Measurements

• Since saving floor space is the main objective, measurements are going to be needed of the exact dimensions of the mattress. Generally, loft beds are made with twin mattresses measuring about 38 inches wide, 8 inches thick and 76 inches long, so the directions will use those same dimensions. Next, measure the height of the ceiling where the loft bed will be placed in order to determine the finished height of the bed. The top of the mattress should be a minimum of 18 inches from the ceiling but 24 inches would provide slightly more room. The directions are for a loft about 6 feet off the ground with 8-foot-by-4-inch-by-4 inch bed posts. The thickness of the remaining wood should be 1 to 2 inches and at least 3 1/2 to 4 inches wide.
  
  

The Legs

• A drawing of the finished leg sections.
  
  Begin with prefinished lumber like oak, redwood or pine if possible, but if not sand all the lumber before using it. There will be three separate sections built, two leg sections and one loft platform, before assembling. The legs are built to work as a ladder. Begin the first leg section by laying two 8-foot-by-4-inch-by-4-inch posts down and measuring so there is about 40 inches between them. Make a pencil or chalk mark on each post 18 inches from the top. Beginning 12 inches from that mark, and every 12 inches to the bottom of the post, lay a 40-by-2-by-3 1/2-inch plank between the leg posts. Attach those planks to the leg posts with 5 1/2-inch lag bolts or deck screws. Be sure to drill pilot holes before placing the lag bolts or screws to avoid splitting the wood. At the marked spot, place a 44-inch long 2-by-4 and attach with the lag bolts or screws. This piece should be the exact width of the finished leg section. Repeat the process to create the second leg. Use a level to be sure the finished sections are even.
  
  

The Loft Platform

• A drawing of the finished loft platform
  
  Begin the loft platform by laying two 80-by-2-by-4-inch planks 40 inches apart. Place 40-by-1-by-4-inch support planks every 10 inches starting about 6 inches from the top and bottom of the 80-inch long planks. Attach the support planks with 3 1/2 inch lag bolts or deck screws. The finished platform can be done in two ways. The first is to flip the frame over and place two pieces of 40-by-20-by-3/4-inch thick plywood. Attach the plywood to each of the support planks. This creates a box-style platform for the mattress to fit inside. The second way is to place two pieces of 40-by-20-by-3/4-inch thick plywood on top of the support planks (don't flip the frame over). Attach the plywood to each of the support planks creating a ledgeless platform.
  
  

Assembly

• A drawing of the finished loft.
  
  Put the loft platform on its side so that the top of the platform faces away from the assembler(s). Secure the platform to the top of one leg section in the center of the 44-by-2-by-4-inch board (it was placed 18 inches from the top of each post) with 3 1/2-inch lag bolts or deck screws. Place at least two bolts or screws on each side of the 44-by--by-4-inch plank about an inch from the edge of the leg post. Repeat the process with the other leg. An optional 84-by-2-by-4-inch rail can be placed in the center of one side for extra stabilization. Move the assembled loft to the highest part of the room before standing up. Make sure the loft is in level and in place before putting the mattress on.