bed.

How much weight will the OP Bunkbed support? Because of the high degree of engineering that went into the OP Bunkbed, each bunk should be able to easily support 400#. However, we can not guarantee this because we have no control over your craftsmanship, or the quality of materials that you use.

What are the six holes for near the top of each leg? These holes allow you to change the height of the top bunk.

This bunk bed doesn't shake at all. I can't make it move. What's the secret? Good solid engineering!

How much does a completed OP Bunkbed weigh? Depending on the lumber that you choose, your completed bunk bed should weigh around 350#.

The plans don't include any special fabrication or assembly instructions? Measured Line Drawings usually don't. Leaving this information out of the actual plans also keeps your price low. Refer to our web site for actual pictures of an OP Bunkbed being fabricated, and an OP Bunkbed being assembled. Feel free to print it if you want. As we discover easier ways of doing things, you will always be able to find the most up to date information on our web site.

Does the OP Bunkbed have special rails or safety devices for small children? The OP Bunkbed does include safety rails. These rails are adjustable in height, and you can make double rails if you so choose. The rails are also designed so that they can be placed on the inside or outside of the frame. If small children will be using the bed, you must also install the Guardrail Addition Modification to be compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines. Some people have also added metal handles to the built in ladder. This is easier for small children to grip. Obviously, there are inherent dangers with bunk beds because of the elevated sleeping area. Parents should make children aware of these dangers. Since we have no control over the quality of materials that you use or the quality or your craftsmanship we can not be held liable for any accidents or injuries.

Can I use carriage bolts instead of the hex head bolts?
Some of our customers have successfully used carriage bolts when constructing their OP Bunkbed, but we don't recommend it. When used in softer wood, like pine, the wood will 'strip out' allowing the square portion of the carriage bolt to lose its 'bite' into the wood. This can keep you from being able to thoroughly tighten the fastener assembly. Although the carriage bolts frequently work well at first, if the bed has to be disassembed and assembled again, that is usually when the problems arise.

I'm having trouble getting all the washers on the bolts. What can I do?
This rarely happens, howver some lumber seems to be just slightly thicker than others. Although it is close to 1-1/2" thick, it can be just slightly thicker. Sometimes the lock washers can be a little thicker, or the bolts can be a little shorter. In all these cases, we've found a few things that seem to help:
- Clamping the wood together will sometimes bring it close enough to get all the hardware on the bolt and the nut started.
- Since most of the bolts are in sets of two, you can assemble one bolt without one washer and tighten it to get the washers and nut started on the other one.
- You may be able to start it without the lock-washer and tighten it enough to make a slight indentation in the wood. Then remove the bolt and add the lockwasher back.

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