Everyone knows the role an orthopedic mattress plays in arranging a sleeping place for healthy rest. But the importance of purchasing a suitable support is often questioned. In fact, a mattress with atomic properties, laid on a regular flat bottom, will not fully demonstrate its qualities. The desired effect can only be achieved with an orthopedic bed base.
Materials and tools for assembling a wooden structure
A person who starts assembling furniture with his own hands needs to prepare the following basic tools and materials:
- A figured and regular screwdriver (ideally, if it is a screwdriver with many attachments), a screwdriver.
- A regular hammer is small or medium in size.
- Reversible key.
- Manufacturer's instructions with assembly diagram. It should be included with the kit you purchased.
Before you start assembling the bed, you need to carefully review the instructions
Please note that this information must correspond to the configuration and include all those elements that come with the bed. The instructions should be clear, not vague, with numbered parts
Move all the sealed parts of your bed to the room where you plan to assemble it. After checking all the components and main parts and comparing them with the quantities according to the instructions, you can get down to business.
Advice: All actions must be performed not alone, but together. You can involve your family members in the work.
How to choose
When selecting, it is necessary to take into account the curved shape of the slats. This feature is needed for uniform load reformation.
An important rule when choosing a base is the springing effect of the slats.
You need to count on the weight of the person who is going to rest. For people with a lot of weight, it is worth choosing gratings with a high degree of elasticity. For people with low weight, a medium or even small degree is suitable.
Please note that the slats in the system can be easily changed. Since more budget bases do not have this function, this may prove to be a problem in the future.
When purchasing a base, pay attention to the quality of the product:
- The presence of knots, cracks and chips on the lamellas is unacceptable;
- metal frame – no rust or scratches;
- Creaking of slats is not allowed - during sleep, this phenomenon will irritate and cause discomfort;
- the frame should not be loose;
- All accessories listed in the instructions must be available.
Even the smallest details can affect the price and quality of the product.
Step-by-step description of making a bed with a lifting mechanism
Having prepared everything you need, you can proceed directly to making the lifting bed. Let's look at all the stages in detail.
Making a lifting frame
The lifting frame is the basis for the main function of such a structure - the ability to lift. Let's take a closer look.
First you will need to make a lifting frame.
The work includes two stages: manufacturing and processing. The first ones mean:
- Prepare the frame parts.
- Assemble the bases using calibrated boards. It is best to do this on a flat surface.
- Screed the resulting structure with metal corners and furniture glue. All cuts need to be sanded, making sure that the heads of the screws are slightly buried in the wood.
- If you plan to make a large bed, then you need to make a central partition for greater strength.
- Attach the slats with self-tapping screws on the inside of the sidewall and align them with the bottom edge. The slats should be approximately 20*80 centimeters.
- You can use slats as slats, the length of which should be equal to the width of the future bed. Attach them to the slats for support, about 15 centimeters apart.
The frame is ready, now it needs to be processed. To do this, you need to sand the boards and then coat them with wood varnish.
Installation of an inset frame under a mattress
After making the lifting frame, you need to start installing the mattress insert. It will increase the reliability of the structure and extend its service life, so this step should not be skipped when making a double bed.
For installation you will need wooden planks and a steel profile.
Headboard manufacturing process
Any material can serve as the base: plywood or natural wood. Apply markings, and then use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the shape of the back. This element can be given any shape you like.
The headboard of the bed can be given any shape you like.
Take a furniture stapler, finishing material and a foam sheet. The sheathing should be soft and airy; to do this, place two sheets of foam rubber between the plywood.
Making the main frame
An integral part of any bed is its main frame, which consists of:
- side drawer, front and back back, bottom of boxes;
- mattress covering made from slats or boards.
Be sure to focus on ensuring that all elements are securely fastened.
Making the main frame
Let's take the standard dimensions 2*1.8 meters as a basis. Take 2 boards of 2 meters each for the side edges. For the end, take two 1.8-meter boards, connect them with screws and corners. All boards must be fastened at right angles.
When assembling the main frame, it is important that all boards are fastened strictly at right angles.
We install lifting mechanisms and supports
To install the lifting mechanism, you should secure the top bar and the bed frame with rolled steel, then attach the two bases of the mechanism to the bar to lift the structure. Fix the bottom bar so that it is located on the main box and check the strength of the structure, as well as its operation. Installing the mechanism is the simplest step, so even a beginner can handle it.
Sheathing and finishing
The last and final stage of making a raised bed is decoration. You can do without it altogether and simply varnish the wood, but if you want to finish it, you need to choose a material for this. The most commonly used are the following:
- textile;
- leather or leather substitute.
Upholster the bed frame and headboard with your chosen material. In order for the upholstery to be airy and soft, you should use foam rubber. A stapler and glue will help you carry out all the operations.
The final stage is covering and decorating the bed.
To make a double bed with a lifting mechanism with your own hands, you need to strictly follow the instructions, take careful measurements and be patient. As a result, you will get a chic homemade bed that will help you successfully save space in a small room.
Features of the rack design
In terms of configuration and design, a slatted base is much more complex than a solid one. It is made from slightly concave slats located at a short distance from each other. These wooden products allow you to create an optimal platform for an orthopedic mattress. Most often the elements are called lamellas. But it is also relevant to call them latoflexes.
Beds with an orthopedic base, which can be found in Leroy Merlin, stores like Ikea, Askona or Ormatek, have several design features.
- Frame. Made from wood or metal. The bed frame can be made of MDF or chipboard of sufficient thickness. The frame has reinforced areas necessary for installing the mattress;
- Frames made of metal pipes of different sections are the most stable and durable. In this case, the round or square section must have a diameter of at least 15 mm;
- The slats are made from laminated wood. They are narrow (3-4 cm) and wide (5-12 cm). The slats are fixed to the frame at a distance of about 4-7 cm from each other;
- Lat holders are used as fastenings for the lamellas. They are made of plastic, metal or rubber;
- Lat holders are necessary for strong fixation and shock absorption;
- Rigid fixation is not used in the orthopedic base. All slats should bend at least a little;
- Plastic covers can be used on the slats. This allows you to increase the level of rigidity.
For one good and durable slatted base you need an average of at least 15 slats.
It is important to pay attention to the material they are made of. Wooden slats are not always of the same quality. The best ones are made of beech, due to the high strength of the wood. But pine, birch and plywood slats are used only in the cheapest beds. Their service life is short.
Rigidity is determined by the distance at which the slats installed on the base, that is, lamellas, are located between each other.
Manufacturing stages
After completing the preparatory stage, you can safely begin assembling the bed with a lifting mechanism. The elements are mounted in the following sequence:
- main frame;
- lifting structure;
- directly lifting mechanism.
At the final stage, cladding and decoration are carried out. The process must take place strictly in the specified order, otherwise the assembly will not be completed correctly.
Main frame
Any lifting bed must have a reliable frame at its base. It consists of several elements:
- side drawer, back and front edges, bottom for installing drawers;
- mattress covering, which is created from slats or wooden boards.
To make the main frame of a regular bed with side aspect ratios of 2 to 1.8 m, you will need many parts. For the side edges you will need a pair of boards 2 meters long. For the end parts, it is better to also take two boards, but 1.8 meters each. Next you need to connect them using self-tapping screws and several corners. This stage of assembly is the most critical, so you need to make sure that the formed angles exactly correspond to 90 degrees. If glue was used, its protruding excess must be removed immediately, otherwise difficulties may arise during further processing of the surface.
When making a large bed, it is necessary to install a stiffener through the longitudinal axis. If the project includes legs, their fixation should be done at the very end. The simplest option is to use four wooden blocks. To strengthen the structure, you can make an additional leg in the center. Finally, it is recommended to coat the resulting frame with varnish.
Lifting design
The process of creating and assembling a lifting frame consists of two points: joinery and carpentry operations and processing. The first stage begins with the manufacture of a box from calibrated boards. It is better to do the work on the floor to avoid distortions. Next, using corners, all elements are combined. The joints can be further strengthened with furniture glue.
It is important to pay attention to the heads of the screws - it is necessary that they go under the wood, but only slightly. When creating a large bed, you will need to lay an auxiliary partition along the frame
Now we need to fasten the slats. Screw them with self-tapping screws inside the side surfaces. First, the parts must be aligned parallel to the bottom edge of the box. Elements are necessary for attaching the slats. The dimensions of the slats should not exceed 9 cm in width. For slats, you can take the same blanks, but only with a length equal to the width of the future bed. Plywood is also suitable for this purpose, but you will have to make a central partition.
All that remains is to process the lift. The structure can be refined with sandpaper or varnished. One of the significant nuances in preparing the frame is the quality of the plywood, which is laid on the slats to evenly distribute the load.
Installation of the lifting mechanism
Installing the lifting mechanism is the easiest part of the assembly. First, its upper part is attached to the bed frame using a special steel strip. Next, the remaining parts of the lifting mechanism are attached, which provide control over the highest lifting height of the bed frame and mattress. The lower bar is attached to the main frame. The installation is complete, all that remains is to check the strength of the fixation and test the mechanism in action.
Sheathing and decoration
The final stage in the creation of any furniture product is the covering and subsequent decoration, which must correspond to the style of the room. For this use:
- fabrics;
- leather or its artificial analogues.
The selected material must be used to cover the main frame and headboard of the bed. To give the upholstery volume and airiness, sheet foam rubber is placed under the fabric. An ordinary construction stapler is suitable for fastening textiles - its staples even penetrate wood, thanks to which they hold the material tightly. If desired, sheathing can be done at intermediate stages of work.
It’s not easy for novice craftsmen to figure out how to properly make a bed with a lifting mechanism. However, if you carefully study the process in the video and continue to follow all the recommendations, you will definitely be able to make furniture. You just need to put in a little effort when assembling and use your imagination in the decorating process.
Types of slats
Wooden planks are made from bent-glued plywood, formed from several layers of veneer. Strength and flexibility depend on the type of wood. The slats can be wide or narrow. The width of the lamellas is selected for the mattress:
- Wide battens (5.3–9 cm) are suitable for springless models, Bonnell springs, as well as products with a low spring density and hard filler. They are cheaper, but over time they can begin to creak. A mattress with such a lattice wears out faster.
- Narrow strips (3–5.2 cm) are chosen for models with independent springs or with increased spring density. Suitable for all types of mattresses, excellent springiness, but more expensive.
Wide slats
Narrow slats
If the weight of a sleeping person does not exceed 90 kg, then it is better to take a design with narrow armor.
Lat holders for attaching lamellas have different degrees of mobility. There are:
- mortise - the lamellas are located inside the frame body, there is a tendency to creak;
- plastic overhead – mounted on top of the frame;
- overhead rubber - fixed at the top, have a platform to reduce the load on the armor, the most durable.
Mortise
Plastic overlays
Made from rubber
Name | Vertical deflection | Rotate 200 | Vertical compression |
Two-stage | Yes | Yes | No |
Three-stage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Assembling a bed with a lifting mechanism
For quality work, prepare tools that are used at home.
Required tools and materials
- screwdriver or screwdriver with a set of attachments;
- medium sized hammer;
- reversible key;
- Assembly instructions included with the product.
Assembly nuances
Before starting assembly, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions, they should be clear. Then transfer the details of the future bed to the room where you plan to place it.
All steps can be written down as a checklist for assembling a bed, and the steps themselves are best performed together, so involve your family.
Usually the frame is wooden or metal, the lifting mechanism is always made of metal
Base
You should start assembling the bed from the base, which consists of three frames and a headboard. To connect these parts into a single structure, you will need to take corners, small brackets or ties. For fastening, you must use the screws included with the model.
Then we attach the legs, if any, or install soft seals so that the structure does not damage the floor covering.
The next step is to install it to the top of the sidewall; if the model includes a lifting mechanism, then install it with a slight backlash (the gap between the parts is necessary to prevent the mechanism from jamming).
Frame
The main element of any bed is the frame, which is a metal frame with slats attached to it.
Thanks to the slats, the mattress is supported for the most comfortable sleep.
Thanks to the slats, the mattress is supported, which contributes to the most comfortable sleep
Standard model
- Using corners, we connect the side frames at a height of about 20 cm;
- We fix the footrests at the same height;
- We assemble the ribs, they should be 5 centimeters above the frame;
- We strengthen the central frame using special corners.
With orthopedic base
Today, the orthopedic base is considered the most popular, since a large number of people have problems with the spine. The orthopedic design consists of a frame and special adjustable slats. It is further equipped with a mattress with specially designed fillings and springs to ensure restful sleep for people with posture problems.
Headboard
The bed, as a full-fledged piece of furniture, is not only intended for sleeping, but also contains the main aesthetic component of bedroom design
The headboard can be carved, soft, covered in fabric or leather, as well as a central element that attracts attention in the bedroom. Your task is to connect the sides of the frame with the headboard using fixing elements
If the places for attaching the headboard are not marked, then you need to mark them with a simple pencil and make holes with a drill
Take a drill designed for wood. As a rule, the headboard is attached at a right angle; there are exceptions in designer models. The parts are connected to each other with confirmations, and the recesses are covered with special stickers in the color of the furniture.
Installation of the lifting mechanism
The lifting mechanism can be installed both on the sides and on the headboard and depends on the specific model.
It is worth installing exactly in accordance with the instructions so that the gap between the components is minimal. Next, we connect the lifting mechanism to the upper part of the base and check the operation of the lift. After checking, you can tighten the screws tighter. Now you can place the mattress on the lifting bed.
Additional equipment
In order to increase the functionality of the bed, it is necessary to consider additional equipment. These could be drawers, a mechanism for raising the mattress at the head, various limiters, and more.
After assembling the bed with your own hands, you should check all the fastenings, the lifting mechanism and the legs. If necessary, tighten and adjust all components.
After assembling the bed with your own hands, you should check all fastenings, the lifting mechanism and legs
Types of fastening elements for lamellas
The slats are attached to the bed frame with various types of lath holders:
- Overhead holders can be made of plastic, polypropylene or rubber. The fit on rubber elements is more elastic. If the height of the mattress is more than 20 - 25 cm, then the material of the fasteners does not matter. They are designed to be installed on metal bed frames and are a box with two pins. Overhead fasteners are placed on each side of the lamella and then “clicked” into the base frame.
- Mortise mounts can be made of plastic or rubber and are a small box with a locking rim.
- Self-adjusting elements are designed for wooden structures. Consists of a fastening and a corner holder. They are fixed on each side of the latoflex with the holder facing down and secured to the base using a stapler.
Overlay fasteners for lamellas
Lat holders made of polypropylene and rubber have gained great popularity due to their strength and reliability, as well as preventing the occurrence of squeaking while a person sleeps.
How to make a double bed?
Basically, people, regardless of whether they live with a significant other or on their own, prefer double beds. Moreover, its design is not very different from a single bed. Beds have always been considered an expensive pleasure, so making one yourself is much more economical and practical. Before you start, you need to understand a few important points:
- In order for the bed to meet your requirements, and its price to be minimal, you need to limit yourself only to your own efforts.
- The material for furniture should be easy to process and have an affordable price. In other words, it is best to purchase ready-made material and cut it according to templates, rather than purchasing an entire furniture workshop.
- It is necessary to purchase special and inexpensive tools. In the future they will be needed for other purposes.
If you have never encountered making furniture before, then for a double bed it is better to choose a podium made of laminated chipboard. Even a beginner can assemble it on his own. There is no need to bother yourself with making moving parts and lifting materials, since this podium has a special internal space. Do not forget about the design of the bed, because it should fit harmoniously into the room and match other furniture. Decide exactly what kind of bed you need, look at photos on the Internet or in magazines.
Decoration
The simplest option is to treat the wood with sandpaper or a sander, then cover it with stain and 2-3 layers of varnish. Each subsequent layer of varnish is applied when the previous one is completely dry.
Important! If pine wood is used to make furniture, it should not be stained. The color of the tree changes and unsightly stripes appear. It is enough to coat pine boards with several layers of varnish.
If the craftsman wants to cover the product with fabric, then furniture foam rubber is used as a layer between the upholstery and the wood. You can also upholster the structure with fabric from the inside. The mattress will get less dirty.
Tools for furniture assembly
- Electric screwdriver. Indispensable for screwing in screws and attaching fittings.
A screwdriver will help you speed up the assembly process
Drill for drilling holes in chipboard, it is desirable that the drill has a reverse
Drills for wood and metal of different diameters
A jigsaw is needed for sawing off parts
You may need a rubber hammer if you need to knock something and put it in its place.
Hex key for confirmation for assembling cabinet furniture
Construction hair dryer for gluing edges
Furniture clamps for fixing, gluing, joining parts
A stapler will be very useful for stuffing the back wall of fiberboard
Remember to be vigilant and cautious when using these tools. Don't act hastily
It is best to invite an assistant.
Fixing tools have an important role in twisting furniture, and also as important “helpers”. These and other gear perform the function of installing fragile parts (mirrors and handles). They help attach and adjust doors.
Dimensions
If you intend to purchase a single bed, then the dimensions of the base must correspond to the dimensions of mattresses with a width of 80-90 cm and a length of 190-200 cm. However, you can also order orthopedic bases of non-standard sizes.
The standards for a sleeping place designed for two people are usually 160x200 mm. When choosing a spacious double bed with an orthopedic effect, it is preferable to choose a model with dimensions of 180x200cm or 200x200cm.
Important! The larger the size of the base, the more additional legs there should be in addition to the standard 3 in the corners. The optimal number of such additional legs is from 1 to 4.
Main assembly problems
Modern beds have many complex mechanisms, and not all buyers can understand the principle of their operation and installation rules. Even though the beds come with step-by-step instructions. Why does this situation arise? There are three reasons.
- Most city residents, especially the younger generation, do not have the skills to work with construction and carpentry tools. Accordingly, assembling a bed on their own is an almost impossible task for them.
- Assembly instructions are written by qualified personnel. This is correct and logical, but the presence of specialized terms in the text significantly complicates the task for the average consumer. In addition, some operations in the instructions are skipped as a matter of course, which is another obstacle for an unprepared person. As a result, the buyer may read the instructions several times, but still not understand them.
- Making beds is not considered a complex production, and there are a large number of semi-handicraft companies operating in the furniture industry. They produce rather low-quality products; many elements and parts have to be adjusted independently during assembly.
Not every furniture company produces its products responsibly
And one more problem. Budget bed options are made from laminated chipboards, and the only real advantage of this material is its low cost. As for the physical properties and performance characteristics, they do not quite meet the requirements of strict buyers. Particularly great difficulties arise in loaded junctions of individual elements. They cannot withstand cyclic multidirectional loads, and these are the ones that mostly affect double beds. At the slightest violation of the assembly technology, the nodes weaken, then the slabs quickly collapse, and the bed frame can completely lose stability. In addition, all threaded connections in chipboard are considered disposable. This means that re-screwing screws into old holes will no longer provide the original strength.
Laminated chipboard has an attractive appearance and low cost, but is not durable
Materials
Manufacturers of bases offer many types of designs, which differ in systems and principles of operation, as well as the types of materials from which they are made.
The slats are made from high-quality natural wood – walnut, beech and birch. This allows them to be practical and durable.
Birch is one of the cheapest and most commonly used materials.
Beech and walnut are several times stronger than birch - they can withstand heavy loads and have a high degree of service.
There are wooden, plastic or metal structures. They are often equipped with a lifting device.
The frame is made of wood, plastic or metal with a solid or rack system. Plastic models are durable, lightweight and easy to use.
An important role is played by the legs, which are selected according to height and must have high-strength properties. The quantity is selected individually from 4 to 7 pieces.
Fasteners can be made of plastic, metal or rubber.
How to assemble a single bed?
Often a model assembly diagram is included in the kit. However, the general design of all metal or wooden beds is the same. You can make the frame alone, but it is better to have an assistant who will hold the side elements.
Before starting work, you need to check the number of parts and the presence of fasteners that are supplied in the kit. There should be enough free space to allow the bed to be turned over.
To assemble a single bed, you need to prepare the following tools:
- a set of screwdrivers or a screwdriver;
- rubber hammer;
- hexagon.
For metal products, you may need wrenches and pliers.
Headboard and drawers
Self-assembly of the bed begins with connecting the headboard and side walls, which are also called drawers. In most cases, holes for fixing elements are already made at the fastening points. However, if they are not there, you definitely need to do it using a drill and a drill of the required diameter.
Attach the drawers to the headboard at an angle of 90° and secure with euroscrews, confirmats or dowels. If wooden pins are used, the joints should be coated with PVA glue to ensure secure fastening. The euroscrews should be tightened with a hexagon, and the confirmation screws with a screwdriver or screwdriver.
Then the drawers of the single bed are attached to the backrest. If the product has legs, they are installed on the base of the bed at this stage. When PVA glue is used during assembly, remove excess glue with a dry cloth before further work.
Base
Installation of the single bed base begins when the frame is ready. To do this, you need to fasten the transverse bars or lamellas to the longitudinal ones. The slats can be wooden or metal, depending on the model of the bed. They are fixed using self-tapping screws or screws to the frames in several places. The longitudinal parts of the bed are attached to them. Cross bars are inserted into special recesses.
Sometimes the grooves are missing and there may be holes in their place. Fastening can be done using self-tapping screws or self-tapping screws.
Assembly
Now you need to put everything together correctly. The box is installed in the place where the bed will be located. Then the base is carefully laid on top. Everything is fixed using fittings. Caps are installed on the screws to hide the caps.
Let's start work
Start making the base for the bed with a rectangular box:
- To make the product look more aesthetically pleasing, even before starting assembly, treat the cut areas with sandpaper or a grinder.
- Lay out the boards into a rectangle, checking the correct angles using a square.
- To connect structural elements, use construction corners, which are attached to the wooden base using self-tapping screws or confirmations.
Important! Select self-tapping screws so that their length does not exceed the total thickness of the parts being connected. Otherwise, the protruding end of the screw will ruin the appearance of the product. It can damage the upholstery or even injure a person.
Types of lifting mechanisms, their principles of operation in the bed
Today, the furniture market offers several types of lifts that are installed in beds of various sizes and designs. They differ in price, design, durability, and the physical effort that must be applied to lift them. Based on their operating principle, they are divided into three groups:
- Manual mechanism on hinges. The simplest, cheapest option was highly popular in the 90s. Nowadays there are relatively few beds with such a lift, because it requires significant physical effort (the weight of the base is entirely on the person’s hands) and can cause deformation of the body (most often, hinges are installed in inexpensive models made of chipboard, which, with frequent use, cannot withstand the weight of the base and spoil). To be fair, it is worth noting that the lift itself is quite durable and rarely fails.
- Spring lift system. Convenient, easy to use mechanism. It is considered a budget option, and accordingly, it is installed in inexpensive beds. It does not require much effort to lift, but still, a child cannot handle it. Springs only partially compensate for the weight of the base. A significant drawback is the short service life, about 5 years, after which the springs stretch and require replacement.
- The mechanism is based on gas shock absorbers, or gas lift. Today it is the most advanced and easy to use. Requires virtually no human effort. It works smoothly, without noise, and securely fixes the raised base. The system is considered reliable and can be installed on any bedroom furniture, even children’s. With properly selected shock absorbers, it can last more than ten years. Its cost is higher than that of other mechanisms, but is fully justified by the comfort and safety of use.
Features of grating operation
In addition to the ability to adjust the hardness of each zone under the mattress, the base for it can be equipped with a lifting mechanism. Its presence is advisable if the base under the mattress is the base of the bed. Then, a raised mattress and a slatted grill will allow easy access to the linen drawer.
The service life of the slats, if the parameters of the people who will sleep on the mattress are correctly calculated, is at least one decade. Moreover, in good designs it is quite easy to replace them with new ones.
The mattress base does not require special care. If there is a suspicion that the integrity of the structure has been compromised, it is worth carrying out an inspection and, when the lamellas fail, new ones must be installed in their place. The frame itself is usually very strong and cannot be broken.
We all know what pain and discomfort are. Arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis and back pain seriously spoil life, limiting normal activities - it is impossible to raise an arm, step on a leg, or get out of bed.
These problems begin to manifest themselves especially strongly after 45 years. When you are face to face with physical weakness, panic sets in and it is hellishly unpleasant. But there is no need to be afraid of this - you need to act! Which product should be used and why, says leading orthopedic doctor Sergei Bubnovsky. Read more >>>
Source: tvoypozvonok.ru
Manufacturing process: step-by-step instructions
Diagram of a bed frame with a lifting mechanism
To make a universal lifting mechanism for a bed with your own hands, you need to prepare detailed drawings of the future model. To avoid irreparable mistakes when installing the bed, you can rely on a ready-made schematic drawing of the frame assembly.
Detailed diagram of the assembly of a bed with a lifting mechanism
You can get information on how to make a bed with a lifting mechanism with your own hands by studying the prepared drawings.
Drawing of a lifting mechanism for a bed
First, a strong, reliable base for the intended bed is built. To make the base of the stock, you need to prepare:
- the bottom, sides of the bed, drawers and headboard are made of MDF or chipboard - all elements of the appropriate size;
- a frame formed from wooden blocks;
- mattress bridges made from slats and boards.
After completing the preparatory work for installation, the bed base is assembled from ready-made elements.
- On a frame made of bars, the bottom for the niche being prepared is secured with self-tapping screws.
- After the steps have been completed, the drawers and sides are mounted on the frame.
- We attach the headboard to the prepared structure using a screwdriver and self-tapping screws.
- After completing the base assembly process, the bed lift is installed. It is sold ready to use, so the lifting structure is mounted on nuts.
Elevator transformation system
The lower steel strip is immediately fixed to the base frame, then the upper element is fixed to the side part.
The gas lift is mounted on a rack base
Installing gas shock absorbers for a bed with a lifting mechanism
To create a reliable sleeping place, a steel base is installed, made of a metal profile, cut with a grinder into parts of the required dimensions and connected together into a solid structure by welding, which is an important working step. After completing the welding work, a timber frame is fixed to the base.
Types of fastening elements for lamellas
The slats are attached to the bed frame with various types of lath holders:
- Overhead holders can be made of plastic, polypropylene or rubber. The fit on rubber elements is more elastic. If the height of the mattress is more than 20 - 25 cm, then the material of the fasteners does not matter. They are designed to be installed on metal bed frames and are a box with two pins. Overhead fasteners are placed on each side of the lamella and then “clicked” into the base frame.
- Mortise mounts can be made of plastic or rubber and are a small box with a locking rim.
- Self-adjusting elements are designed for wooden structures. Consists of a fastening and a corner holder. They are fixed on each side of the latoflex with the holder facing down and secured to the base using a stapler.
Overlay fasteners for lamellas
Lat holders made of polypropylene and rubber have gained great popularity due to their strength and reliability, as well as preventing the occurrence of squeaking while a person sleeps.
Installation of the lifting mechanism
When planning to assemble the Suspa device, you should familiarize yourself with the basic recommendations of the manufacturer of this hardware. The gas lift installation process can be divided into several successive steps:
First, the bed frame is assembled. When performing all operations, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Metal corners are used to connect the boards. This will strengthen the entire structure and make it more resistant to external influences.
When the frame is assembled, they begin to attach the gas lift. The structure is fixed using special self-tapping screws, which are often included. Please note that some gas lifts are one-sided
Therefore, it is important not to confuse them.
In some cases, the side of the cylinder also plays an important role. This specification should be clarified with the manufacturer.
At this stage, the folding frame is assembled. In some cases it is metallic and solid. If the structure is made of wood, then it is constructed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The procedure is completed by attaching the gas lift to the upper element
It is important to screw the mechanism only when the lid is open. This will eliminate the possibility of breakage due to incorrect calculation of the arm length
When the entire structure is assembled, you should run the system several times to check its functionality. If the system does not work properly, the mechanism should be reinstalled.
Installing gas lifts on a bed can differ in many nuances. If you are not sure that you can perform the operation efficiently, you should entrust it to an experienced specialist. The best option would be to make such furniture to order. This will allow you not only to select the size and style of the structure, but also to determine the optimal characteristics of the lifting mechanism.
If you still want to handle all the work yourself, consider important nuances. This way you can get better results. To learn how to install a gas lift, see the following video.
Products with adjustment
Special cursors in the area of the highest load make it possible to select the rigidity of the lamellas, adjusting the base to the personal needs of the user.
- By sliding the sliders in and out, you can set an enhanced level of body support.
- Cursors that regulate rigidity are most often installed in the lumbar region, but can also be located on all lamellas.
- Installation of an additional block with double or triple slats in the active zone improves the orthopedic characteristics of the mattress.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Orthopedic beds: choosing the design and type of base
In transformable bases, you can change the angle of inclination in the head, legs and lumbar area. Adjustment can be mechanical or using an electric drive.
Types of beds with a lifting mechanism
Beds with a lifting mechanism are available with different types of opening devices, different sizes, configurations, and transformation methods.
Classification according to the type of lifting device is presented in 3 types: with manual lifting, with spiral springs, with gas shock absorbers.
The fastening with the help of coiled springs is easy to install and reliable in operation. The cost of the fastening system is affordable. However, springs wear out and stretch if the rules of use are violated. If several elements are damaged, the entire system will need to be replaced. The warranty period of the mechanism is no more than 5 years.
The lifting device on gas shock absorbers does not require physical effort during operation, providing easy access to the unit for things and bedding at the bottom of the bed. Gas devices allow you to move the stock to the open position silently and smoothly. When choosing a system, the dimensions and weight of the surface of the sleeping bed are taken into account. The devices are designed to lift bulky mattresses. Manufacturers issue a warranty on the operation of the mechanism for a period of up to 10 years.
Manual lifting of the sleeping bed (on hinges) due to the lack of auxiliary elements requires physical effort when transforming the bed. However, the strength and durability of the device is great. Manual mechanisms are not equipped with systems for smooth lifting and spring devices, and therefore have a low price. To access the bedding unit, you will need to remove the mattress. Mechanisms are not used in furnishing children's rooms.
Depending on the number of beds, there are single and double models.
Single-bed structures are compact, versatile, suitable for small spaces, allowing you to organize an additional place to relax. Models are often made in the form of an ottoman and placed in the corner of the room. Single beds with a lifting device are used in the design of children's and teenagers' rooms. A spring mechanism or gas shock absorbers are used for the configuration. The lifting system in narrow beds is mounted along the short parts.
The mechanism in double models depends on the weight of the bed and mattress. For massive structures, gas shock absorbers are needed, for light ones - spring blocks.
In accordance with the number of furniture elements to be combined, there are lifting beds with a sofa, an ottoman bed, a resting place that can be transformed into a nightstand, etc. The sleeping bed can be built into a closet. The latest model is the easiest to design and assemble a lift-up bed with your own hands.
Beds also differ in the way they raise the sleeping bed: vertical or horizontal.
Bed base. What it is?
When in our country they learned that sleeping on spring beds is harmful, and on a feather bed is not good, a fashion arose to sleep on boards. A wooden base (very often these were ordinary doors) was placed under the mattress. This design still had a certain orthopedic effect, but comfort and aesthetics are not even worth talking about.
The most correct and now quite affordable option is to buy an orthopedic base for the bed. Even a relatively inexpensive mattress laid on such a base will bring maximum benefits. There are some varieties of orthopedic bed bases. Although the principle of execution is the same here. Everywhere there is an orthopedic bed frame. It can be made of wood or eco-leather, there can be drawers for linen underneath it, and it can also be equipped with a lifting mechanism.
In any case, the orthopedic base for the bed acts as a support. And a mattress placed on it will double its functions.
DIY double bed. Dimensions, drawings, assembly instructions
Walking around furniture stores and showrooms, you can often be horrified by the price tags presented there. The most annoying thing is that a simple bed made of the cheapest material (not wood at all, but ordinary chipboard or MDF with an ordinary mattress board made of rough chipboard, i.e., even without slats) has an exorbitant price for such a product. Having seen enough of this, we are starting to look at other options: some are looking for used furniture on bulletin boards, others are taking something simpler and are content with a cheap analogue, and some are simply postponing the purchase of the product for an indefinite period.
But in this article we will take a different route. We will make a double bed with our own hands.
The advantage of this approach is that the furniture salon and you will pay almost the same for the materials. And by assembling this double bed yourself, you will save at least half the cost of the design (i.e., exactly the same amount as the markup on the cost price for the design, design and assembly of this piece of furniture).
Photo of a double bed that we will make with our own hands:
This article presents a master class on the manufacture and assembly of a double bed from chipboard + MDF lining on the frames, overall dimensions 2032 * 1692 * 800 (length/width/height), size of the sleeping area for the mattress 1600 * 2000 mm, i.e. quite a standard bed for two people.
At the very bottom of the article you can download a file with assembly drawings of a double bed, as well as its configuration.
Dimensions and other features
The minimum length of the grille should be 20 cm greater than the height of the person for whom it is purchased. This recommendation must be taken into account when selecting a design. The width, comfortable for one person of average build, is 80 cm.
The optimal width of the lamellas is 6-7 cm, thickness - 6-8 mm. The number of slats should be such that the distance between them is no more than 8 cm. Why such strict requirements for the size of the slats? Slats located too sparsely provoke the appearance of bumps and hernias on the mattress, as it is pressed under the weight of the body.
The most comfortable leg height is 24-27 cm.
Be sure to buy a model in the size corresponding to the mattress, i.e. having the same length and width.
How to disassemble the lifting mechanism and in what cases is it necessary?
Disassembling the bed lifting device is quite a painstaking task. If you are planning to transport furniture, then you should not disassemble the mechanism itself; it is better to leave it on the side slats, remove the mattress, orthopedic base, and carefully pack all the elements in protective film.
Disassembling the lift into parts is only necessary if it breaks down. The following symptoms may indicate a malfunction of the gas lift:
- the orthopedic base lowers spontaneously;
- the mechanism periodically jams and does not perform its lifting functions;
- When operating the mechanism, creaks or other unpleasant sounds are heard.
If it is not possible to call a furniture specialist to your home, you can disassemble the bed yourself, remove the lifting device and take it for repairs. The algorithm of actions is the reverse of assembly, i.e. First, the mattress is removed, the orthopedic base is disconnected, and then the lift is dismantled. It is advisable to film this process, or take step-by-step photos, so that in the future there will be no problems with the installation of a repaired or new device.
Why does an orthopedic mattress need a special base?
The main function of the orthopedic structure is to distribute pressure over different zones of rigidity. The higher the load, the greater the deflection. The spine remains in the correct position.
Other advantages of using an orthopedic base:
- The mattress does not wrinkle or sag in areas of high load; there is no “hammock effect”.
- Improves anatomical support.
- The spaces between the lamellas promote good air exchange, and the moisture released by the body evaporates freely. The mattress is ventilated, and dust mites are less likely to appear in it.
- The service life of the mattress increases by 1–3 years.
- The load is evenly distributed throughout the structure.
- The base with legs can be used without a bed.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Mattress for a teenager: which filler to choose, with or without springs, dimensions, hardness
Assembly of non-standard models
Beginners in this business often do not understand how to assemble a modern bed according to the instructions. To be honest, even professionals sometimes have problems. This is not surprising, since the design itself is not ordinary. The problem is that the durability of the product directly depends on its assembly. In the case when you simply have no idea how to properly assemble an original double bed, you need to contact specialists in their field. Check with the store to see if they can help you. This way you will save a lot of time and be completely confident in the quality.
You should not neglect such rules, otherwise you will waste your money, and the bed will not last you even ten years.
Overall, working on assembling a double bed is not a difficult task. Following the recommendations and diagrams, the furniture is assembled in less than an hour.
How to choose the right slatted base?
If you choose the wrong one, the mattress will be uneven and form depressions. There are two types of modern slatted bases:
- Without shock absorbers, they are designed for light loads.
- With shock absorbers, they evenly distribute the load on the mattress while supporting it.
There is a special type with a mechanism. Part of it rises at the head. Can be adjusted manually or from the remote control. This choice is relevant for bed patients. Some models are equipped with a linen drawer.
Is there always a need for a foundation? If you have a classic spring mattress, it is better not to use a slatted base. It is necessary to maintain the optimal distance between the mattress and the floor of 65-70 cm.
Lat holders
Before choosing an orthopedic base for a bed, it is worth finding out what types of bed supports are available, as well as how they differ. In general, they are divided into three types according to the method of fastening:
- invoices;
- mortise;
- on clips;
- taking aim.
With invoices everything is quite simple; they are applied to the frame and secured with self-tapping screws or construction staples. There are also overhead fasteners for metal frames; they have a semicircular shape.
Mortise lath holders are designed for wooden products. For fastening, grooves are used into which special lat holder tips are placed. A special feature of this option is the almost complete absence of squeaks.
The variety with clips is used only for metal frames, and only for those adapted for this. Holes are drilled in the tubes for the clips, through which the fastening is made.
Self-adjusting lamellas consist of two components, one part is attached to the frame, the second half is put on the lamella. After this, the elements are connected.
Nowadays there are often options with an additional shock-absorbing block. It allows you to significantly improve the orthopedic characteristics of the base.
Lat holders are made from the following materials:
- rubber;
- plastic;
- polypropylene.
Rubber lat holders are considered the best option; they provide good shock absorption and last a long time.
When buying a bed, it is best to purchase furniture with an orthopedic base. When choosing the best option, you should pay attention to all the elements that make up the base.