I am in the process of rebuilding an old caravan with a bunk bed for the children. For the bed base in the upper bunk, I am planning to use a 12mm plywood board resting on a 21x21mm strip. The size of the board will be 200x80 cm. Will it hold?
It will probably hold but might flex a bit. The easiest way is to test how stiff the plywood is with that span. For example, place the sheet on a couple of boards with that distance and step on it 
. There's quite a difference in stiffness between different types of plywood too.
. There's quite a difference in stiffness between different types of plywood too.
How should the trim be positioned? With those dimensions, I would have had several trims across under the board.
The list should be placed along the edges, short & long side. The maximum load on the bed will be 70kg but probably never more than 40-50kg as it will only be children sleeping there.
Why not a slatted base? Thinner, lighter, more comfortable and guaranteed to be durable even for adults.
For example, http://jysk.se/sovrum/sangbottnar/lamellbotten-80x200-basic-a10
For example, http://jysk.se/sovrum/sangbottnar/lamellbotten-80x200-basic-a10
Well, I'm considering one of those, but since the bed will be slightly narrower than 80cm, I would have to cut all the slats by 1cm. Another drawback is that I was thinking of screwing the board into the strip to stabilize the entire construction.
Member
· Västerbottens län
· 18 060 posts
12 mm holds, the floor in the playhouse held for several adults admittedly with a 60 span, and it was Byggmax's cheapest.
No crossbars needed, one must consider the weight in a caravan.
Alternatively, 2 pieces of 4 mm plywood with foam in between, a sandwich construction. However, requires a glue press.
Protte
No crossbars needed, one must consider the weight in a caravan.
Alternatively, 2 pieces of 4 mm plywood with foam in between, a sandwich construction. However, requires a glue press.
Protte
Then I'll go with that. I think the whole construction will still be lighter than the dinette and the over-bed cabinet I've unscrewed, i.e., more load capacity for the beer
Is there lower strength in Construction Plywood P30? It costs 1/3 compared to "regular" pine plywood.
Member
· Västerbottens län
· 18 060 posts
Sure, but for your use, it holds. Construction plywood has more knots and doesn't look as nice. If you see the underside, it's a matter of aesthetic trade-off.
Protte
Protte
I have heard that old inner doors are good as bed bases. They are both light and hard.
I myself am thinking of building an upper bunk with slatted base or I'll look for a cheap children's bed with a mattress on Blocket and then get everything I need for 500 kronor.
I myself am thinking of building an upper bunk with slatted base or I'll look for a cheap children's bed with a mattress on Blocket and then get everything I need for 500 kronor.