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How long does it take to build an OP Loftbed?
How long does it take to assemble an OP Loftbed?
How much weight will the OP Loftbed 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 Loftbed weigh?
The plans don't include any special fabrication or
assembly instructions?
How can I use my existing bed springs with the OP Loftbed?
Does the OP Loftbed have special rails or safety devices for small
children?
How can I make my loft bed taller?
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 Loftbed?
Depending on the skill of the woodworker, and the tools that he
or she is using, you can expect to spend a good 8 to 10 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 Loftbed support?
Because of the high degree of engineering that went into the OP
Loftbed, it 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 mattress support.
This loft 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 Loftbed weigh?
Depending on the lumber that you choose, your completed loft bed
should weigh around 300#.
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
Loftbed being fabricated, and an OP Loftbed 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.
How can I use my existing bed springs with the OP Loftbed? Instead of using the plywood mattress platform, you will use your existing springs. Build two more center mattress supports and install them near the head and foot of the bed. This will give you three supports for the existing springs. Be sure to measure your springs first to make sure that they will fit inside the mattress supports. For twin, the springs must measure less than 74"x37". For twin extra long, the springs must measure less than 79"x37".
Does the OP Loftbed have special rails
or safety devices for small children? The OP Loftbed 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 loft 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.
How can I make my loft bed taller?
You can safely make any of our loft bed designs up to a foot taller by adding
up to 12" onto the BOTTOM of the legs at the time of fabrication. Simply add
the desired height to ALL leg measurements. For example, to make the Tall
Height OP Loftbed 6" taller you will need to cut the Tall Leg Head Piece to be
96" Long (instead of 90") and drill the holes at 9-3/4", 14-3/4", 40-1/4",
etc... (instead of 3-3/4", 8-3/4", 34-1/4", etc...).
Can I use carriage bolts instead of the hex head bolts?
Some of our customers have successfully used carriage bolts when constructing their OP Loftbed, 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. |
