I'm trying to build a safety bed for my special needs child but I'm not an experienced woodworker. I work in trades but carpentry isn't my strong suit. The bed needs to fit a twin mattress, be about 4 feet high, and have a gate. I'm considering using 1x1s and 1x2s for the construction. I also want advice on what type of hinge would be best for the gate, something sturdy enough to withstand some wear and tear. Any tips would be appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
You know, while DIY is great, for something as important as a safety bed, you might want to consider buying a certified safety bed. It’s just not worth the risk of messing it up, especially since safety is the main concern here. If it were my kid, I’d definitely outsource this for peace of mind.
Honestly, this seems like a tough project with a lot of liability involved. Unless it’s for your own child, I would think twice about this. Is it even legal to put a kid in something like this? It's a tricky situation that I wouldn’t take lightly.
If you're set on making it yourself, copying a certified design would be smart. Just some things to consider: Make sure all edges are rounded to prevent any injuries. Hiding hinges is key as well; you wouldn't want any pinch points. Also, think about how the bed functions and who will operate it—that's important for safety. This isn't a simple project, so don’t hesitate to seek out existing designs to replicate.