Eric Anderson Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 I would like to get the communities input on a build I'm designing. My adult son has asked that I build him a Tatami style platform queen-size bed. I have a design I like and plan to start the build in the next few weeks. The one issue I am having is due to the bed being queen size, there will need to be a center rail to support the slats and mattress/futon For aesthetics I would like to not have to incorporate a center leg to support the center rail and was thinking about using a modified flitch beam using a hardwood sandwich with either 1/8" (or possibly thicker) aluminum or steel. I would think this should provide sufficient rigidity to span the distance and not bow. Is this a crazy idea or should I just put a foot on the center beam. Thanks for your input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 I don't think the metal is necessary. You can achieve adequate support with hardwood, just use the appropriate thickness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Edgar Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 2 hours ago, Eric Anderson said: I would like to get the communities input on a build I'm designing. My adult son has asked that I build him a Tatami style platform queen-size bed. I have a design I like and plan to start the build in the next few weeks. The one issue I am having is due to the bed being queen size, there will need to be a center rail to support the slats and mattress/futon For aesthetics I would like to not have to incorporate a center leg to support the center rail and was thinking about using a modified flitch beam using a hardwood sandwich with either 1/8" (or possibly thicker) aluminum or steel. I would think this should provide sufficient rigidity to span the distance and not bow. Is this a crazy idea or should I just put a foot on the center beam. Thanks for your input. I would like to see the plan when you finalize it. I too have a bed design (King) kicking around in my head and I too want to use clear span construction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 Check out the online calculator " Sagulator " you might have to find the weight of a king or queen mattress set and allow for maybe 3 adults(or wife and kids) maybe a box beam would let you keep the height down? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 It is possible for one woman to handle 2 men, don't knock it till you've tried it ! MFF is fun too, never forget that night........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 3 minutes ago, wdwerker said: It is possible for one woman to handle 2 men, don't knock it till you've tried it ! MFF is fun too, never forget that night........ Pics? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 It was her idea, it was her birthday and no one was free to take pictures ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaneymack Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 It was her idea, it was her birthday and no one was free to take pictures ! Man, the life of a professional cabinet maker ! Tom Cruise ain't got nuttin on you big guy Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 24, 2016 Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 Eric, I think Eric is correct, you probably don't need a metal core. But if you do it anyway, use aluminum. Steel is excessively heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 All kinds of opportunities during 40+ years as a glorified hippie carpenter ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 12 hours ago, wtnhighlander said: Eric, I think Eric is correct, you probably don't need a metal core. But if you do it anyway, use aluminum. Steel is excessively heavy. Way to drag something quickly derailed back on track Ross! Since the "foot" would be in the center of the bed and under the mattress, just curious, how would "aesthetics" would be in play? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 Way to drag something quickly derailed back on track Ross! No trouble at all. Besides, we have a whole other thread going for derailment purposes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Econdron Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 1/8" thick steel isn't going to provide you any additional support at all. And aluminum would be even worse! You would need to use angle, channel, or tubing to get any additional rigidity out of it. Though I agree with TIODS, a "5th" leg right in the center adds a great deal of support and added strength, including long term support from fatigue failure, and it's pretty much hidden. You could do a bolt-on steel cross bar in the center made from tubing, similar to the attached picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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