underbed storage and lift support

[cajunpaisley]

I am wanting to build something akin to the underbed storage one would see in an RV. Mattress on a flat board, with a handle of the foot of the bed to lift the platform hinged up at the head of the bed...and underneath is storage...the storage area is marginally smaller in perimeter than the mattress and maybe 12" deep..(the depth will be determined by the total height, including the mattress thickness)

I am wondering what kind of lift supports to use. I've found something at Rockler, and one is called 100 and one is 150 and I don't know if that refers to pounds it can support...

Any input, advice will be appreciated.

This bed and underbed storage is being considered for a weekend getaway place, so space is a premium and I'm thinking that bed linens, pillows and blankets can be stored under the bed.

Thanks. Perry

[professorpaul]

There are commercially available clear plastic storage boxes that just slide under the bed. Nice until our dog (small) goes under the bed and gets back in a corner. Need a broom to poke him out. Not pretty.

[aemeijers]

A platform bed (2x4 and plywood, with 4x4 corner post legs) and some of those flat plastic storage boxes to slide underneath, is a lot easier and probably cheaper. (The plastic boxes are also a lot more mouse, moth, and mold-resistant. Linens in a weekend-only place are a fine spot for small uninvited guests to keep warm.) I wouldn't wanna be leaning down into a coffin-shaped linen chest with a 6-foot long 100+ pound lid hanging over me. If that detent fails, a bad day all around.

If your heart is set on it, hinge the long side, and provide a resting ledge for the mattress/board combination, and a drop-down prop stick and socket for the stick to rest in. Hinges on the long side will make it a lot lighter and easier to open as well.

-- aem sends....

[SteveBell]

Two suggestions: * Waterbed stores will sell you drawer sets that you can just stack in place. They're cheap, and cheaply made, but you'll be done. * If you want to make your own, look at the Murphy bed hardware. Maybe something will work for you.

[Red Green]

professorpaul wrote in news:ef879a86-0e19-473f- [e-mail]:

...and they're light and some have wheels so they roll out easily when weighted with pure shit junk under the bed.

[professorpaul]

We still haven't solved the problem of the dog, who appears to read minds. When my wife was getting dressed for church, dog is looking at her carefully. This is about the time the dog heads under the bed. She looks at him and says "Its true." Dog dives under the bed. Oh well....

[DerbyDad03]

For many years my wife and I shared a platform bed that I built 20+ years ago.

The base was constructed of four 2 x 12's, held together by standard door hinges inside each corner. The platform was made of 3/4" plywood with 1 x 6 sides attached with angle iron. Under the plywood, to prevent warping, was an "X" of 3/4 ply the same height as the base. Notches were cut in the two pieces to "X" them together.

We stored our sleeping bags and other seasonal linens under the bed. I would lift the end of the platform, matress and all, and the wife (or kids) would put stuff in and out.

Over the years, we used different headboards, starting with a mirror when we were young and better looking and trying fabric, wood and nothing over the years.

[aemeijers]

Not mind reading, body language and and scent markers. Dog sees the dressing process, smells the fresh-washed scents, and knows it is time to play the 'see how long I can keep them here by playing hide and seek' game. Akin to dogs (or little kids) freaking out when they see shoes being put on and hearing car keys rattle.

-- aem sends...