Pros and cons of a bed lift mechanism
This device helps to significantly save space. When supplemented with it, the couch will be characterized by the following advantages:
- There will be additional storage space.
- There is no need to buy additional furniture and clutter up the space.
- Simplifying the process of cleaning the room.
- The lifting structure does not affect the interior design of the bedroom in any way.
Among the negative features, only high cost can be noted. It's quite difficult to find the right mattress. It should be light and not interfere with assembly.
Availability of orthopedic base
A person’s sleep should not only be comfortable, but also healthy, which is why many buyers prefer to choose lamellas as the base. They are made from solid birch, they weigh little (which is important for a lift-up bed), and they spring under the weight of a person. Depending on the design, they can be narrow or wide.
Narrow ones are designed for use with any mattress. Wide ones are combined with springless mattresses, Bonnell or TFC springs.
A solid base is extremely rarely seen in lift-up beds - it is heavy and does not meet the orthopedic requirements, but it can withstand up to 300 kg.
Design and dimensions
Standard bed dimensions:
- Length 2-2.2 meters is intended for use by an adult. For a child – 1.2-1.9 m.
- Width: adult – 1.2-1.6 m, children’s – 0.9-1 m.
Manufacturers offer to complement the bed with a vertical or horizontal lifting mechanism.
Additionally, you will need to provide horizontal fixation
Most often, the sleeping place is opened using the book method. The side lift helps to significantly save space. If the weight of the bed is too heavy, then it is suggested to use a lifting system.
The recesses are convenient for storing bedding
Features and benefits of beds with a lifting base
Modern furniture should not only be aesthetically beautiful, but also as functional as possible. Therefore, now they often give preference to models with built-in storage systems. With the right selection of things, you can get rid of a whole range of furniture, for example, a chest of drawers.
If you compare the lifting mechanism with the retractable system, there are a number of advantages.
- You can store almost anything in the box without restrictions. This could be bedding or clothing.
- Thanks to the efficient lifting mechanism, no effort is required to gain access to the box.
- The mechanism is quite reliable, even daily use will not bring any problems or difficulties.
- You can choose a mechanism for any furniture. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of products suitable for any size.
Another advantage is the opportunity to save money. You don't need to buy furniture to store things.
Varieties
The lifting structure is most often used due to the lack of living space. Thanks to this, it is possible to easily transform one piece of furniture into another.
Gas shock absorbers
They independently cope with raising the bed and take the load upon themselves. The optimal solution for a teenager or woman.
The shock absorber consists of a cylinder filled with nitrogen under pressure
Additionally, the system is equipped with a damper and piston. For normal operation of the shock absorber, it also includes metal plates, axles and a lift on the gas system.
However, not everyone can afford it due to its high cost.
The lift is as comfortable and adapted as possible
Spring mechanism
To raise the bed, a spring system is activated. Thanks to it, a person will need to spend less force on moving the furniture.
Springs wear out quickly during intensive use and therefore require replacement.
Lifting mechanism on hinges
The bed is moved using regular hinges. The sleeping place has an affordable price, which is combined with a high degree of reliability.
Transformation is carried out due to the force that a person applies
Types of lifting mechanisms
When choosing a bed with a lifting base, you should look at the bed lifting mechanism. In practice, the following varieties are found.
- Springs;
- Gas lift;
- Manual lift.
Each mechanism has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when selecting. Let's look at them in more detail.
The coil spring mechanism is considered the simplest. It is often used in budget models. The main advantages of this option are the following features.
- Low cost. That is why they are often installed on budget furniture.
- Doesn't require much effort.
There are also disadvantages.
- They serve no longer than 3–5 years. The fact is that the springs stretch quite quickly under the weight of a person lying on the bed, which leads to problems with getting up.
- Squeaks may occur during operation; such a defect is practically irreparable.
The best option at the moment is a gas lift. It is a gas shock absorber that helps raise the base of the bed. Before choosing a bed with this type of lift mechanism, check out its benefits.
- The bed rises almost independently. It is enough to give a slight movement, then the gas lift will do everything on its own.
- The mechanism operates silently; a bed base with a lifting mechanism of this type can be used even if a child is sleeping in the same room.
- The service life of the shock absorber can reach up to 10 years, but only if installed correctly.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the high cost, as well as the need to carefully select gas lifts according to power.
When choosing a gas lifting mechanism, it is worth considering power. It is indicated on the product itself in Newtons. Approximately 10N is equal to 1 kg of mass. If the lifting base for the bed weighs 80 kilograms, then you need to choose a gas lift with a power of 800N.
It is a mistake to split the load in half when using two shock absorbers. If the bed weighs 80 kg, it is necessary to install two gas lifts of 800 N each, and two of 400 N each.
The cheapest option for arranging a lifting bed would be to completely abandon the lifting mechanism. The low price is completely eliminated by the complexity of operation. These options are especially not recommended for use by women and children. This solution, in principle, can be used on single beds with a small sleeping space.
How to choose the right bed lift mechanism
In order to choose the right mechanism for a bed, you will need to carefully analyze the following characteristics of the future structure:
- The location of the bed in the room.
- The need for additional storage space.
- The frame will open along a vertical or horizontal axis.
- The composition should include amplifiers and blockers.
- It is recommended to choose familiar manufacturers.
- The design and style of the furniture should fit perfectly into the rest of the design.
What to consider when choosing
There are several criteria when choosing a bed:
- No extraneous sounds.
- A flat base (with the exception of beds made specifically with deflections or sagging).
- Hypoallergenic materials used in production (in case there is an allergy to any material).
- Comfortable use (there are handles, easy opening).
DIY assembly
Every owner dreams of purchasing not only a practical, but also a comfortable bed. The lifting mechanism is easy to assemble. However, before starting the planned manipulations, it is recommended to read the instructions.
Required materials and tools
To perform the manipulations, you will need the following equipment:
- Hardware.
- Screwdrivers, wrench and screwdriver.
- Tape measure for measuring distance.
- Level.
- Hammer.
- Paper and pencil.
Base assembly
To collect the base you will need to perform the following manipulations:
- Take the elements out of the box and check the integrity of each of them.
- Lay out the drawers and screw the backrest to them. They are first connected to each other.
- If the model uses power elements, it is recommended to use screws to secure them.
Assembly diagram
Installation of legs
The legs can be already built-in or separately screwed to the top of the drawers. Before installation begins, markings are made. It is not recommended to immediately tighten the screws to the end. Subsequently, it will be easier to adjust the level of the bed.
Mounting the lifting mechanism
The lifting mechanism is considered the most important in this design. To secure it, perform the following steps:
- Fixing the frame in an open form.
- Align the gap between the top and the base.
- The lifting mechanism is secured by a cylinder. For additional fixation, locking rings and washers are used.
- The nuts are not tightened all the way. It is necessary to leave some play for ease of further use.
Necessary materials
When preparing the necessary material for the manufacture of a sleeping bed, it is worth taking into account the load created by the mattress on the shock absorbers, mechanical device strips, frame and fixation points.
During the installation of a piece of furniture you will need the following materials:
- lift;
- MDF and chipboard;
- wooden slats;
- boards;
- bars;
- upholstery fabric;
- foam;
- mattress;
- metal profile to create a reliable structure.
A common and inexpensive material among furniture makers is chipboard sheets. You can use chip boards, OSB and others. The choice of material depends entirely on the preferences of the owner and the availability of money. The upholstery fabric is selected taking into account the interior of the sleeping area where the homemade bed will be installed.
Having prepared the working material, you need to stock up on the tools that you will need to make the frame of the sleeping area.
