Do you want to try your hand at building a platform bed? For those of you who don't yet know what a platform bed is, it's an exciting, old way of sleeping that incorporates a simple, elegant frame and a single mattress. Its lines have been used in Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Platform beds can be made of wood or metal. If you're looking to build a platform bed, you're probably thinking about wood.
"Hollywood" is a brand name for a metal frame system with legs into which a box spring may be set and to which a headboard may be attached. Hollywood Bed Frame Company started producing solid angle-iron framing systems for box springs in 1925. Much like the brand name Kleenex is synonymous with facial tissue; many people came to associate box spring frames with the Hollywood based company, calling them simply "Hollywood" Frames. You might also hear this bed support system called a "Harvard Frame". Again, this is a case where the name of the manufacturer of the product became a household name. Harvard Manufacturing was a manufacturer of this bed type in the 1950's, but I do not believe this company is still in business. The brand name still lingers, however.
If you decided to build your own platform bed with storage, you have made the best decision for a bed that are most space efficient beds you can find. If you have a small room, then platform beds with storage will be great choice.
You've spent weeks shopping for just the right mattress set at just the right price, and you have finally found the one that is not too firm, not too soft, but just right. That's great news, Goldilocks! Now, it is time to shift your attention to what is under your bed and examine your bed frame.
Bedbugs do not feed on waste food like cockroaches or mice and rats do, they feed on the blood of a warm-blooded host. The signs that you have bed bugs are itchy welts, commonly in groups of three. You should see tiny red or brown marks on your linens were you have rolled over them at night and killed them.
Do you live in a small dorm or studio apartment? If you do, you are probably familiar with the difficulties of trying to combine style with functionality. This may be a particular problem when you want to add a little pizzazz to the central piece of furniture in your dorm, studio or efficiency apartment.
Bunk beds is one of the amazing ways you can save space on a room. However, the main concern with most people with this kind of bed is safety. A problem which I think can easily be remedied by using bunk bed with stairs plans.
If you decided to build your own platform bed with storage, you have made the best decision for a bed that are most space efficient beds you can find. If you have a small room, then platform beds with storage will be great choice.
Whenever you look for plans to build a queen size bed frame, you probably want to look for the best ones. There are definitely some that claim to be the best, but are they really? The following are the 3 things you should look for before buying plans to build a queen size bed frame.
You've spent weeks shopping for just the right mattress set at just the right price, and you have finally found the one that is not too firm, not too soft, but just right. That's great news, Goldilocks! Now, it is time to shift your attention to what is under your bed and examine your bed frame.
Often the excitement of getting a new mattress set overshadows the reality that your new mattress requires proper support. You will enjoy a longer comfort life on your new mattress if you make sure it has the right support.
How can you be sure that your new mattress set has the right support?
If your bed frame is metal and it is over 10 years old, make sure there is no squeaking or rattling when you roll over on the bed. Squeaking and rattling may indicate that your bed frame has weakened over time. It is probably a good idea to replace your bed frame if this is the case. Sometimes, mattress stores will give you a free bed frame with your purchase of a mattress set. Usually, this is the cheapest, least supportive bed frame available. You're better off asking for an upgraded deluxe model bed frame and paying for it. These last longer and are more supportive than the "free" ones most stores offer.
If you have a wooden bed frame with wooden slats, make sure the slats are not bowing in the middle. Also, wooden slats are not enough for queen and king size bedding; you need at least one leg to the floor for queen size and two legs for king size. You can make a leg by having a piece of wood cut to the correct length at your local hardware store. Many companies offer metal center support slats that are far superior to wood slats. For the best possible support, choose a metal support designed for use with wood beds.
Following are some guidelines to follow for ensuring the proper support for your new mattress set: You need at least one rigid center support bar with one leg to the floor for queen size bedding and at least two rigid center support bars with legs to the floor for king size. Wood center support slats should be at least 3/4 inch plywood. If yours are not at least 3/4 inch plywood, consider a metal bed slat system like a Strong Arm, Bed Beam, or Bed Bridge support system. Twin and full size beds do not usually require additional center supports, but with the extra heavy weight of today's bedding, it sure wouldn't hurt to add a center support bar. Refer to your mattress manufacturer's warranty card for detailed information about what support is required.
#1 Simple to Follow
The first thing you should look for when you go searching for these plans is how easy they are to follow. The reason is that things can become very complicated when the directions are difficult to follow. In the end if you buy complicated plans to build a queen size bed frame then you will probably not finish your frame and waste your money and time.
#2 Good Quality
The next thing you should look for when buying these plans is to make sure they have really good quality. Without quality these plans to build this type of bed are completely worthless and will just waste your time in the end. A lot of the free plans you can find on the internet are very low quality and won't help you get the job done.
#3 Very Detailed
The 3rd thing you should to tell if plans to build a queen size bed frame is good is whether the plans are very detailed. The reason you want them to be detailed is so you will have everything you will need so your project will go as smoothly as possible. Detailed plans to build a queen size bed frame will definitely be very helpful and will worth the cost you will have to pay.
Believe it or not, you are able to build your own platform bed with the help of a good solid plan. You can choose any plans for your own specification. Usually a platform bed comes with a headboard and 3 drawers which one on each side and one at the foot of the bed itself.
You can also get this kind of bed in double or queen size associated with drawers. In this drawers you can store your clothes, pillows, bedding, toys or just about anything you need in these large compartments. You can create a drawers that are on metal roller glides, which makes it easy for your finger to pull the drawers smoothly.
In building a platform bed frame, you will need two pieces of particle board together to be attached from the underside with a straight metal straps. One half will form the top platform and other half will be the bottom portion. Once this is completed, make sure you sand any rough edges on your lumber before you building the base frame.
And now you are ready to build the base frame for your platform bed. Firstly, build a rectangular box from four 1 x 12s by using wood screws. You sink the screws and cover the holes with wood filler. Make sure to attach the remaining long boards at 1/3 intervals within the frame.
Understanding this next process is important. You will need to measure the distance between each section and cut the remaining short boards into six pieces to attach at staggered intervals as shown in the drawing. By doing this, it will creates a strong base that will not warp or twist.
Bunk beds has its purpose particularly when you are room sharing with somebody and you have limited space in your room. This also works particularly well in children's room as kids absolutely love it especially when you customize the this kind of bed according to their preference.
However, there are some considerations in building this kind of bed of your own. More so if you are building these kind of beds for children. some things to keep in mind are:
Safety
Whether made for adults or children, bunk beds has to have some safety measure in place. You should be more meticulous about this if the bed is especially made for children.
With safety in mind, the upper bed should have guard rails in place. The rails should be higher if children are going to use the bed. Additionally, you should ensure that the person staying on the upper bed does not have any tendency to sleepwalk. Otherwise, it will be very unsafe for such person. Aside from this, you have to make sure that the stairs are stable enough and firmly installed.
Material and Size
For materials, there are many kinds of wood you can consider for this project. Hardwoods like oaks and cherries makes a very good material for this project because of its durability. However, other cheaper wood types can work equally as well.
Size of the bed would depend entirely up to you. This is keeping in mind some considerations like your preference and suitability to user's size. You can be quite flexible with the bed size just as long as you make sure the bed you're going to end up with is the kind of bed that you need.
Bunk Bed With Stairs Plans
Using quality bunk bed with stairs plans would almost guarantee your success in completing the project. Good plans will help not just during construction but also with the preparation as well.
If you ask me, I find that easy to understand instructions which even a woodworking beginner can implement is of top quality. And while you are at it, try going for a plan with elaborate graphics as well. This will definitely help you do away with confusion.
However, just because you have limited space doesn't mean you can't add style. In fact, this is where you could allow your creativity to shine through. With some imagination and forethought, you could have a living space that is perfect for both day and night. This could be accomplished by turning your twin bed into a sofa. In the evening, you could switch your sofa back into a twin bed.
The Pros and Cons of Turning Your Twin Bed into a Sofa
To begin, you would need a twin platform bed, mate's bed or any twin bed that doesn't have a headboard or post. It is important to note, that due to their width, a full, queen or king size bed would not convert nicely into a couch. This would not give the look or feel that you'd want (not to mention, it would look quite silly).
The obvious advantage of turning your twin bed into a sofa would be that you already have the primary element for this design--a twin bed. This equals savings, as you would only need to purchase a few odds and ends to convert your bed into a lovely sofa for daytime living.
Another pro would be that unlike a futon, you would not need to perform additional steps to make your twin bed into a sofa. All that is necessary would be adding additional pillows against the back of the bed to give it the look of a sofa.
One disadvantage of converting your bed into a couch would be that this idea wouldn't be suitable if you share your space with someone else. For example, if you live in a dorm this might make it difficult. However, there are chances this still could work if your roommate uses a hide-away bed that saves on space. It all really just depends on the situation.
If you decide to go with this idea, one last thing...
You may find the biggest con to be the height of your bed in comparison to daybeds, futons and sofas. Platform beds are substantially lower compared to daybeds. So, keep that in mind when considering this option, and if the difference in height doesn't bother you, then using it as a sofa would not be a problem.
If you can afford to spend some extra money but still find you don't like the height-issues that come with platform beds, this could be easily remedied by boosting the height of your bed with an extra mattress or box spring. Another option would be to purchase inexpensive bed lifts or risers. They could add an additional 1 to 10 inches or more to the height of your bed.
Yet, a word of warning, risers only work if your bed has legs. If not, you would need to add height by using an extra mattress or box spring.
Lesson 101: Turning your Twin Bed into a Sofa with Style
To turn your twin bed into a sofa, you would simply place it width-wise against a wall (like a daybed). Next, you could add height by using bed risers or an extra box spring or mattress. That is the basics, now onto the creative and fun aspect of switching your twin bed into a sofa and vice versa. This section will reveal how you could add a personal touch and make your twin sofa bed uniquely your own.
Use appropriate bedding
How could you make your bed most resemble a sofa? The answer is simple, use appropriate bedding. This could be accomplished by purchasing a bed skirt or a bedding set. This would allow you to cover the legs of your bed and would give it the look of a sofa with upholstered flaps. If you use bed risers, make sure to have them in place first before buying the bedding. That way, you could take measurements to ensure that the bedding is long enough to cover the legs once the risers are in place.
Use pillows
Pillows are ideal for creating a faux backing to your bed and faux arms. Pillows could be switched around to accommodate a sofa and a bed. For evening, you could place the pillows at the head of the bed for sleeping. And during the day you could place the pillows in the back for support, comfort and look and feel. As for the arms, you could place bolsters on each side of the bed to fool the eyes into believing your sofa isn't armless.
Create your own upholstered backing
If using pillows exclusively for backing doesn't appeal to you, another option would be to create an upholstered backing for your sofa bed. This may sound as if it would put a dent in your pocketbook, but upholstered backing could be made inexpensively without compromising on style or showroom appeal.
The main supplies you would need to make an upholstered backing are...
plywood upholstery foam and fabric
Keep in mind, it is also important to take measurements before starting on this project to determine the height that you desire for your headboard. What makes this project so affordable is that if you do not possess the tools needed to size the plywood, you could take it to a local hardware store and have them cut it for you at a fraction of the cost.
Once you're ready to get started, there are various tutorials on the Internet that could assist you in creating a headboard. A nice one worth mentioning is Make Your Own Upholstered Headboard. It should help you along quite nice and give you a few other ideas on decorative style in the process.
Once you're finished, you'll find that the upholstered headboard lends an element of class to your space. Creating your own one-of-a-kind headboard will add a sense of accomplishment. It will also be perfectly suited to your taste and style, and as a bonus you can bet you'll get plenty of compliments from your friends in the process.
If you think you have bed bugs check the carpet, linens and the entire bed frame, bed bugs are never far from there host (you). Check everything within a 30ft radius of your bed.
Look for nymphs and shed skin remember though that you are looking for something that is 1mm total in length and is probably translucent. The bugs go through many different stages before they become adults and are very hard to see before that.
If you cannot find them by visual inspection, you can use the old tape trick to find them. Take a roll of packing tape and tape the bottom of your bedpost and frame rails and all along your baseboards around your bed. You will find nymphs and eggs if you have an infestation. If you find anything that looks like dirt or smudges on the tape after a few nights you need another trick to catch them in action.
Bring a flashlight to bed with you. Wait until it has been dark for at least 30 minutes. Then slowly get the flashlight and shine it under the covers where you have been getting marks on your body. These bugs are very small but you will see what looks like dirt running away from you.
Bed bugs are very robust creatures and have been known to go over 500 days without a meal. If you have them, getting rid of them is another article I will cover later. Trust me when I tell you that you are out of your league in exterminating them.
Often the excitement of getting a new mattress set overshadows the reality that your new mattress requires proper support. You will enjoy a longer comfort life on your new mattress if you make sure it has the right support.
How can you be sure that your new mattress set has the right support?
If your bed frame is metal and it is over 10 years old, make sure there is no squeaking or rattling when you roll over on the bed. Squeaking and rattling may indicate that your bed frame has weakened over time. It is probably a good idea to replace your bed frame if this is the case. Sometimes, mattress stores will give you a free bed frame with your purchase of a mattress set. Usually, this is the cheapest, least supportive bed frame available. You're better off asking for an upgraded deluxe model bed frame and paying for it. These last longer and are more supportive than the "free" ones most stores offer.
If you have a wooden bed frame with wooden slats, make sure the slats are not bowing in the middle. Also, wooden slats are not enough for queen and king size bedding; you need at least one leg to the floor for queen size and two legs for king size. You can make a leg by having a piece of wood cut to the correct length at your local hardware store. Many companies offer metal center support slats that are far superior to wood slats. For the best possible support, choose a metal support designed for use with wood beds.
Following are some guidelines to follow for ensuring the proper support for your new mattress set: You need at least one rigid center support bar with one leg to the floor for queen size bedding and at least two rigid center support bars with legs to the floor for king size. Wood center support slats should be at least 3/4 inch plywood. If yours are not at least 3/4 inch plywood, consider a metal bed slat system like a Strong Arm, Bed Beam, or Bed Bridge support system. Twin and full size beds do not usually require additional center supports, but with the extra heavy weight of today's bedding, it sure wouldn't hurt to add a center support bar. Refer to your mattress manufacturer's warranty card for detailed information about what support is required.
Believe it or not, you are able to build your own platform bed with the help of a good solid plan. You can choose any plans for your own specification. Usually a platform bed comes with a headboard and 3 drawers which one on each side and one at the foot of the bed itself.
You can also get this kind of bed in double or queen size associated with drawers. In this drawers you can store your clothes, pillows, bedding, toys or just about anything you need in these large compartments. You can create a drawers that are on metal roller glides, which makes it easy for your finger to pull the drawers smoothly.
In building a platform bed frame, you will need two pieces of particle board together to be attached from the underside with a straight metal straps. One half will form the top platform and other half will be the bottom portion. Once this is completed, make sure you sand any rough edges on your lumber before you building the base frame.
And now you are ready to build the base frame for your platform bed. Firstly, build a rectangular box from four 1 x 12s by using wood screws. You sink the screws and cover the holes with wood filler. Make sure to attach the remaining long boards at 1/3 intervals within the frame.
Understanding this next process is important. You will need to measure the distance between each section and cut the remaining short boards into six pieces to attach at staggered intervals as shown in the drawing. By doing this, it will creates a strong base that will not warp or twist.
A wide variety of frames are available; you can find ones that raise your bed offering storage space, and ones that can lower your bed, if your mattress set is too tall. Since 1925, this style of metal bed frame has become a staple of many American homes. When compared to wood bedsteads, these are generally much less expensive and offer superior support for today's ultra thick and often plush mattress sets. Mattress frames of this type can usually be found for less than 0. Also, frames of this type are generally easy to assemble, easy to transport, and extremely versatile. In fact, you can buy styles that adjust in width to work with every mattress size.
It would be difficult (or impossible) to find a wood set for a comparable price with that sort of versatility. The Hollywood Company is still in business in Commerce, CA, but today many companies produce similar items out of sturdy and durable angle-iron. Several manufacturers with comparable products are Leggett and Platt, Mantua, Knickerbocker, and Glideaway, all with manufacturing facilities still largely located in the USA. This is one product in which importing is not as attractive as other items due to the expense of shipping such heavy, bulky objects from overseas.
Platform beds can be extremely simple. The extremely simple platform beds have no headboard or footboard, and certainly no canopy. They incorporate slats, which, in effect, replace the need for a box spring, since, because they are sturdy yet somehow slightly flexible, support the single mattress on top. The result is that you get a good night's sleep, are very comfortable, and yet don't end up with back pains or numb muscles in the morning.
It's ever better for your back than sleeping on the floor. And now, with the rapid proliferation of memory foam, your platform bed can be even more comfortable and healthy. Memory foam is a gel-like polymer that accepts your shapes and bones, but supports it fully. (It was first used in hospitals, and is now a popular mattress and pillow material.)
Platform bed plans can be more complex too; you can add headboards, footboards, canopies, even extra flourishes and storage units. You can build the storage units as one with the bed frame, or you can create rolling drawers supported by castors, so that the drawers are modifiable and easily maneuverable throughout your bedroom.
It's not the most difficult job in the world for a handyperson. If you want to build a platform bed, you can order platform bed plans from any of a number of plans retailers. Woodworking clubs, furniture enthusiast groups, and other organizations can give or sell you plans. You can also buy plans online.
Bedbugs do not feed on waste food like cockroaches or mice and rats do, they feed on the blood of a warm-blooded host. The signs that you have bed bugs are itchy welts, commonly in groups of three. You should see tiny red or brown marks on your linens were you have rolled over them at night and killed them.
If you think you have bed bugs check the carpet, linens and the entire bed frame, bed bugs are never far from there host (you). Check everything within a 30ft radius of your bed.
Look for nymphs and shed skin remember though that you are looking for something that is 1mm total in length and is probably translucent. The bugs go through many different stages before they become adults and are very hard to see before that.
If you cannot find them by visual inspection, you can use the old tape trick to find them. Take a roll of packing tape and tape the bottom of your bedpost and frame rails and all along your baseboards around your bed. You will find nymphs and eggs if you have an infestation. If you find anything that looks like dirt or smudges on the tape after a few nights you need another trick to catch them in action.
Bring a flashlight to bed with you. Wait until it has been dark for at least 30 minutes. Then slowly get the flashlight and shine it under the covers where you have been getting marks on your body. These bugs are very small but you will see what looks like dirt running away from you.
Bed bugs are very robust creatures and have been known to go over 500 days without a meal. If you have them, getting rid of them is another article I will cover later. Trust me when I tell you that you are out of your league in exterminating them.
Bed Bugs - How Do You Know If You Have Them"Hollywood" is a brand name for a metal frame system with legs into which a box spring may be set and to which a headboard may be attached. Hollywood Bed Frame Company started producing solid angle-iron framing systems for box springs in 1925. Much like the brand name Kleenex is synonymous with facial tissue; many people came to associate box spring frames with the Hollywood based company, calling them simply "Hollywood" Frames. You might also hear this bed support system called a "Harvard Frame". Again, this is a case where the name of the manufacturer of the product became a household name. Harvard Manufacturing was a manufacturer of this bed type in the 1950's, but I do not believe this company is still in business. The brand name still lingers, however.
A wide variety of frames are available; you can find ones that raise your bed offering storage space, and ones that can lower your bed, if your mattress set is too tall. Since 1925, this style of metal bed frame has become a staple of many American homes. When compared to wood bedsteads, these are generally much less expensive and offer superior support for today's ultra thick and often plush mattress sets. Mattress frames of this type can usually be found for less than 0. Also, frames of this type are generally easy to assemble, easy to transport, and extremely versatile. In fact, you can buy styles that adjust in width to work with every mattress size.
It would be difficult (or impossible) to find a wood set for a comparable price with that sort of versatility. The Hollywood Company is still in business in Commerce, CA, but today many companies produce similar items out of sturdy and durable angle-iron. Several manufacturers with comparable products are Leggett and Platt, Mantua, Knickerbocker, and Glideaway, all with manufacturing facilities still largely located in the USA. This is one product in which importing is not as attractive as other items due to the expense of shipping such heavy, bulky objects from overseas.
Hollywood Bed Frame - What is It?
