kids projects

Building a Loft, Part 2

January 30th, 2010 |

Author: Maniac

Floor

Adding the floor to the loft is next. Simple sheets of plywood attach to the top of the supports. You can substitute MDF for the plywood. It is a much smoother surface and costs less than the ply. You won’t have to do any sanding on MDF either. When you add the floor, make sure you countersink the screws so that they do not stick up. The floor will add considerable strength and stability to the unit.

Ladder

Next build a custom ladder that you can paint to match the loft. Again the type of wood is your choice. We made ours out of 2 x 4′s and custom cut it to fit the space we had. The strength of the ladder can easily hold an adult if you build it right.

Railings

Don’t let any kids go up until you build the railing. The railing is very important and your wife won’t probably let you build this project without one. Other parents will appreciate the railing too since their kids are going to be in the loft as well. These lofts are kid magnets, so make them safe. I made my railing a bit fancier since I had access to a router table. I ran the flat spindles on the router table with a roundover bit to make them round. This softens up the unit and makes it look more furniture like. Keep this in mind, the railing is not designed to be leaned on, swung from or to be some sort of super stable safety device. My son was 9 when I built this and he pretty much knows that the railing is there as a reminder where the edge is. It also adds a nice finishing touch the the loft so I took the time to edge profile each one on the router table.

Loft Railing

Finishing Touches

We put carpet up on the loft floor; it was quick and easy and cost about $25. Next we hoisted up the mattress. There is no need for a box spring, since the wood gives more than adequate support. If you have an external closet, you will have a natural ledge in which you can install a bookshelf or even a TV set. Ours had a TV and Xbox for our son and all his friends were in the loft.

Loft Bottom

The bottom of the floor is the perfect opportunity to finish off with some plywood to make a mini ceiling. In the ceiling you can recess some lights. This makes if more functional for the room and less dark.

Loft Options

I choose to use the hollow post design for running two light fixtures near the top of the loft to shine upwards onto the ceiling. Use the newer “green” Eco friendly light bulbs and you will not have to worry about excess heat from ordinary standard bulbs. You can run regular extension cord up from the bottom of the post by drilling a hole at the bottom and pulling the wire through.

loft carpet and bed

Hiding Spots

I like to take the other two posts and put caps on them with a hinge on the inside. If you put a shelf in the inside while assembling the posts, it makes a great hiding place for kid things. From the outside it looks like an ordinary cap, kids love it.

Have Fun

You will find different customizations for your loft. All of them are super fun for the kids and a real accent to your home. If you use good quality materials you are really making furniture. Take your time and you will be glad you did. Young boys will think you are the best parent in the world for taking this project on!