Bed Loading Criteria 1

[echobs]

Hi all,

I am taking up a side project on my own where I plan on designing a "floating" bed frame for my bed. I want this bed frame to cantilever out to give it the illusion that it is floating. I have been working on the design my self and have been working on a few custom features that I want to incorporate into this.

I have done some research, but I can't seem to find anything relating to bed frame loading criteria. Does anyone know what type of loading criteria I should be designing a bed frame for?

I have started out with 40 psf as this matches typical residential loading criteria per IBC, but I am worried this won't factor in high impact loads that can happen especially for the cantilevered items. My goal is to minimize deflection on the cantilever ends while also making the frame as light as possible for easy transport.

Do any of you know a reference for bed frame loading criteria? If not what loads would you think to design for?

Thanks!

 

[GastonLagaffe]

How far out is your cantilever? You'll want to think of the whole bed flipping over when two people are sitting one one side. A 40psf UDL won't really capture that. I'd personally look at a 400-500 lb load applied right at the end of your cantilevered "joists". Maybe more if you're expecting a party in your bed ;-) A box spring will share the load between all joists equally.

I suspect that creaking will be a big annoyance. You'll only really be able to find that out once you build the thing though. So maybe leave some room for future reinforcements when you design it.

 

[echobs]

I was thinking I should be applying a pointload at the end of the cantilever joists. (I'm using 2x4s laid flat). I currently have them spaced at 1'-7" with a cantilever of 1'6". I will need to tighten this spacing up when applying this load at the end. I've run through the analysis and the bed dead load should be enough to prevent the frame from flipping over, however I might need to shorten the cantilever span to help prevent this.

Thanks a lot for your input!

 

[kipfoot]

I'd start with ASTM F1487 and see how this correlates to whatever dynamic loading you hope to apply. Here's part of an old version, based on the number of users you're able to recruit.

 

[GastonLagaffe]

The added bonus of using F1487 is that you can then call your bed "Playground Equipment for Public Use".

Instinctively I'd probably add one or two more 2x4s and reduce your spacing by that much, just to be sure. Maybe not if you have a good box spring above those 2x4. If you're just putting a mattress I think you'll find yourself on a pretty uncomfortable bed with 1'-7" spacings.

Might also want to screw into your floor joists (if that's a possibility) to make sure you're not tipping over.