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Everyone dreams of having a comfortable and beautiful bed, but for small-sized housing it is difficult to choose a model that would simultaneously meet all these requirements. Here it is important to rationally use the limited area of the room, so you should pay attention to the option with a lifting mechanism. Self-assembly of a bed with a lifting mechanism according to the instructions in the video is a completely accessible process.
What you will need
Before you begin installation work, you should prepare the necessary equipment. To assemble the bed you will need a set of tools and additional materials.
Tools
The standard configuration of the bed includes various fasteners, to work with which you will need screwdrivers, ring wrenches and a screwdriver with a set of attachments. Since modern types of bedroom furniture often use Euroscrews with a hidden head and internal hexagon, it is also worth preparing keys for confirmation.
In addition to the basic tools, during installation work you may need a tape measure and a building level.
Materials
The assembly kit consists of fixing elements, body parts, lifting mechanism, mattress and decorative components. Before starting installation, it is worth checking the availability of all materials and laying them out at the work site.
Instructions
To properly assemble a bed with a lifting mechanism, you must read the instructions. As a rule, installation instructions are included with the bed. Having previously studied the manual, you will be able to get a general idea of the work ahead and calculate your capabilities. If necessary, assistants can be hired for further assembly.
Specifications
If the bed is equipped with a gas lift, the surface of the product can be easily raised and returned to its original position. Everything will go smoothly and without unnecessary noise. The main characteristics of such lifts are:
- The main substance that ensures the functionality of the structure is inert gas (most often the cylinders are filled with nitrogen).
- The chamber, rod and support tips are made of steel.
- The minimum thickness of the walls of the cylinder, which is filled with gas, must be 1 mm, otherwise it will be unsafe to use the structure.
- Any gas elevator can be compressed by applying force.
- For the device to function properly, the room temperature must vary between -30/+70 degrees.
Characteristics of slats for beds, materials of manufacture
It must be taken into account that the pressure in the cylinder is very high. That is why, if an element is deformed or another malfunction is discovered, it is strictly not recommended to disassemble it and try to repair it yourself. Below is a table showing the calculation of forces for vertical beds.
Structure weight, kg | Lift force, N | Bed dimensions, cm |
50 | 800 | 90x200 |
60 | 1000 | 100x200 |
70 | 1400 | 120x200 |
80 | 1800 | 140x200 |
90 | 2000 | 160x200 |
100 | 2200 | 180x200 |
If you purchased a horizontal type bed, the power of the lift should be different. This is due to the fact that the load in this case is distributed differently. For horizontal beds, you can use less powerful gas elevators.
Structure weight, kg | Lift force, N | Bed dimensions, cm |
40 | 400 | 600–800 |
50 | 500 | 600–800 |
60 | 600 | 800–900 |
70 | 700 | 800–900 |
80 | 800 | 900–1500 |
If a person does not know how much a bed weighs, one can be guided by average values. A single design weighs about 30 kg. The weight of an orthopedic mattress varies from 30 to 40 kg. Therefore, a single bed weighs on average about 60 kg.
Procedure
Precise adherence to the procedure is the basis for proper installation. By following these steps step by step, you will be able to avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage to the product and shorten its service life.
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Preparation and assembly of MDF parts
A large number of bed parts are made of MDF. When starting installation, all elements are freed from the packaging film and inspected for damage. If at least one element has defects, replacement is required. A damaged bed frame will not be secure. The parts are laid out at the installation site so that the side with holes for fasteners is on top.
Fasteners are screwed to all parts and connected to each other according to the instructions.
Installation of box and base
The main parts of the bed are the box and the base. First, the perimeter of the structure is assembled, which consists of three walls and a head back. To do this you need:
- connect the walls and the head back to each other using fixing elements;
- a base is placed on the constructed frame, which is usually made using wood and a metal frame;
- To securely fix all components, tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
In some types of beds, longitudinal strength elements may be provided. In particular, solid longitudinal ties, brackets and corners, fixed to the structure with screws, are common. This feature is important to take into account during the work process.
Installing Corner Ties
The purpose of corner ties is to impart reliability to the assembled structure. The screed consists of several elements:
- a corner in the form of a metal plate bent in the central part at a right angle;
- bolts for fixing the plate to the frame;
- threaded bushings.
To connect the two walls of the bed with a corner tie, the plate is placed on the inside at their junction. Then the bushings are inserted and the bolts are tightened first on one wall, and then the connections are aligned and the fasteners are fixed on the adjacent wall. If desired, it is possible to replace the standard model of corner tie with a modern version, for example, confirmat or minifix, which are distinguished by more compact dimensions.
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How to install the lifting mechanism
When installing the lifting structure and determining its sides, it is important to avoid mistakes, as this will lead to improper functioning of the mechanism. The installation process requires the following steps:
- Secure the furniture frame to the lifting mechanism. It is recommended to use screws for this. Before final fixation of the fasteners, it is necessary to level the gaps between the base and the frame.
- Determine the appropriate level of force to operate the mechanism. As a rule, this information is indicated in the attached documentation.
- Install the structure into the lifting mechanism with the cylinder facing up, using nuts with a locking ring and fluoroplastic washers.
- Tighten the fixing nuts to the limit, then loosen the fastening slightly, leaving minimal play. After this, you should check the functioning of the lifting mechanism by lowering and raising the structure several times.
Installation of the traverse
The traverse is a special element that performs the function of a screed. Using a traverse, the lower part of the bed frame is fixed. The element is placed along the structure parallel to the longitudinal tension parts. The use of a traverse helps strengthen the structure, ensures stability and durability, and also makes it possible to securely fasten small side elements that most often fail.
Installation of frame and mattress holders
Handles for controlling the lifting mechanism and a mattress limiter that are convenient for everyday use are mounted on the furniture frame. If the bottom of the bed consists of slats, the number of which varies between 15-25, then they are hammered into special holders. Each lamella is secured on both sides, so this step will take a lot of time. The process is completed by installing the bottom of the bed and tightening the cover.
How to assemble it yourself: main steps
To assemble such a model, it is necessary to prepare all the structural components. This:
- the very basis of the structure;
- headboard;
- lifting mechanism;
- mattress.
Necessary steps:
- Preparation;
- assembly of parts from MDF;
- installing a free frame under the mattress;
- attaching a lift;
- frame assembly.
The frame consists of two side panels of 2 m each and two cross panels of 1.4 or 1.5 m. Two rows of support strips, usually consisting of a metal angle, are fastened with screws along the inner perimeter.
Important
Single and double models can be equipped with this transformation method. The configuration of the mounted lifting mechanism allows rational use of the empty area under the bed as a closet.
A key aspect of furniture design is its ergonomics. A reliable bed lifting mechanism makes it comfortable and multifunctional.
Correct calculation of dimensions excludes all other related furniture. The bed will take on the functions of a wardrobe, chest of drawers, and bedside table.
Possible difficulties during work
Without practical experience in assembling furniture or making minor mistakes, you may encounter difficulties. The following installation difficulties are common:
- Need to drill additional holes. Recesses for fasteners are required in many parts of the structure, and if third-party elements are used, then new holes must be made on the body, having previously made markings.
- Gas lift installation. The process of installing the lifting mechanism is the most difficult step, so it is important to be careful and follow the exact sequence of actions.
- Incorrect markings on the furniture frame. If you make a mistake in the markings, you will not be able to assemble the bed correctly, so you need to check the measurements several times.
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Tools
To make and assemble an ottoman you will need the following tools and materials:
tape measure and pencil;- hacksaw;
- electric jigsaw;
- screwdriver or screwdrivers;
- fasteners for connecting various parts: self-tapping screws, metal corners, confirmations;
- lumber;
- upholstery fabric and filling;
- stain, paint or varnish.
Advice : it’s easier not to buy a tool for one-time work, but to rent it.
How to choose the right one
When choosing a bed for the bedroom, it is recommended to take an integrated approach. To ensure that furniture meets all requirements, you should pay attention to a number of basic criteria.
Company manufacturer
The furniture market offers a wide range of beds from different manufacturers. It is better to give preference to well-known brands whose product quality has been tested in practice. Since the bed is purchased for a long time, you should not experiment with products from little-known manufacturers.
Color
When deciding on the decorative characteristics of a bed, you must first take into account individual preferences. It is also important that the color of the furniture fits harmoniously into the existing style.
Load
Depending on the person for whom the bed is intended, the load indicator is determined. For children with low body weight, beds that can withstand minor loads are suitable, while adults should choose among more durable structures,
Type of operation of a gas lift to a bed
There are direct action mechanisms, when lifting is carried out by compressing the retractable rod, and reverse mechanisms. The result of the operation of gas lifts is the same, so this parameter is not particularly important and depends on the manufacturer.
Types of lifting mechanisms: brief description
There are three types of lifting bed mechanism:
- using gas shock absorbers;
- spring design;
- manual lift, opening with a hinge.
The mechanism with gas shock absorbers is considered the highest quality and most reliable, but this significantly increases the cost of the bed. It is quite convenient to use, even a child can handle it. The warranty period for different manufacturers varies from 5 to 10 years.
A device with coil springs is also a good option for beds. The opening mechanism is quite convenient, but over time some difficulties may arise, as a result of which a complete replacement of the structure will be required. The spring mechanism for a lifting bed has a shorter warranty period, approximately 3-5 years. Such models are inexpensive, which makes them quite popular and in demand.
The simplest and cheapest lifting mechanism is manual. It is not equipped with springs or shock absorbers, which requires some effort when lifting. It is worth noting that in such designs, before accessing the linen drawer, you will need to completely remove the mattress with all bedding.