How could I make a loft bed more stable?

[Eb1132526]

Hi,

I need some advice on modifying this loft bed I want to buy from ikea...

https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/stora-loft-bed-frame-white-stain-30242088/

I want to shorten it cause it's too high and make it more study so it wobbles less. I can't do any drilling or damages to the walls.

I want to remove the stairs and make a cube staircase instead, any pointers I need to be aware of? I'd appreciate any advise to help make this work. 

Thanks in advance.

[EricL]

Hello @Eb1132526 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your loft bed.

I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with the STORÅ loft bed. I suggest engaging the services of a builder or tradesperson who is familiar with furniture building. 

Generally speaking, the most common reinforcement item used on furniture are angle brackets. They are usually installed in corners to protect furniture from shearing forces. Timber is also another product used to act as a brace between two posts. It is crucial that these additions are securely anchored to the solid parts of the furniture, rather than just the hollow sections of the panels

In regard to the cube staircase, you'll definitely need a builder for this exercise. It is highly probable that the builder will construct a stair frame built from timber and will be strong enough to carry an adult. They will probably use plywood to cover the structure. Linking to the solid frame of the staircase will strengthen the stability of any furniture being attached to it.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Eb1132526 

if you look at the ikea bed ladder and the position it is in the ladder is forming an additional supporting prop out to one side so the bed is more stable less prone to tipping forwards as a part of its design..  As a minimum replace the angled stair case with angled timber screwed in props on each corner post until the cube stair case is built.  OR  just leave/ add the ladder short term.

Any cube staircase will need to be reenforced by at least 15mm ply on the back of the units and attach to the beds front right up right.  @EricL  is  right to say build it for adult weight too.  15mm ply will support and adult depending on your design.

I would build the cube staircase heading down the wall at the same position as the ladder is (where the opening is for the top bunk) and also at 90 degrees to the bed to gain maximum stability.

Any flat pak Cube system out there was not meant to be a staircase and on their own could collapse like a playing card house sideways if that was your plan so do add the strong back panel 15mm sheet. to stop this potential collapse as it is also supporting the bed from falling forwards.

[Dave-1]

Morning @Eb1132526 

Id also like to say "Howdy" and offer a warm welcome to the Bunnings community pages  

I love ikea stuff, I really do but as with any flat pack items, modding it I really advise against. Its been designed to work a particular way with all the components factored in. Changing it will probarly cause you more issues then what you gain.

Instead why not make up a raised frame yourself? If you are willing to mod an item then making up a frame may well be doable! 

If you decide that I am sure the mebers will come up with suggstions of how to if needed. I would sketch out what you want, dimension wise and also step wise. It makes it easier to picture what is needed.

Things to rem

Matteress sizes verse the frame size. Check to make sure its standard.

Bracing, where it will be and will fingers get caught.

Overall height and height from ceiling plus fan/light if its in the room.

How much weight it will carry. Bodies rack up especially kids playing.

I would grab the dimensions of the bed you have shown and then draw up your plan. Types of bolts you would use, diagonal bracing, notching if needed. It will possibly worl out cheaper overall (with the square steps you mentioned) by doing it yoruself.

Post the plans in here and see if there are added suggestions? Pine (non structual is what I would use for a child bed tho structual is fine as well)

Dave

[Noyade]

G'day @Eb1132526 

"this loft bed I want to buy from ikea"

"make it more study so it wobbles less."

You tested it out in the store?

Have you read the reviews?

Height, poor quality wood/construction and "wobbling" look to be big issues.

Just an opinion - avoid, look elsewhere.