Materials: Expedit 1x5
Description: We wanted a bed that:
* was sturdy
* had storage
* was reasonably easy to disassemble
* looked decent
* would not break the bank
So, we:
1) assembled 2 1x5 Expedit bookcases
2) constructed a wood platform to top them
3) made the visible bits look nice
4) slept on our stored stuff
It turned out well enough that sharing seemed a good idea.
For more photos and detail, go here.
I could compile a bill of materials or better document the steps if it would be useful to someone.
~ SMAD!
very nice, a great way to make a platform bed that's also useful! how about providing a better pic of the finished bed? it's a bit difficult to see how it all looks in that top picture...
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea. I could use more detail on constructing the platform itself, but I can probably find that elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest adding a back to the expedites, or things will get pushed into the middle under the bed. Or if you have a cat.
Really cool. Putting some sort of rolling tray to put the underbed storage on would make things much more accessible.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this idea! This is definitely a must do! I never even thought of doing something like this.
ReplyDeleteWeird! I just spent a good part of the day yesterday thinking about a major bedroom update that would involve making a platform storage bed out of either 2 1x5 expedits or else some 15" tall Akurum kitchen cabinets installed with pullout drawers.
ReplyDeleteIt's not clear from the picture, so my biggest question is this: what size mattress do you have? Is it a full? We've got a queen, which is 80" long, but the expedits are only 72".
Awesome! I'd love as much detail as you can provide for this. I'm hoping to do something similar in my bedroom.
ReplyDeleteWhat size bed do you have? Can you offer the step-by-step instructions for making the platform?
Thanks!
@Kathryn We were considering making a bed just like this, except our plans included a third Expedit placed horizontally in the front, adding additional length to the bed overall to accommodate a queen size mattress, plus adding extra storage and closing the "hole" in the front.
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you all for the comments.
ReplyDeleteTo those who might like better photos, does the flickr set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dansky/sets/72157624164776060/detail/) have what you're interested in? If not, I'd be happy to snap a couple more. Let me know of what, and what angle. And feel free to ask any question in the comment area for a photo on flickr. I'll respond.
@gS49
Good suggestion. We had planned to add backing, but wound up buying an insert for each cubby.
@Kathryn,Doug, Morgan
Queen size (Ikea, in fact). The wood platform is 79x59. So, it "floats" a few inches all the way round - which is nice, if you like that look. Our first plan did include a third Expedit placed in the front, but it would have been too bulky for our room.
This evening I will compile a bill of materials and more useful instructions.
Bill of Materials
ReplyDelete* Ikea
o 2 - Expedit 1x5 Bookcase (2@$59.99)
o 1 - Rug Anti-Slip large size ($7.99)
* Wood
o 2 - 1x6x78 Side - cut from 1x6x8 (2@$5.18)
o 2 - 1x12x48 End - pre-cut (2@$6.62)
o 9 - 1x4x48 slat - cut from 1x4x12 (3@$4.97)
o 1 - 1x4x78 midbeam - cut from 1x4x8 ($3.11)
o 1 - 2x2x15 leg - cut from 2x2x8 ($1.87)
o 1 - 1x4x15 foot - midbeam excess
* Hardware
o 8 - Steel Menders (8@$1.89)
o 32 - #8 Screws (box@$4.47)
o 3 - 1/4" Bolt/Nut/Washer for midbeam and leg (pack@$2.00)
o 1 - 1/4" Threaded Stud for leg (pack@$3.00)
* Other
o Heavy Duty Felt Pads (rectangular, beneath bookcases) $11.37
o Heavy Duty Felt Pads (circular, between leg and foot) $1.00
o Anti-slip drawer liner $4.48
o Contact paper $6.48
o Scotch Tape (had)
o Cardboard (cut from bookcase box)
o Duct Tape (had)
Total Cost < $250.00
it's a fantastic idea and use of space, but i hope you never, ever get bedbugs! :(
ReplyDeletedo you think the book shelves would be strong enough to use as seating in a kitchen nook?
ReplyDeletewhere did you get the inserts for the cubbies? i have similar ikea bookcases but i can't find anything that will even come close to the size of the cubby space!!
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea and Im currently doing the same thing but mine will be a fullsize bed instead of queen.
ReplyDeleteThey have inserts all over Ikea! they have different baskets, plastic cubes, drawers or doors. You should checkout their website
@Mitch: as-is, i would not use them for seating. but with two or four simple cross braces at the corners, i think they would hold steady.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous on Aug 27: the next commenter was correct - we purchased the inserts from ikea
Hi,
ReplyDeleteso, what about your experience? I'm planning to do a similar thing with my futton, but instead of Expedit I would like to use Lack (as I think it's more stable).
What do you think? Is it safe for two persons? :)
Thanks... great werk!
Thanks for this post! I just finished making my own Expedit bed and I love it. I did a few things differently but it is very similar. I referenced your post and instructions a lot and it was really helpful. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post! It would be really fun to build one of these.
ReplyDeleteOne question - do you think if you put baskets in the expedits that it would weigh it down more and be more sturdy?
This inspired me to build my own! With the help of craigslist it cost me less than $120!
ReplyDeleteI love the pine wood platform. Is there anyway you might be ale to share how you made it? I love it very much - So beautiful !!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, I see you did publish it above. I just now noticed. Thank you for that. It really is gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for having it here - C
I really like the idea, juste wandering if by any chance I could do il with Billy bookcase instead of Expedit ?
ReplyDeletewhat do you think, will it support the same weight ?
thanks for an answer ....