Expert: Jamie Yocono - 1/7/2009

Question
Hi Jamie,

I saw your answers to some other people who wanted to build beds with storage. I found many nice plans, but they use too much material... I'm on a tight budget and I want something as simple as possible.

I have a bed similar to this one: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00133552 It is just a mattress with a built in wooden frame on 5 legs. Size around 55x78. There has to be some support in the middle (the 5:th leg).

I just want to make it higher so that I can slide stuff under it. Specifically a drawer unit like this one: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90111490

So the free height under the bed has to be about 28 in.

I will then hang a curtain around the bed, so the construction doesn't have to be beautiful, it just has to be stable.

The bed stands in a corner. I'd prefer not to fasten anything in the walls.

I have basic woodworking skills and tools, and time too, but I don't have much experience when it comes to constructing things.

Do you have some ideas on how I can make this? Keywords are "stable and cheap". ;)

Eva


Answer
Hi Eva,

If I were trying to elevate your bed and was on a budget, I would probably make a frame work out of 2x4's that your bed could sit upon. If I understood your question properly, I would remove the legs (if possible) so that the mattress frame sits right on that platform. If needed, you might have to put a plywood "deck" on the 2x4 framework, to support the mattress fully.  

With some of the left over 2x4s, you could actually make a small ladder on the side of the frame, so climbing into bed would be easy. Basically, you're making a frame for a bunk bed, in a way, so that the other Ikea cabinets can slide underneath the frame.

I am going to draw a very simple sketch of what would work for you, and save it as a JPEG. I'll also try to give you a small cutting list, so you'll know what material to buy. Please write back to me and send me your personal e-mail address. When I receive it, I'll send you the drawing. It will be simple enough for you to follow, and hopefully build your bed platform.

Will wait to get mailing information,

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog:  www.wooditis.blogspot.com