Looking for tips from a handyperson

broadspectrum · Post by **broadspectrum** » Feb 17th, 2008, 8:31 am

Wasn't sure where to post this question. I have a single pine frame bed which is in nice shape but the slats are breaking one by one. What could I use to replace the slats? I don't want to go out and get a new bed when the frame itself is solid. I would love to hear any ideas. Thanks.

Piecemaker · Post by **Piecemaker** » Feb 17th, 2008, 8:47 am

A solid piece of plywood? Guess it depends upon how heavy the individual is who sleeps in the bed...

kgcayenne · Post by **kgcayenne** » Feb 17th, 2008, 8:56 am

You can go to a hardware store like Rona and have some pine cut to length. It cost me about $10 to do a queen-sized bed.

Saxon · Post by **Saxon** » Feb 17th, 2008, 8:57 am

I would go with the solid ply myself.... if you cant get it in one full piece then use sections a foot thick or something... but get the good thick stuff... :smt023

trapp · Post by **trapp** » Feb 17th, 2008, 10:14 am

Saxon wrote:I would go with the solid ply myself.... if you cant get it in one full piece then use sections a foot thick or something... but get the good thick stuff...

Plywood a foot thick ? Maybe you meant a foot wide ?

Scynite · Post by **Scynite** » Feb 17th, 2008, 10:19 am

If you are talking slats to support the mattress, you can use pine woodlengths of 1 x 4". They are very commonly used as slats. and could easily be cut to length for you at the store.

And they're light and easy to move around, more so then big 8x4' pieces of plywood.

broadspectrum · Post by **broadspectrum** » Feb 17th, 2008, 10:50 am

I think I would need some pretty thick plywood to support my child (she jumps on the bed) but the pine boards sound like a good plan. Should I nail them in place or just try to cut them so they fit snugly?
Thanks for all the suggestions!

kgcayenne · Post by **kgcayenne** » Feb 17th, 2008, 12:15 pm

Dread Pirate Roberts wrote:I think I would need some pretty thick plywood to support my child (she jumps on the bed) but the pine boards sound like a good plan. Should I nail them in place or just try to cut them so they fit snugly?
Thanks for all the suggestions!

Like Scynite said, they'll cut them to length at the store, so I would have them cut tightly also. I noticed too that they shift, so get little pieces as spacers to put between them. The 1x4 may be strong enough, but you don't have to go with pine, there may be something harder. What size is this bed? Twin?

Piecemaker · Post by **Piecemaker** » Feb 17th, 2008, 4:05 pm

Dread Pirate Roberts wrote:I think I would need some pretty thick plywood to support my child (she jumps on the bed) but the pine boards sound like a good plan. Should I nail them in place or just try to cut them so they fit snugly?
Thanks for all the suggestions!

Put the bed on the floor! Camping theme for the room. (Just kidding.)

Plywood will support jumping just as well as slats. Another option is to put a couple centre supports under the bed. (Or take her to gymnastics so she can jump there...)
Since kids love to jump on furniture, I bought a mini-tramp (exercise bouncer thingy) for $40 and the grand-daughter bounces on that to her heart's content. No matter how big she gets in the next several years, she can continue to use it.

Saxon · Post by **Saxon** » Feb 17th, 2008, 4:35 pm

foot or so wide yes sorry lol :smt023