Design and construction of a bed with drawers
This concept can be implemented in practice in different ways, you can make one large pull-out tray, you can make several, there are also options when the drawers are arranged in two rows in height. First of all, the choice depends on what things you plan to store here.
Use the drawers as a chest of drawers. They will fit toys and children's clothes.
If we are talking about bedding or other large items, then you will need large drawers. If we are talking about the personal property of the spouses, then in this case it is better to make small cells on both sides of the bed.
So that you can sit on it, pillows, blankets and bed linen are folded and put away in cells.
It is also necessary to foresee the location of the sleeping place in advance, because extending the cells requires free space. For example, if the bed on one side is close to the wall, then there is no point in having retractable mechanisms on this side.
Having made your own bed with drawers, you do not need to install additional cabinets and chests of drawers.
Depending on the mechanisms used, drawers can be divided into dependent and independent. In the first case, we are talking about drawers that slide out using guides, which can be equipped with closers for ease of use. In this case, the boxes are part of the structure.
You can use the saved space to place other furniture or simply leave free space.
It is important to know that the guides have restrictions on the weight load, as well as on the width of the drawers; if you do not follow the restrictions set by the manufacturer, the guides will very quickly fail. The independent type are roll-out boxes, which are separate boxes on wheels; they are not connected in any way to the bed and can be moved around the perimeter of the entire room.
In the niches under the bed it is convenient to store not only linen, but also your favorite books to read before bed, and also use them as bedside tables.
If you have not found a bed with drawers that would be ideal for you, then do not worry, since beds with drawers can be made yourself, based on your personal needs. In order to make a bed with drawers with your own hands, the main thing is to draw up competent drawings.
The design of the bed with drawers is convenient, with details reminiscent of a closet. Additional convenience is provided by pull-out boxes.
Installation of bed drawers
Drawing of a children's bed-podium.
You must first install a wooden beam around the perimeter of the podium. For fastening from above, boards are used, their thickness is 22 mm. Such boards act as outer panels and crossbars for the bed. For internal parts, it is better to use chipboard sheets rather than boards.
The assembly of the frame, which will be used to install the mattress, is carried out first by installing 47 * 27 mm bars. They are mounted in a horizontal position. Special support bars are already placed on top of them. When installing, it must be taken into account that the load must be distributed evenly. 2 bars must be placed at the edges and 1 in the center; they must be secured with self-tapping screws.
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For the walls under the drawers, you need to use boards, their thickness is 16 mm. For the bottom, plywood is used, the thickness of which is 10 mm. The boxes must be made in such a way that they completely occupy the entire space under the podium and leave no gaps or voids.
Assembling the drawers for drawers is done as follows:
- First you need to assemble the side and rear walls, for which glue, wooden dowels and screws are used. At the lower inner edge it is necessary to make special grooves with a thickness equal to the thickness of the bottom plywood. The cuts are not made completely, but so that the bottom does not fall out during use. If it is not possible to choose such grooves, then the bottom can simply be nailed to the walls and back using furniture nails, and further strengthened with screws.
- After this, the facades are attached, to which handles are screwed on the outside for opening the drawers.
- If guides for movement are used, then it is necessary to immediately fasten one part of them to the side walls of the boxes, and the second to the inside of the podium frame.
- After assembly, you need to check the reliability of all fasteners.
Necessary materials for production
To make the bed frame itself, you can use a wide variety of materials:
- Chipboard. This material is affordable and easy to process. Does not require additional decor or finishing, a wide range of colors.
- MDF. Eco-friendly material, does not require processing, has a high cost.
- Plywood. An environmentally friendly, inexpensive material that has all the properties of natural wood. Requires special processing and coating.
- Bars and boards. Working with this material requires special skills, as well as additional tools; the surface requires processing and varnishing.
- Metal carcass. The bed frame can also be welded from metal and covered with chipboard.
The appearance of the product, its durability, and quality directly depend on how well the material is chosen.
Note! In the manufacture of laminated chipboards, shavings and formaldehydes are used, high levels of which are toxic. Therefore, ask the seller for a quality certificate. It is worth buying only if it is indicated that this material can be used in hospitals and kindergartens.
Usually the drawers are made of the same material as the body, but combination is possible. As mechanisms, you need to purchase either wheels for roll-out boxes or guides.
Once you have decided that you want to make a bed with your own hands, its location, its size, you can begin to realize your idea. It is worth sticking to the developed plan.
Important! There are two types of retractable guides - roller and ball. For drawers, ball-type guides are a better option; they are more reliable in operation and can withstand higher weight loads.
Manufacturing process
Once you have decided on the bedroom furniture design, material and dimensions, you can proceed directly to the manufacturing process itself.
Drawing of a double bed with four drawers.
First of all, you will need to detail the bed with drawers. However, before you start, you need to know exactly the dimensions of the mattress. The sleeping space under it should be a little larger; it is customary to add 5 centimeters in each direction. Thus, by adding this number to the mattress size, you will get the internal size of the sleeping area.
If desired, the surface is additionally decorated with MDF panels, plastic, veneer or furniture film.
Its overall size will be larger due to the thickness of the case; this should be taken into account if you are calculating the layout of the room down to the centimeters so that there is no overlap. For example, you want the outlet to be located closely, but because of the extra centimeters you will have to move it.
Once the drawings of your beds along with the dimensions and drawers are ready, the process of procuring the parts follows. They must be cut to size and, if necessary, processed. If you are making cuts at home, you will need a saw with a ruler.
It is important to accurately mark the workpieces and cut out all the parts correctly.
Once all the bed parts are ready, they will need to be drilled, for this you will need a drill and drill bits. It is better to drill out products such as laminated chipboard and MDF with a drill rather than a screwdriver. Since the drill has more revolutions, the holes made with it are more accurate.
Next comes the assembly process. Euroscrews, furniture ties or bolts with nuts should be used as fastening. Under no circumstances should you secure the bed with self-tapping screws.
At the beginning, the foot is assembled, the side parts and the partition in the center. All work is carried out according to the scheme.
Types of lifting mechanisms
In modern models, a gas lift or spring mechanism is more common. The manual hinge system was popular several decades ago; now such furniture is rare.
The mechanism can be made of different materials.
Manual
The simplest mechanism without auxiliary devices that simplify lifting the base. But at the same time, it is the most durable. It works due to the movement of furniture hinges. During lifting, all the weight rests on the hands, so not everyone can access the internal contents.
The French folding bed transformation mechanism has become widespread.
For a child, this task will be difficult to accomplish. If handled carelessly, the housing may become deformed. Especially if the bed is made of inexpensive chipboard that does not withstand frequent use.
Spring
This is a budget option that is installed in economy class beds, as well as in some mid-price models. When lifting, the weight of the body partially falls on the springs, thanks to which even a person who does not have developed physical strength can cope with it.
A double bed with a lifting mechanism on springs costs significantly less than its counterpart on gas shock absorbers.
However, it will be difficult for the child to lift the base. A serious drawback of the mechanism is its short service life. Typically, manufacturers claim 5 years during which the device remains usable. The springs are then stretched.
On gas shock absorbers
Gas lift is the most advanced mechanism. Lifting the bed requires virtually no physical effort: the bulk of the weight falls on the device. It works silently, the base lowers and rises smoothly, and is securely fixed in a vertical position.
Lifting mechanisms can be manual, with springs or with gas shock absorbers.
The mechanism can be installed in any bed. Manufacturers claim a 10-year service life for the device. The only drawback is the high cost compared to other models. But in the long term, the purchase will be profitable.
Everyone chooses their own bed transformation mechanism.
Assembly and installation of boxes
When using roll-out cells, do not forget to take into account the size of the wheels so that they can freely enter and exit into the opening intended for them. When calculating their width, do not forget about the gaps; they should not rub against the walls of the case.
Their depth should not be greater than the size of the available free space. So, if you make very deep drawers, and you can only pull them out halfway, then things will roll into the far corner and it will be difficult to get them out. When assembling the boxes themselves, the bottom should be overlay, so it will be more durable.
Two transverse ones are attached to the longitudinal slats, on which the drawer will slide.
Drawers are best made from chipboard, since the material is inexpensive and has a laminated coating. In addition, its uniform thickness will avoid distortions and friction. The bottom of the box is most often made of fiberboard to lighten the load on the guides. When calculating them, do not forget that the guides also have their own thickness (13 mm each), so when calculating the width of the box, subtract 26 mm from the size of the opening.
Accuracy in this case is very important.
If the size of the drawer is several millimeters larger than required, then their extension will not be smooth, and the guides will soon fail. If you make them a few millimeters smaller, the boxes will constantly fly off the runners. The depth of the drawers should correspond to the size of the guides. Please note that the attachment of the rails to the bed walls must be done before assembly. Attaching them to the assembled body is inconvenient, and in addition, it is more difficult to achieve accuracy.
Choose finishing options based on your preferences and financial capabilities.
DIY children's bed with drawers
The process of making a children's bed, as well as the assembly diagram of a children's bed with drawers, is not much different, you just need to take into account some features:
- The surface must be smooth and free of any roughness.
- No sharp corners in the design. It is best to make the corners radius.
- The length of the bed must be taken into account as the child grows.
- For younger children, it is worth providing fencing elements so that he does not fall in his sleep.
Characteristics of a bed with a lifting mechanism
Typically, such beds are equipped with the most reliable components and durable slats. That is, the design is created taking into account all mechanical loads. The furniture consists of a flat base, a niche and a built-in mechanism, due to which the upper part rises up or to the side.
There are several types of bed lifts.
Most modern models have a gas lift, but there are also beds with spring and manual mechanisms. You can assemble such furniture with your own hands: it is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.
The nuances of assembling a bed yourself
The main thing when assembling a bed with your own hands is the need to take into account all the nuances at the design stage. Since any miscalculations will lead to damaged material. Be sure to check your drawing of the bed with drawers with dimensions before you start cutting. This can be done with a sheet of paper and a pen.
Without any special skills, you can easily assemble a comfortable and functional bed with drawers with your own hands.
Draw the assembly process on paper, making sure to indicate the dimensions of the parts and their thickness. Sum up all the sizes, check the resulting number with the size of your bed, you should get the same numbers. Any discrepancy is evidence that there is an error somewhere.
If you plan to use an orthopedic base, then you need to make supports for it on which it will rest, these can be bars or iron corners.
A double bed with drawers is the best option because it has an external space for relaxation and an internal one that allows you to “put away” some things.
Stages of work
The main reference point is the manufacturers' guidelines. With the right approach, work begins with studying it. It will also be useful to watch video instructions for assembling a bed with a lifting mechanism. For each specific model, the algorithm of actions may differ slightly.
Assembling the base and box
Work on the formation of the base box is carried out according to a simple scheme:
- The front and 2 sides are connected first.
- The central crossbar is fixed to the U-shaped structure (it also serves as the main support of the body).
- The backrest is attached to the sides.
- The bottom is fixed to the box.
For models with an additional drawstring belt, the bed assembly scheme is a little more complicated. In such cases, the drawers are connected separately and mounted on the inside of the body. The same applies to products with additional power elements, fixed with screws after assembly and checking the evenness of the body.
Assembly of the base is completed by fastening the bottom, checking or adjusting the angles and carefully tightening the screws without pressing.
Installation of legs and installation of corner ties
Not every model has free-standing supports; in a number of modern beds, these functions are performed by solid sidewalls. In other cases, the legs are connected to the base with screws and nuts. Experienced furniture makers carry out this stage, following the manufacturers' recommendations, namely, before installing corner ties (the most common option) or, conversely, as a last resort. The exact sequence of actions depends on the model and is specified in advance.
Corner ties that strengthen the bed structure are fixed with nuts with external and internal threads and countersunk bolts. In addition to screwdrivers, you will need an Allen wrench to assemble the bed. As a rule, these elements are mounted on 2 fasteners on each side; in order to avoid distortions of the ties, their installation is carried out after checking the evenness of the markings.
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Installation of the lifting mechanism
Lifting mechanisms are usually supplied assembled, requiring only proper fastening - with the cylinder facing up, taking into account the asymmetrical design of the parts and the inadmissibility of errors. For most models, they are first mounted on the bottom of the frame with screws, then the lower part of the lifting mechanism is screwed to the inside of the base body. To simplify this work, most manufacturers make special marks or pins on the boxes.
After this, the gas shock absorbers are inserted into the lifting mechanism and tightened with nuts. These elements are fixed using fluoroplastic washers and nuts with a locking mechanism. At this stage, any risk of backlash is eliminated - the fasteners are tightened all the way, loosening at the end by half a turn, no more.
The operation of the lifting mechanism is checked several times; the presence of gaps or distortions between the body and the bed frame is not allowed.
Attaching the frame and mattress supports
At the final stage of assembling a bed with a lifting mechanism, a central leg is attached to the correctly installed frame, which acts as a limiter, and handles that simplify the lifting process. Installing lamellas requires care and a considerable amount of time. The plates are driven into the holders with a hammer or by hand with sufficient flexibility. It is impossible to hammer both ends at the same time; with the correct approach, one edge of the plank is tightly inserted into the holders, after which the lamella is slightly bent upward and inserted with the other end (if necessary, knocking it out with a hammer). The process ends with laying the mattress, re-checking the work, and tightening the cover. Furniture may be put into operation if there are no distortions, creaks, wobbles or any similar defects.
For a bed with an orthopedic bottom or a large number of slats, it is worth purchasing a hard or semi-rigid mattress.
How to use storage boxes
At their core, under-bed drawers offer the same storage conditions as a regular closet. Things can be laid out in them in the desired sequence, dust does not get on them, etc. The only difference is that things cannot be stored in a vertical position.
If we are talking about a children's room, then drawers are, first of all, a convenient place to store toys. In this case, it is better if there are two boxes. One large one will be difficult for a child to open, but two compartments can be divided into things and toys.
At the same time, you will get a comfortable area for relaxing and sleeping, as well as useful space for storing and placing things.
If we are talking about a bed for an adult, then in this case you can store clean bedding, as well as personal items, in the drawers.
Advantages and disadvantages of a bed with a lifting mechanism
The main advantage of such beds is space saving. The sections under the bed have enough space to store bulky items. Partially, such a bed can replace a wardrobe. Due to the fact that access to the internal filling is carried out by lifting the top bar, there is no need to free up space next to the bed in order to freely pull out the drawers.
In addition, the flooring or carpet will not suffer from the wheels. Even if you do not use the bed as a storage place, the lifting mechanism will be convenient. Thanks to it, it is much more convenient to clean under furniture.
A bed with a lifting mechanism will be a good solution for a small bedroom.
Do such beds have any disadvantages? Alas, the cost of the structures is an order of magnitude higher than the price of conventional models without a lifting mechanism. The second nuance is less significant. Dust will regularly accumulate under the bed, so things will have to be stored in boxes or containers.
