Strengthening a loft bed?

What can i do to increase the lateral strength of a loft bed? It wobbles a bit and makes me question its integrity.

My only idea is to use a bracket to bolt it to the wall.

 

How is the bed designed? If there are screws or bolts in it, tightening them might go a long way toward stiffening things. I built many a loft for myself and others when I was in college and none of them needed to be bolted to the wall for stability, so I'm guessing we'll be able to fix yours without doing that, but a little more detail would help a lot.

 

When I was in college, our loft bed spanned nearly wall to wall. Since we weren't allowed to attach anything to the walls, we used some wedges wrapped in rags to hold the loft in place.

Make sure the diagonal bracing on the loft is installed correcly also.

 

Diagonal bracing is the key ingredient to reduce the tendency to rack for the frame itself. Of course, there is a certain amount of hula motion that accompanies going 6 feet up and support by only 4 sturdy legs. Even thin plywood or waferboard would reduce the flex.

 

here's a picture that's pretty darn close to the loft that I have.

http://www.trendwood.com/products/bunkhouse-montana3.jpg

Okay, after trying to post the picture, does the forum not allow any picture posting?

 

The only "diagonal" bracing on the loft shown comes from the width of the horizontal boards, such as the one behind the bookshelf. Does your loft have 4x4 posts?

 

I pictured loft is the same manufacturer as my loft. The vertical posts are 4x4. I'd have to check the size of the horizontal beams. They are either 6" or 8".

The construction is of pine and the instructions specifically say to avoid over tightening the bolts so as to avoid crushing the wood or pulling out the bolts.

 

I can see three options:

1) Add diagonal bracing to form triangles. The added diagonal board should be attached lengthwise in the direction that you think the wobbling is occuring (maybe both). Here is an example:

http://www.mcwoodworksinc.com/images/queen_size_loft_bed_thompschill.jpg


2) You could try adding more wide, horizontal boards. It is important that these are attached using two or more bolts on each end. You could also use plywood to do this if there is an appropriate place to attach it (behind shelves, etc.).

3) You could try attaching it to the wall. I would use small lag bolts, not just drywall screws. Predrill and screw into studs.

 

I wouldnt bolt it to the wall. If you can add bolts to connect the members, I think that is the answer. If you can add wood glue it will probably help a ton as well. I ordered plans from these guys, it might be worth checking out: http://www.campusloftbeds.com