Posted: 12/8/2016 12:26:28 AM EDT
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Hey all. I'm working on a storage bed, pictured below in the blue/green color. I'm planning on building it all out of 1x12 Kiln Dried Pine from HD ($19.28ea) and it requires seven 8' boards + one 4' board. I'm racking my brain here and wondering if there's a cheaper alternative to this? In total, it's going to cost $160.82 for the wood, which is not bad, but I'm trying my best to shave off cost because it's for a gift. I've priced the loft bed and it only comes to a little over $50.
Are there any alternatives, different types of wood, materials, etc. that I could use that might bring this cost down? Thanks. 
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Quoted:
Most of the ones I've seen were plywood This. Based on raw square footage of the boards you list, two sheets of 4'x8' plywood would do. A nice sheet of 3/4" ply runs about $50 at HD. Also, you have a tank icon. Are you eligible for HD's 10% military discount? |
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Assuming it will be painted, used MDF for the boxes and edge them with a real wood strips (which you can paint or stain for a contrast color). And I am not talking a glue on edge banding strip that will get beat in the use you describe. Assuming you are using 3/4" MDF, get a 3/4" thick pine board and rip it on the table saw into strips and flush mount it to the front exposed edges of the MDF.
For the exposed end panel, either use a small piece of wood (same as edging). You will cut that price right down and eliminate and movement issues from the boxes. |
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Quoted:
Assuming it will be painted, used MDF for the boxes and edge them with a real wood strips (which you can paint or stain for a contrast color). And I am not talking a glue on edge banding strip that will get beat in the use you describe. Assuming you are using 3/4" MDF, get a 3/4" thick pine board and rip it on the table saw into strips and flush mount it to the front exposed edges of the MDF. For the exposed end panel, either use a small piece of wood (same as edging). You will cut that price right down and eliminate and movement issues from the boxes. This exactly. |
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Quoted:
Assuming it will be painted, used MDF for the boxes and edge them with a real wood strips (which you can paint or stain for a contrast color). And I am not talking a glue on edge banding strip that will get beat in the use you describe. Assuming you are using 3/4" MDF, get a 3/4" thick pine board and rip it on the table saw into strips and flush mount it to the front exposed edges of the MDF. For the exposed end panel, either use a small piece of wood (same as edging). You will cut that price right down and eliminate and movement issues from the boxes. Been worried about using MDF for its strength and durability, especially for a bed. My niece will be using it, and she could break a safe she's so clumsy. |
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mdf stogage cubes
brace with a 2x4 frame and screw down a 1/2 inch plywood top |
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Quoted:
This. Based on raw square footage of the boards you list, two sheets of 4'x8' plywood would do. A nice sheet of 3/4" ply runs about $50 at HD. Also, you have a tank icon. Are you eligible for HD's 10% military discount? I am and I will look at that option to see how it comes out. If I use the the plywood, I'll have to get strips to hide the edges. I wonder if I'll be able to get away with 1/2" plywood on the bottom bed. |
| I made a version of the storage bed. I used 3/4" sanded plywood. Not furniture grade but smooth on exterior surfaces. I ripped and cut everything with a circular saw and used pocket screws to hold it together. It's a tank and I let the wife paint it. I have had 3 kids jumping on it at once and nothing broke on the bed.....a kid fell off and put a piece of the old steel bedframe through his back which required an ER trip. |
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Quoted:
I have had 3 kids jumping on it at once and nothing broke on the bed.....a kid fell off and put a piece of the old steel bedframe through his back which required an ER trip. Perhaps, the OP should consider a safety railing around the perimeter of the upper bed. Look around for scrap (free) pallets. Pallets are often made of good quality hardwood. It will take a lot more work to disassemble and prep the wood but it can be free wood. The KD Pine at HD is good stuff but pine is soft, soft, soft. How about Doug fir 4x4 for the posts? |