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Fireman Themed Room Learn how to convert your boy's room into a toddler friendly fireman themed room. From "Ready As He Grows" episode DAHG-102

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Bracing and Safety Rail

1. Cut two 2 x 6's to eight-foot lengths, three 2 x 6's to 46-1/2 inches, and one 2 x 6 to 69-3/4 inches. Also, cut one 2 x 4 to 22-1/4 inches.

2. To brace the legs, screw one eight-foot 2 x 6 to the two back (closest to the wall) legs and one 46-1/2 inches 2 x 6 to each of the two ends at a height approximately 18 inches from the floor.

3. For the safety rail, screw the other eight foot 2 x 6 flush to the tops of the back posts. Screw the last 46-1/2 inch 2 x 6 flush to the tops of the end posts on the side opposite of the fireman's pole.

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Figure D

4. Check beneath the platform for the location of the left-most stringer. Note this position and mark a 1-3/4" x 3-3/4" rectangle lengthwise to the right of the stringer and behind the front rail. This will be the slot to accept the support for the front safety rail. After drilling a pilot hole inside the rectangle, cut out the slot with a jigsaw.

5. Once the slot is cut, slip in the 22-1/4 inch 2 x 4 flush with the bottom of the platform, and then clamp it on place. Drill two holes for the carriage bolts using a 3/8 inch spade bit. Bolt the 2 x 4 in place, and then remove the clamp. The 69-3/4 inch front rail can now be screwed to the support and right post (figure D).

	Fireman's Loft Bed
	Figure E

Constructing a Ladder

1. Cut two pieces of 2 x 4 lumber to 54 inches.

2. On each 2 x 4, make a straight line vertically down the center of the 4 foot side, and then mark every nine inches down. Drill a hole using a 1-1/4 inch spade bit (figure E). Drill the holes 3/4 inches into the wood. These holes will accept the rungs of the ladder.

Tip: Use masking tape to mark 3/4 inches on the drill bit. Then drill until the tape touches the wood.

3. Cut a 25-degree angle on one end of each 2 x 4 so they are mirror images of each other.

4. Make a notch for the top of the ladder. Set the angled end of one of the 2 x 4's on the floor, with the other end next to the short side of the bed. Trace the contour of the 2 x 4 that will leave approximately a one inch notch so the ladder will rest against the side of the bed. Remove the notch with a jigsaw. Repeat on the other 2 x 4.

5. Cut five 20 inch lengths from the two 8 x 1-1/4 inch dowels.

Figure F

6. Drill a 1/8 inch pilot hole into each end of the dowels (figure F) and the center of the circle cuts on the 2 x 4.

7. Insert the dowels into 3/4 inch holes in the 2 x 4's, and then attach using two inch screws.

8. Attach the ladder to the bed with three inch wood screws.

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