A MULTI-PURPOSE LOFT THAT CAN BE USED FOR SLEEPING, STORAGE, AND FREEING UP SPACE (Supports 200 lbs max) DIFFICULTY: 6/10
CAUTION The instructions are only a guide, and should be followed by individuals familiar with home building projects. Spike TV and Producer assume no responsibility, and are not liable for any injuries or damages due to reliance on instructions. Parental supervision recommended for individuals under 18. Use at your own risk.
SUPPLIES 2x4 s (6) 4x4 s (1) ¾ PLYWOOD (2 SHEETS) #14 3 ½ SDS SCREWS (1 box -- around 10 screws) 3 DECK SCREWS (1 box -- around 25 screws) 5 LAG BOLTS WITH NUTS AND WASHER (2) #1 5/8 SCREWS (1 1lb. box) 6 WOODEN LADDER PIANO HINGE L BRACKETS (2) WOOD GLUE QUICK-MOUNT 4x4 POST SUPPORT TOOLS NEEDED CHOP SAW SKILL SAW or TABLE SAW IMPACT GUN DRILL HAMMER LEVEL TAPE MEASURE SPEED SQUARE STUD FINDER 5/16 or 1/2 DRILL BIT (for the lag bolts) 1/4 DRILL BIT (for #14 pilot holes) 1/16 DRILL BIT (for #1 pilot holes) SCREW BITS FOR DRILL HEX or PHILLIPS HEAD SAFETY NEEDED AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE TO LIFT LOFT SAFETY GOGGLES CLOSED TOE SHOES NO LOOSE CLOTHING NO JEWELRY GLOVES REAL TIME REQUIRED ~2 HOURS DEPENDING ON SKILL LEVEL
STEP ONE: SEPARATE MATERIALS Separate your materials into individual packages (the Ledger, the platform, the ladder and the legs) Ledger: 1 2 x 4 @ 8 Platform: 5 2 x 4 @ 8 Platform 1 sheet ¾ plywood Storage Box - 1 sheet ¾ plywood Ladder: purchased, pull the pins to separate
STEP TWO: CUT & STACK Cut your lumber and stack in individual packages. As an alternative to cutting it yourself, you can have your wood cut at a big box retailer. Platform: With chop saw, cut 5-2 x 4s at 45, Cut 2-2 x 4s at 8 Storage Box: With skill saw or table saw, cut two pieces of ply at 10 ½ x 48, two pieces at 12 x 48, and two pieces at 10 ½ x 10 ½. Then cut one of the 12 x 48 into two 12 x 24 pieces.
STEP THREE: ASSEMBLE PLATFORM Platform: set two 2x4s on the ground together flush on either end, standing on the 2 side. Clip your measuring tape over one edge, pull it out along the entire length of the boards and lock it. With your speed square mark across the top of both boards, every 24, 48 and 72. 0 24 48 72 96 Now separate the two so that you can place the 45 boards perpendicular in between, centered on every mark. Starting at one end of either side, apply wood glue to the end of the 45 board and press it perpendicularly to the side of the 8 board so that the corners are flush. 45 8
STEP THREE: ASSEMBLE PLATFORM (Cont.) Now pre-drill two holes, one: 1 ½ down from the top and one: 1 ½ up from the bottom. Then while holding 45 board firmly into the 8 board, screw 3 screws into each hole until they are firmly locked together. Repeat with each 45 board down each side making sure there are all centered on your markings and flush across the top. Now take one of the two sheets of plywood and place on top of platform and align one edge and one corner (don t worry about it not lining up on the other sides, you will pull it into square later). x
STEP THREE: ASSEMBLE PLATFORM (Cont.) Start in the corner and work your way down the short side, screwing every 8, checking and adjusting to flush at each screw. Now go back to the original corner and do the same on the long side, adjusting to flush at every screw. Finish screwing around the edges. Now take a straight edge and draw lines across the top of the plywood centered over your 2x4 s to give you a guide where to screw down the middle of the platform. 24 48 72
STEP FOUR: MOUNT LEDGER At desired height of bed make small mark on wall. Measure down 4 and make another small mark. Use your stud finder and mark each stud center along the ledger line. Then, holding the ledger up on the wall, mark your center most stud on the ledger. Pre drill your center hole and start a screw. Then hold up your ledger to your lower line, center your pre-set screw on its intended stud and attach to wall. Place level on top of ledger and adjust to level. Pre drill and screw into a stud on each end. Now finish attaching ledger to each marked stud.
STEP FIVE: LIFT INTO PLACE Arrange so that platform is standing parallel the wall, with top facing away from the wall. Then lift up on top of ledger with exposed framing facing the floor. Platform will be heavy! *You will definitely need at least two people for this step!* STEP SIX: ATTACH LEG Take your pre cut 4x4 and place into floating corner, snug inside the 2x4 corner. WALL *View From Below
STEP SIX: ATTACH LEG (Cont.) On the 4 side, measure down 2 from the top and bore a hole through the 2x4 and 4x4. Insert your lag bolt and tighten nut. 2 3 On your 8 side measure down 3 and drill a ½ hole through the opposite way, so that when you insert the second bolt, they cross perpendicularly, through the 4x4. Center holes on Post Secure bolts with nuts and washers, making sure you keep the post level. Secure the base of the leg to the floor with Quick-mount 4x4 post support
STEP SEVEN: ATTACH PLATFORM Repeat step 4 on the wall mounted 2x4 of platform, lag bolting into the same studs as ledger. *View From Below
STEP EIGHT: ASSEMBLE STORAGE BOX Take your two 10 ½ x 48 pieces and sandwich them together with the two pieces of 10 ½ x 10 ½ at either end. Glue and screw them together Now take your 12 x 48 piece and place it on top of this as the base. Glue and screw it together.
STEP EIGHT: ASSEMBLE STORAGE BOX (Cont.) Take one of the two 12 x 24 pieces and fasten it onto the wall side of the storage box with screws. Apply the piano hinge to the back edge of the remaining 12 x 24 pieces and install it on top so it s flush with the edges of the storage box. Fasten the hinge to the inside back wall of the storage box. Mount the storage box onto your loft in desired location.
STEP NINE: ADD LADDER Add your ladder to the loft, securing it with the L brackets.
STEP TEN: SHARE YOUR WORK! Snap a photo or shoot or shoot a video of your completed work and it might get shown on the live show! twitter.com/buildstufflive instagram.com/buildstufflive facebook.com/buildstufflive Whatever platform you choose to post on, be sure to use the hashtag: #BuildStuffLive