The article will tell you how to make a metal bed with your own hands. Iron furniture is exactly what can add luxury to the interior. Metal smooth curves will only add aesthetics to the bedroom. It's no secret that people spend about a third of their lives in a state of sleep. And if you fully rest at night, you will be able to work actively during the day. And to have a good rest, you need to sleep on a comfortable bed. Furniture stores have a fairly large assortment of this type of furniture. But it’s not always possible to choose exactly what you need. And then there is a desire to buy furniture to order or even make it yourself.
What difficulties lie in wait?
When making a metal bed with your own hands (photos of the structures are given in the article), difficulties may arise. It is worth remembering that manufacturing is a complex and time-consuming process. And not everyone is able to make a high-quality and beautiful bed on their own. You will need experience, skills in working with the tool, as well as a lot of knowledge. Don’t be lazy and consult with experienced blacksmiths and metal working specialists.
The likelihood that you will do something wrong is quite high. In addition, you will need special tools. Without welding, a grinder, or a drill, you shouldn’t even start manufacturing. Difficulties may also arise in the preparation and processing of component elements. The article provides diagrams of metal beds. Be patient and start doing all the work.
How to determine sizes
When making a metal bed with your own hands, you need to select the dimensions based on what kind of mattress you plan to install on it. The second point, which is also quite important, is the location of the bed in the room. And the third point is what size people will sleep on it.
If you are modernizing a room or apartment, then take the advice and move away from all stereotypes, choose a new, non-standard place for the bed. There are several standards by which modern beds are made. There are double, one-and-a-half and single rooms. Remember that ideally the bed should exceed the person’s height by about 30 cm. The standard length of beds is 2 meters. But depending on the models, it can fluctuate in the range of 191-213 cm.
Types of bed frames
Before you start making your own bed frame, it is advisable to decide on its dimensions. Usually they are standard and depend not so much on the area of the room, but on the number of people who will rest on such a bed. Classic options are:
- Single bed. Its length is 200-210 cm and its width is 90-100 cm.
- One-and-a-half berth. Here the width varies between 110-150 cm, but the most common are models with a width of 120 or 140 cm. The length remains standard - 190-200 cm.
- Double bed. For him, the most typical bed frame is 160x200 cm, but if the furniture is intended for fairly overweight people, the width is increased to 180 or 200 cm.
Modern frames most often look like this:
Bed width
It is worth noting that a do-it-yourself metal bunk bed is made using the same technology as a single-tier bed. But it is recommended to use more durable and high-quality components. As for the width of the bed, it also needs to be determined at the design stage.
Depending on what type of bed, the width will be:
- For single beds – 91 cm.
- For one and a half - 99 cm.
- For doubles – 137 cm.
There are models of greater width, but they will take up a lot of space in the room. Therefore, before starting work, measure the room and the space that you plan to allocate for installing the bed. It is also worth considering the place to install bedside tables and the size of the space for movement. And it is worth considering that when making a non-standard bed, you will have to make a custom-made mattress, and this will cost a lot of money.
Pros and cons of making a bed yourself
Making your own bed is not as difficult as it seems. But it is worth considering that this product will be made to suit individual needs - this is its main advantage. But is it worth trying without experience? You need to consider the advantages and disadvantages.
There are many benefits to making a bed frame.
Pros:
- Saving money. Everyone has encountered the fact that a finished product sold in a store or salon costs much more than something made by hand. This is due to the markup for work, rental of premises for sale, and salaries for sellers. When the bed is produced on its own, then the cost is taken into account. You just need to spend money on the material.
- Originality and uniqueness of the product. Each result obtained will be unique. You can take a ready-made version as a basis and add to it several elements that your own imagination suggests. Then such a bed will ultimately be a unique product.
- Pride in handmade furniture. It is very important when you approach the manufacturing process correctly, preparing drawings, producing the bed itself, and finally you can see what has happened, then you can be proud that everything was done yourself. This is an opportunity to show your talents.
Be careful when assembling the bed!
Disadvantages: you need to be patient, have basic knowledge of wood or metal processing.
Forged Products
The first iron beds appeared in Egypt. They were very expensive, and only wealthy people could afford them. A metal bed has always been a sign of luxury and wealth. During the USSR, iron beds were made strictly according to one template, so they were not at all distinguished by their elegance. Today the situation has changed radically; there is a lot of metal furniture on the market, which is different and radically different.
Perhaps the most attractive are forged structures that are made from metal pipes. The base of the pipes is solid, the components have different cross-sections. This is what allows you to create a variety of subjects in the design. The weight of the bed can reach 50 kg, but rarely exceeds this mark.
There is hot and cold forging. Cold is when a special apparatus works with metal. Essentially, it's more like stamping. But hot forging is the making of bed components by a craftsman. In this case, the iron warms up to 600 degrees. Thanks to forging, it is possible to recreate objects in any style - ethno, high-tech, modern, baroque and others.
Manufacturing and assembly process
Making and assembling a bed with your own hands begins with drawing up a detailed plan and drawing. Your product can be single or double, which significantly affects the size of the elements.
The first step is to install the backs. They are mounted on a frame made of metal pipe. Moreover, after attaching each of the elements, it is worth checking again the straightness of the corners and the evenness of the parts. Welding of all structural elements must be carried out in sections. This approach makes it possible to significantly simplify the assembly process, which is important for further repairs, but at the same time it significantly increases the weight of the product.
The next step is to start making the brackets. Residues from a metal channel are ideal for their production. They are attached to the headboard at a height of at least 30 cm. These brackets will be subject to significant loads. Based on this, they need to be welded properly, namely solidly.
Next, you should start making a frame for the mattress. For a single bed you need one. For a double bed it is worth making two frames. This makes assembly of the product easier. For these purposes, you need a channel and a metal corner. The end parts of the frame should be attached to the drawers. To fasten the channel, holes in the frame are used, which are obtained using a drill and further adjustment using a square file.
The mesh under the mattress is made from metal strips by cross-laying them and then welding them. The final stage will be the formation of thrust bearings and plugs from a sheet of steel.
A homemade bed often not only looks more interesting than one bought in a store, but is also more durable. In addition, it will organically fit into a specific interior, since all the features of the placement and design of the bed are taken into account during the manufacturing process. Particular attention should be paid to such a basic element of this piece of furniture as a bed frame, which can be easily assembled even by a novice furniture maker.
Before you start making your dream of a sleeping place assembled and installed yourself come true, it makes sense to think about what material it will be made of. There are not many options, and each of them has both positive and negative sides. The bed base is made from:
- Solid solid wood. Natural wood has been a classic building material since ancient times and has not lost its relevance today. Since the cost of wood is determined by the value of the tree species, it is clearly divided into several price categories. If the bed frame is wooden, made of exotic natural woods (teak, wenge), this determines that the piece of furniture belongs to the elite class. The most affordable beds are those made from pine or birch. Examples of mid-priced materials for making a wooden frame are models made of cherry, hickory or oak. But even if there is not enough money to purchase expensive wood, the relatively cheap base is covered with veneer or tinted, masquerading as more presentable wood species. If you want a bed in a classic style, reminiscent of the boudoir of the 19th century, there is practically no alternative to solid wood as a material for making a frame. After all, only in this case the turned legs of the bed, an elegant headboard or overhead elements look organic. It is very simple to protect a wooden frame from the adverse effects of the environment: it is varnished, covered with beeswax or artificially aged.
- Metal. A stylish metal bed frame is ideal for high-tech and modern interiors. For decoration, it is painted, chrome-plated and nickel-plated. This decoration, combined with the severity of the lines, automatically turns the sleeping area into the center of the room. To slightly soften the sharpness of metal contours, the metal is covered with leather, textiles or pressed veneer. Exclusive versions of metal beds, finished with a patina on copper or bronze, are especially popular now. To increase the service life, the bed frame is covered with a special polymer layer. This makes the base resistant to corrosion, mechanical damage, and high temperatures. Thus, the service life of the metal frame increases to 10 years or more. The main materials for metal frames are aluminum and steel. Beds made from cold rolled steel are moderately priced and heavy. But aluminum models, although much lighter, will nevertheless cost a significant amount. An innovation in this area is a frame made of a bent metal rod, which is recommended to be painted to increase its service life.
- Chipboard, MDF, fiberboard. Behind these abbreviations lies a material called wood-based panels. They are produced in different ways: based on wood fibers (fibreboard), wood chips (chipboard) or wood flour (MDF). There is an opinion that frames made from wood panels are harmful to health because they emit harmful formaldehyde resins. But a laminated coating or a layer of veneer applied to the surface allows you to avoid this. It’s quite easy to make such a bed frame with your own hands. It is assembled like a honeycomb with hollow cells, so the sleeping place is very light and mobile. The price will be significantly less than for models made from solid wood. Chipboard does not tend to dry out over time, is not susceptible to rotting, and pests do not grow in it. Another characteristic feature of the material is its high tensile strength. Even serious mechanical impacts have virtually no effect on the appearance and functions of a bed with a chipboard frame. Its advantages also include water resistance, uniform structure without internal knots, voids and cracks, and indifference to temperature changes. However, recently the scope of application of chipboard for the manufacture of furniture, including bed frames, has been gradually narrowing. The reasons for this are the release of toxic formaldehyde resins during operation, the complexity of assembly due to the fact that the material does not hold nails and screws well, as well as its unassuming appearance. MDF is in no way inferior to chipboard in strength and durability, even when used in conditions of high humidity and temperature. At the same time, such material is environmentally friendly and allows you to turn into reality any fantasies regarding the design of a sleeping place. In addition, MDF lends itself well to lamination or veneering, so this type of wood board easily imitates such popular shades of natural wood as mahogany, beech, walnut, wenge, and alder.
Welded beds
Such pieces of furniture differ from previous ones in that the method of connecting finished elements is somewhat different. The welding method can be used to produce furniture in modern or classic style. All beds consist of a frame, backrest, frame, legs and fastening elements. The frame is the support of the entire structure, consisting of side elements and backs. The frame is the part on which the mattress is placed.
Before you make a bed with your own hands from metal, you need to pay attention to the headboard. This is a decorative element that sets the tone for the entire product. By the way, when making a welded bed, you can use small forged elements for decoration. They are sold in specialized stores.
Varieties
Before you move on to creating any product, you need to decide on its type, decide what it will be. It is worth considering that making a bed is not as easy as it seems.
Making a bed frame with your own hands is much easier than it seems.
You need to think through everything down to the smallest detail. There are two types of frame: wooden and metal.
Wooden frame
Wood is an environmentally friendly material. It has strength, durability, practicality, and beautiful appearance. In addition, it is easy to process.
Having made a bed frame with your own hands, you will receive an original product in a single copy.
For a beginner, this is the best option.
Metal carcass
The second type is metal, more labor-intensive, requiring basic knowledge of working with this material. You can ask a blacksmith and a welder for a few metalworking lessons. This will be required if you want to create not only a metal frame, but also diversify it with forged elements.
The metal frame is the most durable, although it does not always fit into the aesthetics of a child's room.
The iron base will last a long time if, after completion of the work, it is treated with anti-corrosion agents and painted. But it is worth considering that desire alone is not enough. You need to stock up on the necessary tools and equipment.
Start of production
First of all, you will need to familiarize yourself with what models and designs exist, assess your capabilities and the complexity of manufacturing. Most of the options are the simplest designs; even a beginner can implement them. If this is your first time doing this, then stick to simple options. Then make a plan that describes the sequence of actions, tools and materials used.
And most importantly, decide what size bed you need. Then draw a sketch of the future design and buy all the necessary materials. And be sure to measure the dimensions of the mattress you bought (or are just planning). This will help you compare the bed and mattress as you work.
What tools will you need?
In order to make a double bed from metal with your own hands, you need to have the following set of tools on hand:
- Angle grinder (to put it simply, a grinder).
- Welding (preferably inverter type).
- Drill and set of drills for working with metal.
- Square.
- Roulette.
- Square file.
- Metal brush.
- Sandpaper of various types.
- Brushes for painting bed elements.
- Primer for application on metal surfaces.
- Paint and varnish.
If you plan to manufacture forged products, then you also need to acquire blacksmithing equipment.
Buying it just for one bed, of course, makes no sense. But if you want to continue making furniture, then buy the following tools:
- Snail - allows you to make patterns in the form of a spiral.
- A twister is a tool that allows you to twist rods along a longitudinal axis.
- Bend - bends metal rods at different angles.
- Volumetric – a tool that allows you to make three-dimensional figures.
- Flashlight - makes patterns under the same name.
- Wave – a set of tools for making wave-shaped patterns.
To make elements using hot forging, you need shperaks, a sledgehammer, a forge, a handbrake, an anvil, hammers and pliers. It is possible that some equipment will not be used - it all depends on what your end goal is.
Step-by-step manufacturing guide
The procedure for manufacturing a metal bed is a complex of works aimed at preparation, direct installation and finishing. It is recommended to start with the backs when making homemade metal beds. You will need to prepare profile pipes with your own hands. They need to be placed on a level place, then secured and secured by welding. Be careful to ensure that the corners are straight. Metal deforms when heated.
The next stage is the manufacture of brackets to secure the frame. In total, you need to make 4 side and 2 central, the slope should be exactly 5 degrees. Using fasteners you need to connect the back and frame. The distance from the floor surface is 35 cm, this is the optimal value.
Next you need to prepare the material for the frames. To do this, steel channels need to be cut into blanks, determine the size based on the calculation - add 5 cm to the length of the frame. Connect the channels using corners. To improve the quality of the joint, cut off the protruding elements on the horizontal part of the corner. All joints must be welded with a continuous seam.
Wooden bed frame
First you need to mark and cut the boards, not forgetting to take into account the internal dimensions of the frame, which must correspond to the selected mattress. If you have never encountered anything like this, you need to follow our professional recommendations. Having certain skills, you can change anything at your discretion.
It is necessary to prepare a drawing of the future bed, indicating the exact dimensions of all parts. The drawing below will serve as a basis. You can change any size by adjusting the frame to your mattress or room size.
Preparation of structural elements
The cutting lines must be distinguished as accurately as possible using a ruler using a cutter. To make parts of the same type perfectly identical, cut out one part first, and then use it as a template. It is better to take glued blanks that have predetermined geometric dimensions and shapes. Thus, the side walls should have a length of 2040 mm, and the front and rear walls should be 1500 mm long.
The front wall must be divided into three equal parts along the length. You need to make markings at the boundaries of different parts, and then repeat this operation for the back wall.
In our case, the seating depth of the mattress should be 5 cm. Do not forget to add 2 cm for the thickness of the slats covering and 4 cm for the thickness of the longitudinal load-bearing beams. Therefore, the total will be 11 cm. Thus, measure 11 cm from the top of the workpiece, and attach the support bars at the marks. Screws of suitable length act as fastening elements.
Build process
On the wooden boards from which the side walls will be created, you need to measure 7 cm from the top (5 cm for the recess of the mattress and 2 for the thickness of the slats). After this, beat off the line using a chalked cord. After this, screw a support beam 192 cm long along the entire length. Step back 6 cm from the edges, and screw in the screws from the inside.
Measure the thickness of the beams and boards in advance, and also compare them to the length of the screws. Do not spoil the front side of the frame and screw vertical sections of wooden beams to the sides. Step back 2 cm from the edges.
Attach an additional board to the front wall of the bed - it will act as a headboard. Before doing this, coat the end parts with wood glue and thoroughly trim the workpiece. From the outside, reinforce the headboard with three additional slats, glued with wood glue and secured with self-tapping screws. You also need to round the upper corners of the workpiece or give them a different shape that you like best. For these jobs you will need an electric jigsaw.
Completion of work
At the end of the work, the parts of the wooden frame of the bed need to be covered with stain. A quick-drying polyurethane-based varnish composition is applied on top. Two layers are required. After this, you can begin assembling the bed frame by twisting the pieces. After assembling the frame, 2-3 load-bearing bars are laid on the support bars of the two walls. They are screwed to the support beams at an angle of 45 degrees with self-tapping screws. If there is not enough timber, pull several slats together.
Stepping back 2 cm from the front or back wall, lay 25 slats on the supporting structure in increments of 4 cm and screw them. To increase reliability, two legs can be added to the load-bearing bars. Place the selected mattress on the frame. The total height of the bed should be approximately half a meter. Thus, if you did everything correctly, you should have a reliable and durable design that fits well into the interior of any bedroom.
This version of the bed frame has a more complex design, as it requires the ability to work with a welding machine, grinder and other tools.
Preparation of materials
For work you will need the following materials:
- corner 40x40 mm;
- channel 32x65 mm;
- profile pipe 20x20 mm.
The dimensions of the frame depend on the dimensions of the selected mattress. Basically, frames come in the following sizes:
- length 200/195/190 cm;
- width 200/180/140/120/90/80 cm.
Creating a backrest
First of all, you need to make the headboard of the future bed. To do this, cut the profile pipe and lay the workpieces on a flat horizontal surface. Securely fasten the workpieces and get to work using a welding machine. In this case, you need to constantly monitor right angles and diagonals. Opposite sides of the frame must be equal in length.
Frame making
Take the channel and prepare the grinder. You need to make 4 side and 2 center brackets that will hold the frame. Each bracket is complemented by a tenon with a bevel of about 5 degrees relative to the vertical. The bed frames are laid on them.
Weld the manufactured brackets to the backs of the frame 35 cm from the floor. They will bear the main load, so they should be welded with a continuous seam.
Next, make frames from a channel and a corner. Cut the channel blanks to a length corresponding to the length of the side of the frame. Use a corner to connect them. On the horizontal flange of the corner, cut off the corners for joining with the channel. Weld these joints with a continuous seam.
Assembly of the structure
Place the headboards of the future bed vertically. Place the frames and mark the locations for the grooves on the bottom flange of the channel. Drill holes with a diameter of 8-9 mm with a drill. Fit the groove into the tenon using a square soldering iron.
Weld a grate on which the mattress will lie. You will need a steel strip. After this, install the thrust bearings to the backrest posts and do not forget about the plugs at the upper ends. These structural elements are cut in the form of a flat circle from a metal sheet.
Using a grinder, process the welds, remembering to clean them of slag. Also treat the structure with special finishing materials. You need to focus on the interior of the room and your preferences.
Updated:
2016-08-25
Making a bed frame with your own hands and drawings for a future structure will not be difficult for a person who knows how to hold tools correctly in his hands and has at least once worked with wood. Wood is the optimal material for making your own bed for 1 or 2 people.
You can make a full-fledged, high-quality bed frame with your own hands, provided you have the appropriate materials. Most home owners have a minimum set of tools and materials, and purchasing building materials will not be a problem.
Before you make the bed frame, you will need to gather everything near you so as not to be distracted by searching. An approximate set of tools and materials is as follows:
- A pair of boards for the side walls;
- Two boards for the end walls of the bed and one under the headboard;
- About 5-6 pieces of timber for supports;
- Wooden slats for laying under the mattress;
- Tools, varnishes, paints, screws, glue, etc.;
- Mattress.
Start by purchasing a mattress. Having determined its dimensions, you can accurately calculate the length, width, quantity and other parameters when purchasing wooden components and fasteners.
Consider the fact that it is better to recess the mattress a little inside the frame, because its dimensions should be equal to or literally 2-5 millimeters larger than the dimensions of the mattress on each side. This way you can easily insert the sleeping place inside the structure.
Completion of production
Now you need to set the backrests strictly vertically, adjust the frames and mark the grooves on the channel from below. Make holes with a diameter of 8-9 mm and use a file to adjust them to the shape of the tenons.
At this point, the assembly of the bed base can be considered complete. Next you need to weld the grate under the mattress. There is nothing complicated about this, the main thing is to ensure that the surface is even, so that you don’t have to roll out of bed while sleeping. As you can see, welding a metal bed with your own hands is not difficult, but you will need to tinker. Be sure to close all open parts of the profile pipes with plugs or weld steel circles on them.
To add a touch of sophistication to your bed, use a grinder to cut off any protruding parts and seams. Then work with brushes and a sander. Finishing should begin only when the surface is completely prepared and degreased. First apply primer, then 2-3 layers of paint and only then the same amount of varnish.
Advantages of metal beds
Despite the complexity of the process, metal beds have a number of advantages. And here are just a few:
- environmentally friendly products;
- wear resistant;
- hygienic;
- reliable: high resistance to various mechanical damage and loads;
- variety of style and design;
- light weight, it is convenient when making rearrangements;
- not subject to fire.
Metal beds are attractive in appearance and fit perfectly into any interior style. If you have the skills and tools, the manufacturing process will not be difficult. This type of activity is an excellent option for developing your creative abilities.
How to choose a quality model
Even when choosing such durable products as metal double beds, you need to be careful. All connections must have sufficient strength. The surface must not be scratched. In places where the enamel is damaged, corrosion can quickly form.
For those who want to sleep on an orthopedic mattress, it is better to take a closer look at slats rather than options with an iron base. Comfort and health benefits are important parameters for a double bed.
It’s better to think more than once or twice in advance about whether the bed really fits into the interior. After the purchase it will be too late to regret.
Popular brands with a wide range and optimal prices: Woodville, Dupen, Francesco Rossi. They all have their own characteristics. The pricing policy is also different.
Woodville beds with elegant wrought iron elements will fit perfectly into interiors in Provence, country and classic styles. Their cost varies from 13 to 15 thousand rubles.
The Dupen brand has a wide range of beds, costing from 16 to 120 thousand rubles. The catalog contains options suitable for different interior styles: classic, modern, hi-tech.
Francesco Rossi offers double wrought iron models. They are more suitable for a lush and sophisticated style than for minimalism. Price range from 20 thousand rubles and above.
This is not to say that metal beds are an ideal option that suits everyone. But among the models offered on the market, you can find an option suitable for any interior. And durability, convenience and reliability will be the decisive factors for many buyers, leveling out any shortcomings.
Francesco Rossi Venice
Francesco Rossi Verona
Dupen
Woodville