DIY Network

Study Loft, Part 2 – Finishing Curved Loft A plain loft gets some stylish curves. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-301

The basic structure of the study loft is sound, but it needs some additional framing to support the curved front wall. Since any loft is only as good as its access, Karl finishes up with a set of simple stairs, then tricks out the entire space with some urban-inspired accents.

The plain loft frame...

gets finished with a funky facade.

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Finishing Curved Loft

Tools: work gloves safety glasses tape measure level pencils hammer nail gun screw gun shims circular saw jig saw metal joist hangers chisel level water hose

Materials: nails screws (pan head, roofing, and regular) rubber washers osb sheets 2x10s 2x8s 4x4 posts 4x8s 2x4 galvanized corrugated metal sheets

• Build the frame extension. The frame for the curved part of the loft will consist of three 2x8s, attached at an angle to give as much support as possible to the curve. The exact dimensions will depend on the size of curve desired. For this project, the frame for the curve will extend 2 feet from the main loft frame. Measure and cut 2" x 8" lumber to the desired dimensions, mitering the edges of the boards. Nail the extension together.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when using a miter saw or any other power tool.

• Attach the angled extension. Position the angled frame on the front of the rectangular frame, flush with the top of the frame. Make sure the frame is level with the main frame, then nail one end of the angled frame flush with the edge of the main frame. Adjust the other end of the angled frame so that it’s flush with the main frame, check for level, and nail in place. Measure the inside of the frame at both ends and adjust until it extends a uniform distance from the main frame.

• Add corner support posts. Cut two 4" x 4" posts the same height as the top of the frame. Position them inside the front corners of the frame, check for level and plumb, and attach using screws.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure C

• Add floor joists. Measure and cut 2" x 8" lumber to fit snugly inside the angled frame. Fit the boards inside the frame and attach by nailing through the frame into the ends of the boards (figure A).

• Add a center support post. Use screws to attach a small piece of 2" x 8" lumber to the center of the angled frame, keeping this board flush with the top of the frame. Position a 4" x 4" support post against this board and check for plumb. Nail through the post and into the board and frame. Attach the post by driving screws through the frame and board into the post.
  
  
• Install the floor. Fit sheets of OSB over the angled frame, nailing through the OSB into the frame. Notch one sheet of OSB to fit around the support post. Make sure the OSB extends far enough past the frame to create the curve.

• Cut the curved floor. Draw the desired curve onto the OSB, making sure it extends past the curved loft frame. Cut out the curve with a jigsaw (figure B).

• Prepare plywood. Thoroughly soak the plywood with water to make it easier to bend. This project used two sheets of plywood – one each for the storage area and the knee wall – plus some smaller pieces to fill in along the sides.

• Install the lower piece of plywood. Center the middle of the plywood on the center support post; if carpet will be installed, leave space at the bottom to accommodate it. Attach the plywood to the post firmly with screws (figure C). Working from the middle toward the ends, gently but firmly curve the plywood around the angled platform front and supports. Firmly screw the curved plywood into the support posts with several screws.

  Tips:
  

  • If carpet or other floor covering will be installed in the room, shim up the plywood before attaching to leave space for it.
    
  • Choose the right wood. Plywood that’s too thick won’t bend; wood that’s too thin may break or simply not hold up over the long run. Don’t try to substitute OSB for plywood: It’s too brittle and won’t bend properly.
    
  • Don’t skimp on water. Soak the plywood thoroughly to make it more pliable.
    
  • Don’t skimp on screws. There’s a lot of force trying to straighten the wood back out; using several screws spreads out the tension.
  
  

  	Figure D
  	Figure E

• Install flooring. If carpet or other floor covering flooring will be installed over the OSB loft floor, install it now. For this project, professionals installed carpet on the loft floor and throughout the room.

• Install spacers. Attach scrap pieces of 2x4 to the loft floor along the edge of the curve to support the knee wall (figure D).

• Create the knee wall. Soak, bend and attach a second piece of plywood above the first to create the outside of the knee wall. To create the interior, cut 2" x 4" lumber to the knee wall height and attach it to the inside of the curved wall. These boards will act as wall joists and give more attachment points for the plywood. Soak plywood, attach it to one of the end support posts with screws, and gently bend it around the curve. As before, secure with several screws to the posts, 2x4s and spacers (figure E).

• Top off the wall. Cover the open top of the loft wall with plywood or OSB as desired. To get the right shape, lay the material on top of the wall and trace the wall onto the underside of the wood. Cut out the curved pieces with a jigsaw.

• Finish the loft. The plywood walls and the wall top can be stained, painted or covered as desired. In keeping with the urban design for the room, Karl Champley covered the outer loft wall with sheets of galvanized metal more commonly used for roofing. If using the metal sheets, attach them with roofing screws and rubber washers.

  Safety Alert: Wear work gloves when working with the galvanized metal – the edges can be extremely sharp. Wear safety glasses if cutting the metal sheets.

  This study loft is the centerpiece of a full makeover that transforms a cluttered garage into a teen’s dream hangout. Karl and the crew finished out the room with a set of access stairs for the loft plus a host of hipster decorator touches.

RESOURCES :
Dream Connection
Website: www.dreamconnection.org