Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 10, 2005 03:59am | #1

   Which one costs less?

1. 
   nickx3 | Feb 10, 2005 05:41pm | #9

   Thanks for your time and the advice well taken.

2. 
   Frankie | Feb 10, 2005 04:23am | #2

   Why slats and not a sheet of 1/2" AB or even AA plywood? It will look real nice and not move around. Slats may encourage child pranks from below between the slats.

   F

3. 
   MojoMan | Feb 10, 2005 06:00am | #3

   Are you using a box spring? If so, I don't think the size of the slats matters much since the load is carried around the perimeter and the span is not an issue. 1x4 pine, or even 1x3 spruce would probably do it.

   Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Feb 10, 2005 06:50am | #5

   I built single-size sleigh beds for both of my girls.  Initially we has just a mattyress, but one has added a box spring.  I used 3/4 bc ply and it worked well.  I second the item that all of the force with a box spring is in the first couple of inches, so simple 3/4" slats work well.  You could get fancy and use maple or oak for a nice look.

    I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

4. 
   RichColumbus | Feb 10, 2005 06:48am | #4

   You may want to build a slated "frame" if it is a bunk-bed.  1x4 construction.

   Basic jist... you create a "grid", using the 1x4s.  The verticals (the ones that span under the mattress) are attached to a 1x4 that runs somewhat tight against the runners of the bed frame.... on the underside of the vertical slats (facing the lower bunk).  NO GLUE on this assembly.  A little "give" is good in this particular application.

   This way.. the slats have no way of jiggling out of place and falling to the bunk below.

   Some may say "why not just attach the slats to the runners?".  The reason... movement over time will cause the fasteners to work loose... or even worse... cause the runners to split.  The little bit of "give" that is afforded by the slats not being attached directly to the runners is just enough to avoid the problem. 

   the  movement of slats in a bunk-bed are different than a normal bed.  In a normal bed... the slats fall to the floor if they jiggle cock-eyed.  In a bunk bed.. they hit the little brother in the head!

   One "vertical" slat per 14 inches of length.  One "horizontal" on each side... and one in the middle.

5. 
   HeavyDuty | Feb 10, 2005 07:08am | #6

   Doesn't sound like you are going to have a box spring.

   I like Frankie's idea, ply looks better from underneath and no chance of working loose.

   Be sure to flip the mattress every few months though.

6. 
   AaronRosenthal | Feb 10, 2005 09:40am | #7

   I used 1x4 pine, for a set of bunk beds. Nobody fell through, si I would probably do it again.

   Quality repairs for your home.

   Aaron the Handyman
   Vancouver, Canada

    

1. 
   hazel8 | Feb 10, 2005 03:43pm | #8

   Hi, I would advise against doing solid plywood underneath, unless you drill a bunch of ventilation holes in it. A mattress wants alot of air circulation around it to keep things from getting moldy/musty. Even young kids sweat alot in their sleep and you want that moisture to evaporate...I had a bunk bed growing up and it had 1x3's stapled to narrow bands of webbing along the edges to keep slats from escaping on to the heads of sleeping children below...Hazel8

1. 
   AaronRosenthal | Feb 11, 2005 04:47am | #10

   Good point.I did it over the empty space under the bed, attached to the rails.Quality repairs for your home.

   Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada