Cross Lap Bed Frame
This project was a commission for a custom queen size bed frame. The client requested the total height to be 58cm including her mattress, which was accounted for in the modelling of the leg height. The frame also needed to be easily assembled by one person and be compact for general car transport.
One Custome Queen Size 350 x 1550 x 2055
Fifteen lengths of 90 x 45 x 1550
Two lengths of 90 x 45 x 2055
Four lengths of 100 x 100 x 350
The chosen material was 90 x 45mm un-treated, kiln dried construction pine, which was a strong, relatively inexpensive ($3.89 p/m) and light weight timber, resulting in a total material cost of $147.
The timber shop was able to cut all the struts to the required length and using a handheld circular saw I cut and chiseled the joints by hand. I added a chamfer to the underside edge to remove unneeded timber and create an elevated appearance to the frame.
The joint used is commonly known as a cross lap joint, and is frequently used by carpenters and cabinet makers due to its rigid, clean and seamless nature. Taking advantage of the large surface area of the timber faces, these joints require no fasteners or adhesives and lock in place tightly. As the only real force applied to the frame is downward, there is little lateral strain on the timber and they can simply be removed when needed.
I implemented a castle joint for the intersection of the legs, vertical and horizontal struts. This joint also requires no fasteners or adhesives and is results in a very positive fit.
If desired, the frame can be painted or stained, however, this was not requested by the client and was delivered as is. Overall, the client was very pleased with the result and I will be modifying this design for future projects.
