How to Build a Queen-Size Loft Bed

Prepare Lumber

1. Cut lumber to the dimensions above. If you don't have a power saw or are new to cutting lumber, you can usually have it done wherever you buy your lumber.

2. Sand one face of the plywood. You can sand the rest of the lumber if you like, but the one face must be sanded to avoid damaging your mattress.

3. Drill four holes in two of your 80-inch beams, using drill bits the same diameter as your bolts. Drill holes on center 15 and 30 inches from each end of the beam.

Build Mattress Frame

1. Assemble a rectangle using two 80-inch beams and two 27-inch beams with the shorter beams on the inside of the longer beams. The beams should rest on their narrow (two inch) sides.

2. Connect the beams with two screws at each joint, screwing through the side of the longer beam into the end of the shorter beam.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 of this section to build a second rectangle.

4. Place the two rectangles side-by side, forming a larger rectangle, 60 inches by 80 inches. The two drilled beams should lie against each other in the middle of the rectangle.

5. Attach the rectangular frames with a nut and bolt through each of your drilled holes.

6. Lay the plywood sheets on top of the rectangle so they cover the frame entirely. The long sides of the sheets should run perpendicular to the long sides of the frame.

7. Screw the plywood in place with a screw at each corner of the frames (eight screws total).

8. Reinforce the plywood with one screw centered on each short edge and two screws evenly spaced on each long edge.

Assembly

1. Lay the frame on end, positioned so you can access both sides.

2. Set one post in one corner of the frame, on the side with the beams exposed. Screw it in place with one screw in each corner of the post, screwing through the plywood and into the end of your beam.

3. Repeat Step 2 three more times, attaching a post in each corner.

4. Attach a 77-inch plank to connect the support posts on one long side of your frame. Position the plank so the top edge is one foot below the bottom edge of the mattress support. Screw it in place with four screws at each point of connection.

5. Attach a second 77-inch plank directly opposite the first one, connected to the same support posts. Screw it in place with four screws at each point of connection.

6. Attach a 57-inch plank to connect the support posts on one short end of your frame. Position the plank so the bottom will be one foot above the floor once the bed is upright. Screw it in place as you have the other planks.

7. Attach a second 57-inch plank directly opposite the first one, connected to the same support posts. Screw it in place as you have the other planks.

8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 for the other short end of the frame.

Installation and Stabilizing

1. Turn the frame upright so it rests on its feet. You will require assistance for this, as the frame is not yet stable enough to withstand the lateral pressure of leaning on one set of legs.

2. Attach a third 77-inch plank to the same long end you did the first set of planks. Position it so the bottom of the plank rests on the tops of the planks you installed on the shorter ends. Screw it in as you did the other planks.

3. Attach the final long plank directly opposite the one you just installed, on the other long side of the frame.

4. Attach a 57-inch plank connecting the posts of one short end, positioned so the top of the plank rests against the bottom of the longer planks on top. Screw it in place as you have the others. Attach a second plank directly opposite, on the same set of posts.

5. Repeat step 4 for the other short end.