Efficient Loft for College

Was returning to Oakland University in Rochester, MI. Got sick and tired of not having a place to sit in my room that wasn't at my desk. So this is what I crafted and it was worth every penny.

Check with the university, but my twin xl mattress measured 80 by 36. The length of my frame ended up being 83 inches, while the width is about 39 inches. 

-Circular Saw
-Hammer
-Drill
-Washers, T-Nuts, Bolts
-Screws
-Wood Glue
-Nails
-Clamps

-1/2 Plywood
-2x4's
-2x6's (for beams only)
-Paint (optional)

Glue rails together to provide a way for plywood to be suspended. You can rip a 2x4 down the center of the board, and glue and nail to the 2x6 to accomplish this. Use clamps to ensure a tight fit. 

Use 2x4's to save money when building the legs of the loft. This will save you a considerable amount of money versus 4x4 posts. Make right angles with your cut 2x4's. Glue and nail them to form the legs of the loft.

Essentially, you will cut wood to fit between the posts you made. Take a piece of scrap wood leftover to use as a template to guarantee even spacing in between the 2X4s. This structural bracing also can double as the loft's ladder.

If you want you can size the plywood to fit in between the 2x6 support beams. I added a ripped 2x4 and nailed it to the plywood for less spring and flex in the plywood deck that supports the bed.

Once you have everything cut and squared up, you take you assembles you have created and begin bolting a loft together. You will need to add some bracing to the length of the loft on one side to ensure max stability and rigidity. When I added the bracing to the one side on my loft, it made the world of a difference.

Add railing, paint, hooks, counter top, etc. It is really amazing all of the extra space and flexibility you have when you have a loft.