by mezmo » Sat Feb 11, 2012 9:48 pm
Hi Forest747,
Take this as an opportunity to build a storage bed base. Especially if you can use a platform type bed. I have a
Temperpedic mattress so that is what I could use.
A 5ftW x 6ft6inL x12-18inH base has a lot of storage volume. There are many ways to configure it. One big box
base and a lift up top, 2-3 base boxes that you bolt together to form the total base and which could use compartments
sized to plastic bins, various sized drawers, or still kept as individual base bins, or any combo of these, with a headboard
attached.
I have one now that I made of 2 base boxes [used 3/4in plywood] that are bolted together and a headboard I made that is
bolted to that. I just used 2x4s to make the structure for the headboard and clad that with 1x4 maple with a picture frame
effect with a center plywood panel that was padded and then upholstered. It has been very successful. It is sized to use eight
17-18gal plastic storage bins, so it has 8 side-open compartments total, 4 on each side. [It' a double bed size 4ft6inW x
6ft3inL.]
Based on my experience, I'd use 3-4 individual base boxes [easier to move when needed] , with various sized drawers to suit my needs and a headboard, all bolted together. Also I'd make the height a bit shorter - go for what is comfortable to sit on
17-19in total height for both the base and mattress thicknesses combined [my current total height is ~ 20-21 in and is usable
but is just a bit high for comfortable-sitting-on-the-edge-of-the-bed-to-put-on-your-shoes use.].
Once you build one and use it, you'll wonder why all beds aren't made this way.
Cheers,
Norm/mezmo
If you have a house - you have a hobby.