Love the look of the finished frame, super helpful video. Wish I could make one but the cost of materials is too steep for me ($490 from home depot). Hope this doesn't discourage anyone.
Yeah, I just got a used brass bed for 30 bucks from a thrift shop. I also saw some black metal beds online for around 200. This looks like a super fun future project though.
Love it! Just FYI...whenever I build anything with iron pipe, I scrub it all with TSP (removes the black oily stuff really fast)...then hand dry it with a towel and just let them sit until the insides dry completely. Then I put some kind of wax on all of the pieces before assembling. this prevents rust and also lubricates the threads for easier assembly. I've had some black pipe shelves for years with no signs of rust. (ScJohnson Paste Wax or Minwax Finishing Wax, etc...)
This is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much! I work up way too early so I’m gonna finny get started on this project- well, my version of it at least. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This is exactly what I'm looking for... thank you for sharing. Do you think increasing the length of the 4 pipes used for the legs (to increase the storage space under the bed) would take away from the stability of the structure? I would like to get the storage space under the bed to 14"-16".
Don't know why I didn't search for things like this sooner-- but yours was the first to pop up. You have some other videos that I might be interested in watching, so you can color me subscribed. :) I'm actually thinking about trying something similar with PVC pipe at some point.
Thanks for the sub! HowToLou.com has a lot of my videos categorized, so you can focus on what interests you. PVC is very easy to work with, but VERY flexible, under load. The metal bed used 1/2 steel pipe. You would need at least 2 inch in PVC to get close to the same strength. I would also suggest feet in the center of the bed rails for more support.
Should the number say 32 x 5” pipes (instead of 24 as shown)? If there are 8 on each of the top and bottom of the headboard (16 total) and 8 on each of the top and bottom of the footboard (16 total) then that would be 32. It looks like there are 32 of the 5” pipes displayed on the floor on the inventory screen.
Hey lou, just got done building the King size. However the 24" in the middle are too short with the 24" 5/8" rebar/threaded rod. Making them 38" end to end. Also, at the head board instead of regular tees would another two corner tees make it stronger that would give the base 4 complete sides instead of 3. Thought about replacing middle base tees with corner tees with 8" nipples with flanges to give more stability. Also im going to tack weld the connections to give the bed extra strength.
Excellent! Yeah maybe use two 36s in the middle. If you have the ability to cut, make them meet exactly in the middle so no rebar shows. That will be strongest. Sure tack welds are great if you have a welder. I would not worry about the head board T’s. All the weight is downward, so that crossbar does not give you much. Look at regular iron headboards. They don’t have that cross member
I've tried the method you suggested of backing out one end in order to attach on the other end in a similar "closed loop" design but all of the corner end up loose.
Yes! The Full is 54 inches wide and has 9 vertical pipes on the headboard and footboard. The Twin in 39 inches wide, so should have 7 vertical pipes instead. Both are 75 inches long so nothing else needs to change.
Any recommendations for modifying this into a canopy bed frame? I image T connectors instead of elbows on the four corners between the bed head and foot board to go upwards, but curious if there are additional facets to take into consideration.
Yes Tees instead of Elbows at the top corners. It can be a little tricky to get pipes the right sizes so the height above the headboard and footboard match up, so think through that carefully. Also, ideally, you want to buy 3 way Tees for the top corners. They will likely only be available online. Very doable, but just requires some thinking and looking for the right parts.
Pipe is actually fairly expensive. Have not totaled it, but I would estimate about $300. Check your local hardware or plumbing stores for best prices. My email is HowToLou@gmail.com
3/4 inch copper pipe would be plenty strong for the head and foot boards. You might slide 1/2 inch steel pipe inside the side rails for strength. You can’t buy threaded copper pipe, so you would have to get a $20 torch and solder all the parts together. Copper pipe in very pricey, but it would look stunning once finished and polished!!
I would say two heavy adults, no problem For extra support, you could buy one half to three-quarter adapting couplers, and make the side rails three-quarter inch pipe
I was wondering how to unscrew the pipes in the top to screw them in the bottom keeping a solid frame. This is the question I have for all pipe fornitures. Is is always possible keeping a solid frame?
Do exactly as in video and the pipes stay solid. You may use Loctite Red for extra hold, if you want more. www.amazon.com/Loctite-Threadlocker-Red-0-20-209741/dp/B000FP8EUS/ref=asc_df_B000FP8EUS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167111061052&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16056002044706625032&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016064&hvtargid=pla-500430330192&psc=1
Awesome bed! What parts would be needed to have six crossbars instead of three? Would it be as simple as replacing the 12s with two 6s, the 24s with two 12s etc?
You will have to go to the hardware store and map it out with pipes. Not a simple swap, because you will have more Tees on the sides and they each add about 2 inches. Luckily, there are a lot of sizes under 12 inches. A plumbing supply store may also do custom lengths, if needed.
Yes Definitely! Before construction, wash all pipes down thoroughly with a degreasing agent to remove all oils, so the paint will stick. Use paint made for metal.
I recommend using structural pipe fittings, instead of threaded ones. They go on and off with just an allen wrench, so everything is adjustable, and you can use one long pipe instead of 24 5" pipes, etc, because there's no threading. You can get them online, or at some hardware stores, like Lowes. I'm building mine now, but adding industrial style wheels, and a little bit of extra support for stability (because: wheels). :-)
What am I not understanding? Trying to make this bed. You have 8 5” rod top and bottom for both headboard and footboard. That’s 32, your material list says 24. I’m short 6 nipples.
Good catch!!! Sorry. The parts picture Shows a total of 32, but I say and highlight it as 24. I just posted a correction in the video description. Correction: You need 32 x 5” pipes, not 24, as stated in the video.
Hey Lou, this is a great frame. I'd rather put one of these together than buy one from somewhere else. How much was all the pipe, elbows & tees? Thanks & great video.
hmmmm interesting , i think if you drill through all the T's on the bottom rail and use a full length pipe going through all the way you can tighten all the T;s thight on the vertical parts , wish prevents screwing them loose if you like me grab thouse verticals to pull youreself over and out of the bed (having backproblems ) then slide the end T's on then slide the vertical pipes through to the elbows in the top dont forget that the full weight of the bed is now hanging from those elbows so it be a good idea to drill through the bottom T's and the pipe and add a bolt through each one to spread the load a little , since the sharp tread is a stressriser (meaning a crack can form in the valley of the tread so drilling the T's oversize so the pipe can slide through and using a solid piece of pipe end to end will probably be stronger
Around $250 back when I made it, but building materials have gone up like crazy, so you would have to screen shot the parts and check your local hardware store.
How sturdy can it be if all those pipes need to be only half way tight? I made an entertainment stand using the same method and it's fine but if anyone were to use it as a bed it wouldn't last and would make a lot of noise
So cool. Very informative and straight forward with no filler. Does box spring slide L or R or do the connectors secure it center? I want a shorter FB and 3 less vertical pipes in HB & FB .. will see if math works and hope it saves some $. Maybe even a no box spring version for storage. Thanks for sharing!
I am ready to purchase all the materials right now I'm so willing to do this, but I'm totally lost because it's not in centimeters :( I tried converting inch to centimeters but nobody sells the resulting sizes and they're all different in certain milimeters :(
The math is fairly simple. Get a Tee and measure how much space it will add between pipes, when screwed together. Do the same with an Elbow. Now take the width of your mattress and subtract two elbows and 7 Tees. You should end up with a measurement that is roughly 70% of the bed width. Divide this number by 8 and buy 8 pipes this size. Those will be the 32 horizontal short pipes. The vertical pipes can be any size that feels good to you.
No, the bed has been used every night since this video was published and it holds together just fine. You could use Loctite if you wanted to be extra sure.
Unfortunately there are no pipes or fitting s that tighten at both ends as you turn. You have to tighten all the way into one side and then loosen as you screw in the other end. My daughter uses the bed every day, and it is holding up really well. You can use Loctite if you want the threads to hold in better. There’s also something called a universal joint fitting that allows you to screw in both ends of a pipe, but you end up with an ugly lump in the middle.
@@HowToLou what pipe sizes do I need for a California king?? You mentioned king replace them with 8s what about California king which is taller by height compared to the king mattress which is wider by length. Just a quick question I saw you’re video and it gave me some ideas of what I want to do for my new bed frame..
@@HowToLou Can you give a more detailed explanation like what I need and stuff just like give a detailed description Bc I’m like 21 and trying to do this on my own ya know?
It could be done. You would have to use multiple pipes and couplers to get the pipes to meet precisely in the middle and have room for a union. The rebar is just as effective and much lower cost.
diy storage crates (lots of tutorials out there for crates made of metal, wood, pipe, wire, etc), and either add casters, or use a wooden furniture dolly. Alternatively, buy black metal baskets, and put them on cast iron plant dollies.
Love the look of the finished frame, super helpful video. Wish I could make one but the cost of materials is too steep for me ($490 from home depot). Hope this doesn't discourage anyone.
Was looking for this comment.
490$ is still not bad being that most beds cost 1000$s (more or less) at times and break easily.
Yeah, I just got a used brass bed for 30 bucks from a thrift shop. I also saw some black metal beds online for around 200. This looks like a super fun future project though.
Love it! Just FYI...whenever I build anything with iron pipe, I scrub it all with TSP (removes the black oily stuff really fast)...then hand dry it with a towel and just let them sit until the insides dry completely. Then I put some kind of wax on all of the pieces before assembling. this prevents rust and also lubricates the threads for easier assembly. I've had some black pipe shelves for years with no signs of rust. (ScJohnson Paste Wax or Minwax Finishing Wax, etc...)
Obrigado pela sua ticas muitos boas está boas
Lou, it's like Tinker Toys for adults. Very cool! Great video!
I just used that exact same analogy when describing my experience buidling a lamp from black pipe last week. "Totally" a tinker toy experience...
Has anyone tried buying 10ft pipes and cutting/threading it themselves, to save $$? How much were you able to save? Worth it?
This is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much! I work up way too early so I’m gonna finny get started on this project- well, my version of it at least. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Did you make your differently?
This is exactly what I'm looking for... thank you for sharing. Do you think increasing the length of the 4 pipes used for the legs (to increase the storage space under the bed) would take away from the stability of the structure? I would like to get the storage space under the bed to 14"-16".
That should work just fine!
If I wanted to alter this design, say, less bars on the head and footboards, how would I calculate that? How much length is given to the connectors?
Each Tee takes roughly 2.25 inches, after the pipes are screwed in.
Don't know why I didn't search for things like this sooner-- but yours was the first to pop up. You have some other videos that I might be interested in watching, so you can color me subscribed. :) I'm actually thinking about trying something similar with PVC pipe at some point.
Thanks for the sub! HowToLou.com has a lot of my videos categorized, so you can focus on what interests you.
PVC is very easy to work with, but VERY flexible, under load. The metal bed used 1/2 steel pipe. You would need at least 2 inch in PVC to get close to the same strength. I would also suggest feet in the center of the bed rails for more support.
Should the number say 32 x 5” pipes (instead of 24 as shown)? If there are 8 on each of the top and bottom of the headboard (16 total) and 8 on each of the top and bottom of the footboard (16 total) then that would be 32. It looks like there are 32 of the 5” pipes displayed on the floor on the inventory screen.
Hey lou, just got done building the King size. However the 24" in the middle are too short with the 24" 5/8" rebar/threaded rod. Making them 38" end to end. Also, at the head board instead of regular tees would another two corner tees make it stronger that would give the base 4 complete sides instead of 3. Thought about replacing middle base tees with corner tees with 8" nipples with flanges to give more stability. Also im going to tack weld the connections to give the bed extra strength.
Excellent! Yeah maybe use two 36s in the middle. If you have the ability to cut, make them meet exactly in the middle so no rebar shows. That will be strongest. Sure tack welds are great if you have a welder. I would not worry about the head board T’s. All the weight is downward, so that crossbar does not give you much. Look at regular iron headboards. They don’t have that cross member
I've tried the method you suggested of backing out one end in order to attach on the other end in a similar "closed loop" design but all of the corner end up loose.
Our bed is still doing fine. Try loctite on the threads.
Great video! Is is possible to make a twin bed frame? What are the dimensions?
Yes! The Full is 54 inches wide and has 9 vertical pipes on the headboard and footboard. The Twin in 39 inches wide, so should have 7 vertical pipes instead. Both are 75 inches long so nothing else needs to change.
amazing desing, a sugestion in 3:33 you could use a 4 way Tee so you could have your conection
Any recommendations for modifying this into a canopy bed frame? I image T connectors instead of elbows on the four corners between the bed head and foot board to go upwards, but curious if there are additional facets to take into consideration.
Yes Tees instead of Elbows at the top corners. It can be a little tricky to get pipes the right sizes so the height above the headboard and footboard match up, so think through that carefully. Also, ideally, you want to buy 3 way Tees for the top corners. They will likely only be available online. Very doable, but just requires some thinking and looking for the right parts.
Thinking about doing this, did you have any luck?
didnt realize david lynch was so handy.
where is the cheapest place to get these parts? What's the cost for the whole thing? I'm down to pay you to design some bunk beds for me btw
Pipe is actually fairly expensive. Have not totaled it, but I would estimate about $300. Check your local hardware or plumbing stores for best prices. My email is HowToLou@gmail.com
Can this be done with Copper? Would it need to be reinforced?
3/4 inch copper pipe would be plenty strong for the head and foot boards. You might slide 1/2 inch steel pipe inside the side rails for strength. You can’t buy threaded copper pipe, so you would have to get a $20 torch and solder all the parts together. Copper pipe in very pricey, but it would look stunning once finished and polished!!
I with you would have done this in CM instead of inches :)
Also - did you consider adding 1/2 pipes instead of 3/4 for the bed "grills" ?
Our stores sell pipes in inches. I did consider 1/2”, but wanted a thicker look.
Has anyone built it yet , question is it sturdy and is it shaky
My daughter has been sleeping on it since that video was posted, no problems.
what u do for twin size though?
@HowToLou how about the weight of the frame? Can you estimate how much all of the parts weigh all together?
Its not bad at all. Maybe 35 pounds in headboard and another 35 in footboard. I had no problem lifting either one to move them.
Great video, Ive been thinking about doing this for a queen size, but couldnt figure the dimensions right. Got any suggestions?
Scroll through the comments. I answered this.
I’m going to try this
What size of bed is this for?
what is the weight capacity for the Queen or King BedFrame
I would say two heavy adults, no problem For extra support, you could buy one half to three-quarter adapting couplers, and make the side rails three-quarter inch pipe
Wow.. great teaching video
Thank you so much.
I was wondering how to unscrew the pipes in the top to screw them in the bottom keeping a solid frame.
This is the question I have for all pipe fornitures.
Is is always possible keeping a solid frame?
Do exactly as in video and the pipes stay solid. You may use Loctite Red for extra hold, if you want more.
www.amazon.com/Loctite-Threadlocker-Red-0-20-209741/dp/B000FP8EUS/ref=asc_df_B000FP8EUS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167111061052&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16056002044706625032&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016064&hvtargid=pla-500430330192&psc=1
@@HowToLou thank you, I looked for this many times before with no answer
Is there any shopping list of those items from Home Depot?
No. Sorry. Take a screenshot of all the parts and the Home Depot people can help you get what you need.
Also you say 4 8” but you only use 2, which makes me short another 2 nipple and have 2 extra 8”.
Thanks for sharing...
are you filming a horror movie!!??
LOL, scroll back to my chainsaw beams !!
Not one pipe wrench used in this video for tightening pipes
Yep. And its held up perfectly since the video was published
An excellent video - very professionally made. Thanks!
Awesome bed! What parts would be needed to have six crossbars instead of three? Would it be as simple as replacing the 12s with two 6s, the 24s with two 12s etc?
You will have to go to the hardware store and map it out with pipes. Not a simple swap, because you will have more Tees on the sides and they each add about 2 inches. Luckily, there are a lot of sizes under 12 inches. A plumbing supply store may also do custom lengths, if needed.
@@HowToLou Thank you!
This is very nice. I like it. Can this metal be painted?
Yes Definitely! Before construction, wash all pipes down thoroughly with a degreasing agent to remove all oils, so the paint will stick. Use paint made for metal.
🤝👍👍
👍
Lou.... good at laying pipe...... I mean, Laying on pipe.
😂
Has anyone figured the amount of pipe etc for a Cal King Frame? Thanks
what are the measurements for a queen
I was wondering the same
I recommend using structural pipe fittings, instead of threaded ones. They go on and off with just an allen wrench, so everything is adjustable, and you can use one long pipe instead of 24 5" pipes, etc, because there's no threading. You can get them online, or at some hardware stores, like Lowes. I'm building mine now, but adding industrial style wheels, and a little bit of extra support for stability (because: wheels). :-)
I made a table with those pipes. It's very wobbly even with the screw tight. I wish I'd used threaded iron.
What am I not understanding? Trying to make this bed. You have 8 5” rod top and bottom for both headboard and footboard. That’s 32, your material list says 24. I’m short 6 nipples.
Good catch!!! Sorry. The parts picture Shows a total of 32, but I say and highlight it as 24. I just posted a correction in the video description.
Correction: You need 32 x 5” pipes, not 24, as stated in the video.
Amazing work and thank you uploading it. Did you use 3/4 inch pipes?
Thank you. Yes 3/4.
Hey Lou, this is a great frame. I'd rather put one of these together than buy one from somewhere else. How much was all the pipe, elbows & tees? Thanks & great video.
I would say about $200. Black pipe is not super cheap
@@HowToLou where did you order the pipe from?
@@HowToLou Where did you find the pipe? I can't find it affordably at my local hardware stores.
@@spacecaptain9188 you can order it online from home depot.
hmmmm interesting , i think if you drill through all the T's on the bottom rail and use a full length pipe going through all the way you can tighten all the T;s thight on the vertical parts , wish prevents screwing them loose if you like me grab thouse verticals to pull youreself over and out of the bed (having backproblems ) then slide the end T's on then slide the vertical pipes through to the elbows in the top
dont forget that the full weight of the bed is now hanging from those elbows so it be a good idea to drill through the bottom T's and the pipe and add a bolt through each one to spread the load a little , since the sharp tread is a stressriser (meaning a crack can form in the valley of the tread so drilling the T's oversize so the pipe can slide through and using a solid piece of pipe end to end will probably be stronger
You would be surprised just how strong it is. Add Red Loctite in the joints to be even better.
Is it squeaky?
Not at all
Great tutorial. How much did this beast cost?
Around $250 back when I made it, but building materials have gone up like crazy, so you would have to screen shot the parts and check your local hardware store.
Just entered all the parts into lowes and it was just over 600 dollars 2023. Inflation is a bitch
I like this
What size bed is this for???
I give instructions for full, queen and king in the video.
HowToLou just noticed that at the end of the video, thank you!!! This is my new quarantine project 😊
How sturdy can it be if all those pipes need to be only half way tight? I made an entertainment stand using the same method and it's fine but if anyone were to use it as a bed it wouldn't last and would make a lot of noise
Its been used nearly every day since the video was made 2 years ago and its rock solid and squeak free.
Great job!
Do you have a parts list for a King instead of using the original screenshot and making the changes quickly mentioned in the end of the video?
Scroll down in the comments. I think I answered that one
How dependable and durable is it?
It has been standing strong for almost 3 years now, since I first published the video
@@HowToLou thanks, that's reasuring.
So cool. Very informative and straight forward with no filler. Does box spring slide L or R or do the connectors secure it center? I want a shorter FB and 3 less vertical pipes in HB & FB .. will see if math works and hope it saves some $. Maybe even a no box spring version for storage. Thanks for sharing!
Box spring does not slide at all. Thank you
What changes would you make to make it a twin bed?
I did a Full mattress and used 9 vertical pipes on head and foot boards. Use 7 vertical pipes for a Twin.
Also what would the 24 inch cross bars change to? 20 inch?
18 inch
I'd like to put my bed on casters/wheels. Any idea how much this weighs when completed?
I would say between 150 and 200 pounds for the whole frame.
Great video 👍🏼
I am ready to purchase all the materials right now I'm so willing to do this, but I'm totally lost because it's not in centimeters :( I tried converting inch to centimeters but nobody sells the resulting sizes and they're all different in certain milimeters :(
The math is fairly simple. Get a Tee and measure how much space it will add between pipes, when screwed together. Do the same with an Elbow. Now take the width of your mattress and subtract two elbows and 7 Tees. You should end up with a measurement that is roughly 70% of the bed width. Divide this number by 8 and buy 8 pipes this size. Those will be the 32 horizontal short pipes. The vertical pipes can be any size that feels good to you.
@@HowToLou wow! you're so kind! thank you soooooooo much
Es peek in hindi ideas v good
Should you use thread tape or anything like that on the threads?
No, the bed has been used every night since this video was published and it holds together just fine. You could use Loctite if you wanted to be extra sure.
Where do you get the pipe with threads that will close together fittings at each end when you turn it?
Unfortunately there are no pipes or fitting s that tighten at both ends as you turn. You have to tighten all the way into one side and then loosen as you screw in the other end. My daughter uses the bed every day, and it is holding up really well. You can use Loctite if you want the threads to hold in better. There’s also something called a universal joint fitting that allows you to screw in both ends of a pipe, but you end up with an ugly lump in the middle.
Is this for a full or queen-sized bed?
Full. If you scroll down in the comments, I tell what pipes to use for a queen.
what would the weight limit be for the pipe? considering this setup for 2 people
This pipe is very strong. I would say easily 400 to 500 pounds. As strong as most store bought beds.
@@HowToLou what pipe sizes do I need for a California king?? You mentioned king replace them with 8s what about California king which is taller by height compared to the king mattress which is wider by length. Just a quick question I saw you’re video and it gave me some ideas of what I want to do for my new bed frame..
For Cal King use 12 vertical bars instead of 9. For long side rails, use 4,36,36,4 instead of 12,24,24,10.
@@HowToLou gotcha thanks
@@HowToLou Can you give a more detailed explanation like what I need and stuff just like give a detailed description Bc I’m like 21 and trying to do this on my own ya know?
Should have used unions to make up the center of the bed
It could be done. You would have to use multiple pipes and couplers to get the pipes to meet precisely in the middle and have room for a union. The rebar is just as effective and much lower cost.
What would be the adjustments to make a cal king bed?
Hi. Scroll down in the comments. I answered that a few days ago. I don’t remember exact the numbers now.
Can storage drawers be added beneath it somehow? Im tryna build 1 instead of wooden or ply box bed.
Put a bed skirt on it to hide the plastic under-bed storage tubs.
diy storage crates (lots of tutorials out there for crates made of metal, wood, pipe, wire, etc), and either add casters, or use a wooden furniture dolly. Alternatively, buy black metal baskets, and put them on cast iron plant dollies.
How about for a twin bed frame?
Scroll back a little in the comments. I answered that. I think 7 vertical pipes instead of 9
how would make this a twin bed?
Hi, scroll back in the comments a bit. I answered that, but not sure of the numbers right now.
What size mattress does this fit?
Full
What would the purchase list be for a queen sized bed frame?
Scroll down. Its In earlier comments
What is the dimension of the bed? Is this 5 feet by 7 feet?
It fits a full 75x54 mattress, so slightly bigger than that.
Thanks man!!! Maybe I'll build it soon.