Scaffold Tube Loft Bed - Advice appreciated :)

[datsmabowl]

Hi there,

This is my first post, thanks in advance for your help!

I'm planning to build a loft bed out of scaffold tube and key clamps for me and my girlfriend's room in our new flat. Loft bed is a generous term, considering it's only 1.2m off the ground, but we need the storage space.

I had been planning to use the standard 48.3mm tube for the whole thing. I intend to buy used and paint it or decorate it with fabrics (her idea!) but it's still looking to cost more than I thought. It would save me a lot of money on clamps if I could use 33.7mm rail tubing, but it's not supposed to be used structurally and I don't want to risk fatigue / outright collapse. Perhaps I could just use the thin tubes to support the shelving / stairs?

Also, does my design look sound as it is, or does it need more bracing?

Any thoughts would be very helpful. Here are some images:

 

[Nozzle]

"Further bracing needed"?? I'll say, bracing of the floor! Scaff poles are heavy. Look it up how much it is per meter and also the brackets and get an idea. Plus the connections are butt ugly.

Nozzle

 

[footprints]

Why not goggle "double loft beds" quite a few around here is one example

http://www.kidzdens.co.uk/hyder-double-loft-bed-2809.html
Or in timber
http://www.pinebed.co.uk/page37.html

Might save a lot of work and expense.

 

[datsmabowl]

Thanks for the feedback.

Yeah, fair enough about the floor bracing!

Key clamps look a lot nicer than couplers, if that's what you're thinking of. Here's an example:



Any thoughts about the stability of the thin tubing?

 

[JohnD]

if the feet are screwed to the floor. where can they go? Down? Sideways? The floor braces them.

 

[BigRobCanUFixIt]

How about galv conduit and boxes.

Not sure how much action this would take though!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I had been planning to use the standard 48.3mm tube for the whole thing ... It would save me a lot of money on clamps if I could use 33.7mm rail tubing, but it's not supposed to be used structurally and I don't want to risk fatigue / outright collapse.

Have you wandered around places like Ikea and seen what tubing they use for their metal bunk/high/cabin beds?