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January 20, 2006
loft bed
Like Red Green always says, "If they can't find you handsome, let them find you handy." God, I love that show. All those zany characters on that show remind me of my relatives. I would feel right at home around any of them.
I passed handsome some time ago so now my wife must settle with handy. Actually, I am not that handy but I can plug in a power saw and I know which end of a screwdriver to hold. So in that spirit, this is the beginning of what I like to call "the screw can". But my wife pointed out that some people might get the wrong impression. She suggested "the handy man's compendium". I can barely spell the word so if someone has a better name, I would be grateful.
My daughter started to outgrow her room. When the floor became permanently covered with an assortment of dirty clothes, lost homework assignments, candy wrappers, and an assortment of other sundries, she decided to call the Handy Man to the rescue. (uh that would be me) So I searched the web until I found plans for a sturdy loft bed that could be made fairly cheaply. The finished bed is in the photo to the left above.
I modified the design though. Instead of a ladder, I bought an aluminum step ladder from the local mercantile. Then I could use it to change the light bulbs on the second floor instead of hauling one up from the garage.
The plans call for a head board, a foot board, and two safety guards. I only installed the head board so that my daughter could climb onto the bed from the end if she wanted. The wall serves as one safe guard and I did not think she needed the other. It would have been a hassle to take on and off. I figured it would wind up in the rafters of the garage someday anyway so why bother. I know it is not as safe, but she has never had any problems falling out of bed. I know what you are thinking - there is always the first time. My wife already reminded me.
She has room for a book case and chair underneath and her floor is fairly clean at least one day a week - the day before allowance day.
Click below to download the plans in PDF format. I found it at http://familyfun.go.com/decorating-ideas/
And remember, I'm pulling for ya.
Posted by roadapples at January 20, 2006 12:09 PM
Personally, I like "the screw can". Don't we all have one of those somewhere around the house?
Posted by: Strode at January 23, 2006 08:03 AM
