Podium with a pull-out bed: how to make it yourself

Assembling a podium bed with your own hands is a great way to save money and properly arrange your sleeping area by highlighting a functional area. It is not easy to decorate the rooms of a small apartment correctly, because within a few square meters there is a need to provide sleeping places and personal space for all family members.

In this case, a podium bed is the best choice, because it is a very aesthetic, but at the same time universal design. With some effort, you won’t have to order this piece of furniture from furniture makers – you can make a podium bed with your own hands using drawings.

DIY podium bed

Advantages and disadvantages of podium beds

Any piece of furniture, one way or another, has its positive and negative sides, which should be assessed before starting the manufacturing process.

The following advantages of podium-type beds can be noted:

1. Functionality. Some designs of such beds can be used for other purposes during the daytime, making it possible to organize a sleeping area, a storage area for various things, and even a living room.
2. Zoning. Thanks to the presence of a podium, you can visually separate the sleeping area. This is especially true for owners of small one-room apartments and studio apartments.
3. An unusual solution. This bed looks unusual and goes well with various modern interior designs.
4. Warm. Everyone knows that it is at the top that warm air collects, so such a bed will be especially cozy in the winter season.

This bed looks original and fits perfectly into modern interiors.

Despite a number of such advantages, there are also some disadvantages of this type of design:

1. Manufacturing difficulties. Not every beginner can cope with the task of making a podium bed, because in this case it is necessary to have the appropriate work skills. And to order such furniture from a professional craftsman, you will have to spend a rather impressive amount. It is almost impossible to find podium beds in furniture stores.
2. In the case of self-made production, you must first make sure of the strength of the frame and retractable elements, because the bed will be used daily, which means it must be resistant to wear.
3. Not suitable for all rooms. Of course, initially such a bed was created specifically for small apartments, but it is not always possible to install it in conditions of limited space. First of all, important factors such as ceiling height and window location should be taken into account. It is worth noting that a bed of this type is not at all suitable for very small rooms, because the optimal area will have to be allocated for it.
4. Atypical organization of the sleeping area. For some people, the podium bed design may seem uncomfortable.

For some people, making such a bed may seem like an overwhelming task.

How to make a children's bed: step-by-step instructions

The work is carried out in strict accordance with the plan: first the drawing, then the frame and base, and at the last stage the decoration of the finished product.

Project, calculations and creation of a drawing of a children's bed

The project is created taking into account the age of the child. Key points to consider:

• for children under 6 years old, the lower surface can be up to 35 cm high;
• there should be a distance of no more than 10 cm between the bed and the wall;
• between the wall of the bed and the beginning of the slatted bottom - no more than 12 cm;
• the number of slats is calculated based on the distance between them - 5 cm.

You can make the drawing yourself, or draw it in the program. If the bed is made according to standard sizes, then any drawing from the Internet is taken. For example, the diagrams show a single bed for a 6-year-old child, a teenager and a product with drawers.

Preparatory stage

After calculations and purchase of material, it is necessary to prepare wood and other consumable components:

• if the boards are not processed, then they need to be processed on a machine (width 7 mm, thickness 35 mm);
• timber is used for the frame, which must also be processed and polished;
• if you plan to coat the product with impregnation, then it is better to do this before starting assembly.

You should start working after all the parts have been sanded and dried (2-3 days). Paint is used only on a completely finished product.

Making bed parts

Before assembly can begin, parts must be manufactured. And after assembly, decorate. Decoration of the finished product should be done at the last stage.

Frame

The frame consists of backs and base. Dimensions are determined by the size of the mattress. Work process:

1. The length of the crossbars from the edged boards is calculated (about 120 cm).
2. Using a jigsaw, the material is cut (2 pieces).
3. 25x50 mm strips are installed from the edges of the crossbars using glue and self-tapping screws.
4. The corners connect the frame and the headboard.
5. The fastening points are lubricated with wood putty mixture.

It is better to drill holes closer to the edge so that the board does not burst.

Base

The mattress is then laid on the base. The material for it must be of increased strength.

How to do:

1. Cut 20x20 slats to fill the base with a minimum of gaps.
2. The installation step to the frame strip is 10 cm, and one strip is attached with two self-tapping screws with glue.
3. The holes are drilled in advance, and when screwed, the head is firmly driven into the wood.

Upon completion of work on the base, all slats are well sanded.

Supports

The bed legs are located not only in the corners, but also in the center to make the bed more durable.

Scheme:

1. The blanks are cut from 50x100 bars, taking into account the fact that they are longer at the head (8 blanks).
2. Glued in pairs, combined with self-tapping screws.
3. The fastening points are strengthened with putty.

Types of designs

The functionality of the bed will depend on its design features. We will look at the most common options for podium-type beds.

Table 1. Design features of the podium bed

View, illustration	Description
With sleeping place above	In the case of this option, you can use the part raised from the floor to organize the drawers. Here you can store both your personal belongings and bed linen, which allows you to significantly save space.
With roll-out bed	This is the most suitable option for a small apartment. In this case, the podium is used for personal needs, and the bed is pulled out only at night. Of course, such a design is quite difficult to make with your own hands, but it significantly saves space and looks very unusual.

There are a large number of different ready-made bed designs in two versions. They come in a variety of shapes, including round and rectangular.

Podium drawing

Depending on the purpose, podium structures are divided into the following types:

• decorative - usually such products have a decorative appearance with minimal functionality; they are installed to give the interior a special style;
• technical - in this case, the podium box is installed to disguise various communications, so the main emphasis in the manufacture of such products is on functionality;
• combined type - such designs have the advantages of the two types listed above.

Round bed

Types of structures by organization

There are many models of raised decking with a bed. All of them are divided into three main types:

• Traditional.
• Improved.
• Retractable.

Creates more space

The choice of a specific type of structure should take into account:

• visual image;
• financial opportunities;
• room style;
• the need to install additional work and sleeping places;
• room parameters (ceiling height, area, regular or irregular shape, arches, ceiling beams).

There is no clear opinion about the podium bed even among designers. Many are confident in the advisability of such an organization only for very large premises. But not everything in this matter is clear. It is possible to install it even in a modest-sized apartment with a not very favorable layout.

Be sure to consider the style of the room

The frame version has a relatively simple organization. It uses metal, wood or a combination of several materials.

The average height of the podium in an ordinary apartment is from 0.25 to 0.55 m. If you need to organize storage systems, then the height should be about half a meter.

Often the podium has a rectangular shape. But this requirement is not considered mandatory. The round, semicircular shape also looks no less interesting.

It is basically rectangular in shape

The podium usually has a completely flat top floor. But perhaps even a wide mattress can be placed in the recess below the sides. This will make it possible to use the protruding planes as bedside tables and additional shelves.

Traditional podium

This type is the simplest to implement. It looks like a rigid frame made of wood with a covering of wear-resistant material and a mattress on top. The height of the flooring is usually about half a meter.

The casing is made from the following materials:

• linoleum;
• skin;
• wood;
• carpet, etc.

Traditional podium option

One of the easiest ways to decorate the outside of the podium is to paint it in several layers. The right shade will create a harmonious space in the room, where each element has its place.

Improved version

This type of bed is similar to the previous one, but with added functionality. The podium has retractable storage chambers for things: for bed linen, clothes, etc.

The decorative and originality of the structure is combined with practicality of use. Storage systems in the form of drawers can be combined with open shelves for books, souvenirs, frequently used small items, and blankets. A system of entire segments with different appearances is welcome.

The option is supplemented with functionality

Retractable mechanism

A bed with a pull-out system is a comfortable sleeping place that can be pushed under the podium. The roll-out device allows you to use the resulting free podium for organizing a workplace or storing things.

In withdrawable systems, it is necessary to pay attention to the quietness of the drawout. To do this, the wheels must have a high-quality rubber coating that does not scratch the floor and makes it possible to move the bed out and in quietly

Plastic wheels are not suitable. If used frequently, they may leave marks on the floor. In addition, plastic has a short service life and quickly becomes unusable.

Pay attention to the quietness of the withdrawable mechanism

Features of placing a podium bed

Despite its dimensions, a podium-type bed allows you to better preserve useful space. You can place it near the wall or in the middle of the room. It is worth noting that such furniture is used not only for adults, but also for children.

The following rules for placing such beds must be observed:

• It is recommended at the stage of planning the room to zone it into several parts, because moving the podium bed will be quite difficult;
• furniture is not placed near heating systems and radiators - with such an arrangement, air circulation is disrupted;
• the podium must be made exactly according to the parameters of the room; if there is an error, the bed simply will not fit into the room;
• if there is a podium, you will have to exclude the installation of some other pieces of furniture (this applies to small apartments);
• If there are drawers, then there must be space in front of them.

Following recommendations for placing beds will eliminate errors in organizing space

Floor finishing

Finishing with carpet
The completed frame should be beautifully finished. To do this, the entire surface must be treated with a wood primer, for example, drying oil. The surface must be dry. Then paint the surface in two layers.

If you don’t like painted surfaces, you can lay carpet on the floor of the podium. To do this, distribute the carpet evenly over the surface of the podium. Press it along its entire length with a heavy object. Then make markings that will exactly follow the outline of the entire structure. In places where the bed platform has rounded areas, work extremely carefully and carefully. Use a sharp knife to cut carpet. Each edge can be further processed, for example, with a braided cord or something else. When you have completely adjusted the carpet to size, it should be laid with glue so that it does not move.

This is how a pull-out bed is made. In literally four square meters you can organize a workplace on the podium and a pull-out bed under it. As you can see, making a pull-out bed is not that difficult. It just takes a little patience and effort.

Materials for making a bed

In the manufacture of modern structures, various types of materials are used. Before choosing one of them, you need to understand their properties.

Table 2. Materials for making a podium-type bed

Material	Description
Metal	This is one of the most durable materials. A bed made of metal will be durable. It should be borne in mind that during the work you will have to use a welding machine, and not every beginner can handle such equipment. Therefore, if you do not have relevant experience working with metal structures, then it is better to immediately abandon such an idea.
Natural wood	Solid wood is often used in the manufacture of podium beds. In this case, the material needs to be carefully treated with a special substance to protect it from fungus. In addition, the wood will need to be dried, otherwise the bed frame will become deformed after some time. If these rules are followed, you can get a strong, durable structure.
Laminated MDF	Laminated MDF sheets are often used for the manufacture of all kinds of structures, because such material does not require finishing with stain or varnish, and you just need to attach an edge strip to the sheets. Parts of any shape can be made from MDF.
Concrete	The frame of the podium bed is in some cases made of concrete. It should be borne in mind that such a product will have a large mass, so it is not installed on the upper floors of the house. Such beds are usually installed on the first floors of country houses, after which the concrete base is covered with wood. The concrete base has some advantages - pouring is quick and easy, the work does not require a large budget or special skills.

Next up is a pull-out bed

Now it's time to make the bed. The front rounded edge and the bed frame itself should be cut from 19 mm chipboard. The bottom sides and cover must have sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of several people. For this reason, it is better to cut the elements of the lid and side wall from a 22 mm shield. Cut out all elements according to the prepared drawing. So, here is the sequence of making a pull-out bed:

1. The bed is marked on the board and MDF panel. You will need to cut out the following elements from the slab: the lower base of the bed, which will be rounded at the front. To do this, use an electric jigsaw. The cover for the podium can be cut from a furniture panel. It is recommended to clean each cut so as not to drive in a splinter.
2. To strengthen the flooring, cut out the sides from the board. According to the markings, these sides are attached to the floor of the podium. Next, glue stiffening ribs from 40x60 mm timber to the edges of the flooring. The board will have a height of 430 mm. Bed wall 130 mm. Mattress height 200 mm. As a result, the height of the bed structure with mattress will be 330 mm. To avoid any difficulties when rolling out the bed, the side of the flooring can be additionally reinforced with stiffening ribs: crosswise or longitudinally.
3. The glue should dry well. After this, cover the sides with a layer of varnish and only then install the structure on the legs.
4. It will be necessary to select grooves under the supporting beam. They will act as a support for the triangular niche cover.
5. At this stage, the slatted mattress frame is assembled. Screw the chipboard strips to the slatted base. From two scraps of slab, assemble a semicircular façade. Each of the segments should be secured with screws. Between the bed frame and the rounded front of the bed, insert a stop, which is cut from the remains of MDF.
6. Now all that remains is to screw the furniture casters to the lower base of the lying area. And attach the timber parts to the front lower part of the bed. The bed is ready!

DIY podium bed

Today we will look at two options for making a functional podium bed at home. Each of them has its own obvious advantages, so you can choose the one you like best.

Pull-out bed-podium

Before starting the bed manufacturing process, you need to take measurements of the walls where you plan to install it. In this case, the height of the product will be 45 centimeters, width 270 centimeters, and depth 170 centimeters. A ready-made mattress measuring 160x200 centimeters will be used here - this should be taken into account when designing a retractable structure.

During the work you will need the following:

• electric drill;
• drill;
• electric jigsaw;
• metal ruler;
• building level;
• square;
• measuring tape;
• a simple pencil;
• hammer;
• fasteners;
• MDF sheets measuring 244x183x16 centimeters (2 canvases);
• bars with a cross section of 5×5 centimeters;
• plywood - 122x244 centimeters;
• supports;
• corners;
• dowels;
• baseboards;
• decorative plugs.

For installation work you will definitely need an electric drill.

Step-by-step instruction

Step one: preparation of parts. You must first draw out the parts of the required sizes on MDF sheets, and then cut them using a jigsaw. It is better not to use a bow saw for such purposes, because this can only damage the already fragile material. In addition, if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is recommended to contact a furniture workshop, where professionals will cut the sheets according to all the rules.

We cut MDF sheets to the required sizes

Step two: installation of the base. Before starting to manufacture the bed frame, it is necessary to level the floor and, if necessary, remove the baseboard. This is done to ensure that the finished structure is stable.

Then you will need to do the following:

1. Long bars must be cut using a hacksaw into small pieces that make up the bed frame.
2. Next, you need to connect these bars together into frame belts using metal corners and screws. At this stage it is necessary to check the correctness of the fastenings.

Installing the base

Step three: the frame is attached to the wall itself using metal corners. So, one side must be fixed on the wood, and the other on the wall, after making holes using a hammer drill. It is necessary to fix the base to the wall with dowels and self-tapping screws. Then, using the corners, you need to attach the lower belt of the base to the floor. Next, the correct position of all these parts should be measured with a building level.

Attaching the Frame

Step four: cladding the frame. Next, you need to cover the bed frame with MDF blanks. In addition, it is recommended to make good soundproofing of the podium. To do this, polystyrene foam or mineral wool is placed in its interior. This will eliminate noise when ascending to the podium.

Mineral wool panels

Step five: in the top bar you need to drill holes for the dowels, retreating every 30 centimeters. Holes must also be made on the back side of the MDF sheets.

Next, these holes should be filled with glue, and then dowels should be placed in them and the sheets should be secured.

The bed steps must be secured in the same way.

Step six: then you need to secure the baseboards in those places where the platform adjoins the walls. This can be done using the same hammer drill and dowels. It is important to consider that the baseboard should not be attached to the bed, only to the wall. If space allows, then on the left side of the landing you can make a drawer.

Finished view of the steps

Step seven: assembling the pull-out bed. Assembling the bed involves performing the following steps:

1. It is necessary to assemble the parts of the facade, rear wall, sidewall, and bottom using European screws. To do this, you will need to first prepare holes for fasteners.
2. Next, use screws to secure four supports on rollers to the bottom of the structure.

The last step is to install the mattress in a roll-out structure

Finished bed

Video - Diagram and installation of a structure with a pull-out bed

Podium bed with sleeping area on top and drawers

This is the most popular model of a podium-type bed, because additional drawers are useful for storing personal belongings, they save space and eliminate the installation of a closet.

To make a bed you will need the following:

• electric jigsaw;
• drill;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• stapler;
• rollers;
• glue;
• finishing varnish;
• ruler;
• measuring tape;
• building level;
• simple pencil.

Most assembly tools can be found by any owner.

Step-by-step instruction

Step one: first you need to cut the parts to the required sizes.

In our case, we will need to prepare material for the following parts:

• outer parts and cross bars (22 mm board);
• sides of drawers (16 mm board);
• internal frame parts (chipboard 19 mm);
• bottom of boxes (thin plywood sheet);
• parts of the frame (bars with a cross section of 50×50 millimeters).

You must first apply markings and then cut the parts using a jigsaw.

Making the markings

Step two: make the frame. The size of the frame of the future bed will be 215 x188 centimeters. Here, both the dimensions of the mattress itself and the width of the beam are taken into account. To do this, cut the bars into four parts along the length of the frame itself. In addition, you will need 4 more parts with a length of 207 centimeters and two parts with a length of 188 centimeters. Using the same principle, it is necessary to divide the parts for the lower frame.

Next, you need to cut the shortened partitions exactly to size.

Vertical bars must be firmly fixed to each other

This is what the frame of its component parts will look like upon completion of assembly.

Step Three: Next you will need to assemble the frame parts. Assembling the frame should be done carefully so as not to damage the wood, because sometimes cracks appear in it during the installation process. The holes must be drilled in advance, and then the parts must be secured with self-tapping screws. Along the perimeter of the location of the future bed, it is necessary to gradually secure the bars with self-tapping screws. For greater stability, it is necessary to connect the ends of the bars into a lock, as shown in the image.

Reliable fastening method

The height of the bars in this case is 5 centimeters less than the structure according to the drawing. Vertical parts must be fixed every 400 millimeters, this will allow you to obtain the most stable structure.

All actions should be performed slowly, carefully checking the reliability of the fastenings

Crossbars made of timber are fixed to the support and for greater strength, the racks are secured to the wall with dowels.

Important point! If the crossbars are long, then additional sections are fixed in the central part of the podium. Failure to do so will result in the bed creaking when exposed to humidity and other factors.

Step four: making the boxes. When designing a bed, it should be taken into account that the total length of the drawers should be no more than 50-60 centimeters. These parameters are optimal, so the design will not take up extra space.

When assembling boxes, you must have a drawing in front of your eyes at all times.

The design of each drawer is unique, with four slats and a bottom. They are secured to each other using screws and self-tapping screws. Then you need to mark for installing the guides. Particular attention should be paid to their fastening. After all, if you make a mistake by a few millimeters, the drawers will not slide out normally.

Guides need to be installed

In a special article we will look in detail at the instructions for assembling a drawer from plywood.

Step five: you will need to do the final finishing of the podium bed. To finish the podium bed, you must use chipboard (laminated) or carpet. The boards must first be sanded with sandpaper, then covered with a layer of stain and varnish. Experts recommend choosing varnish with a matte finish. The paint must be applied in several layers. In this case, each of them must begin to dry, and then the varnish coating can be applied. When decorating the headboard you should use your imagination. You can cover it with soft fabric using a stapler.

Finishing the bed must be done in any convenient way

Video - Podium bed with drawers: manufacturing process

What are the features

I want to say right away that a podium with a pull-out bed is also suitable for not very spacious apartments and houses with at least 2 rooms. The same cannot be said about the podium on which the bed is located.

It's stylish and functional as well as practical. Good space saver. Structurally, this is a hill where you can organize a workspace. Or force other furniture. And below there is a full bed.

The podium can come with or without drawers and storage systems.

Compared with a conventional organization, a podium with a retractable bed provides the following advantages:

• original and attractive appearance;
• the ability to adjust the geometry of the room;
• space saving;
• a way to zone a room;
• creation of additional storage systems.

A good option to create a sleeping and relaxation area in the living room where you can welcome guests. It is quite possible to place a dining table on the podium.

The children's room is also equipped with podiums. By removing the bed, your child will have more space for games and other activities.

Useful tips

By reading some recommendations you can avoid mistakes that arise when making furniture:

• cuts of all parts must be carefully processed using sandpaper to prevent the appearance of chips;
• before painting, the surface must be wiped from any remaining chips so that it turns out uniform;
• sheets of laminated chipboard can be fixed to the surface using construction adhesive.

The assembly of the structure must be done efficiently

Collecting materials and tools

Tools and materials
For work, everything should be carefully prepared. Having made preliminary calculations, you can buy the material. You will need:

• Beam 40×60 mm 25 m.
• Furniture board: thickness 22 mm, size 600×3000 mm in two copies.
• MDF board: thickness 19 mm, size 2070×2620 mm in duplicate.
• There are two furniture casters.
• Screws and dowels.
• Acrylic paint and furniture varnish.
• PVA glue.

The dimensions indicated here are approximate. In your case, the dimensions may be different!

As for the selection of tools, you will need:

• jigsaw,
• electric saw,
• drill,
• milling machine,
• screwdrivers and screwdriver,
• clamp,
• roulette,
• ruler,
• pencil,
• sander,
• sandpaper,
• brush and roller.

Let's sum it up

In conclusion, I would like to say that a podium-type bed is not only a functional piece of furniture, but also a real decoration for any bedroom. Therefore, if you have the desire and free time, you can try to build such a product with your own hands. If you follow the instructions and put in the effort, the result will please you for many years!

A bed made from pallets is an excellent opportunity to get high-quality furniture without major expenses. You just need to prepare the tools, buy a few pallets and set aside some free time for work. Find detailed assembly instructions in a special article.