DIY Network

Platform Bed From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-108

In this segment designer Mike Spatafora builds a loft bed from metal book shelves.

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It's amazing how this platform bed was created from metal book shelves and MDF, providing a place to sleep and storage areas for guests.

Materials:

Metal display shelving
3/4" MDF
1/4" bolts
Washers
1" x 5" pine
2" x 4" pine
Fabric
Primer
Paint
Self-tapping screws
Grommets
Wood screws
Saw with metal cutting blade
Grinder
Screw gun
Circular saw
Scissors

	Figure A
	Figure B

Shelves

Note: For this project metal display shelves were used (figure A). To build a similar project, make sure the shelves you choose are structurally sound enough to support a lot of weight.

1. Cut the shelves into sections of equal height to act as legs for your platform (figure B).

   Safety Note: Make sure you use eye protection when cutting.

2. To have your shelves double as steps, make sure they are structurally sound enough to support the weight. If not, you must reinforce them. To accomplish this, attach 3/4 inch MDF to the underside of each shelf using screws.

3. Bolt the shelving together using 1/4 inch bolts of appropriate length.

Note: Due to certain physical characteristics of our shelves, we had to make spacers for our bolts by stacking up washers.

Figure C

Platform

1. Take measurements of your bed--the space where you want to put your platform and your shelves that you just cut. Use these measurements to determine the dimensions of your platform.

2. Build the platform with standard framing techniques. Use lumber of your preference. In this project, we used 1" x 5" pine as the framing and 3/4 inch MDF as the lid for the platform (figure C).

Note: Don't attach the MDF to your framing at this point.

Fabric

1. Cut the fabric you have chosen to size.

2. Install grommets in each corner.

3. Screw through the grommets into the steel on the back of the shelves using self-tapping screws. Make sure to pull the fabric taught as you go to ensure the fabric stays straight.

Figure D

Install

1. Put the shelves in place, and then bolt together (figure D).

2. Put the framing in place, and then bolt together as necessary.

3. If building into a corner, your shelves will only support two sides. Add 2" x 4" legs where needed, and then attach the framing to the studs in your walls where possible.

4. Attach the MDF lid to your framing with screws. We used silver screws and finish washers to mimic rivets.

Project Expense:

Metal shelves: $90
Wood: $50
Materials: $25

Total: $165