Composite Bed Frame

[sfsailboat]

Hi, I am looking to build a simple full size bed frame for a sailboat, 51" wide x 77" long x 3" high. What pieces do you recommend for easy assembly? I will place wood slats over the composite frame, and then the mattress on top of the slats.

[Adam]

 

On 10/25/2023 at 2:04 AM, sfsailboat said:

Hi, I am looking to build a simple full size bed frame for a sailboat, 51" wide x 77" long x 3" high. What pieces do you recommend for easy assembly? I will place wood slats over the composite frame, and then the mattress on top of the slats.

 

Hello @sfsailboat. That sounds like a great idea. I think you might be able to use tube connectors of any type (pvc?) to connect carbon fiber tubes into a frame.

Rock West has machined, anodized aluminum connectors here: https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/shop/shop-by-application/marine/connectors-fittings-for-marine/ce15-mb3-05   that would connect with 1.5 inner diameter cf tubes: https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/46410-g-dl

[lo_0l]

On 10/25/2023 at 2:04 AM, sfsailboat said:

Hi, I am looking to build a simple full size bed frame for a sailboat, 51" wide x 77" long x 3" high. What pieces do you recommend for easy assembly? I will place wood slats over the composite frame, and then the mattress on top of the slats.

Hey @sfsailboat! Welcome to Composites Community!

How much are you wanting it to look like a traditional bed frame? Do you want a brim to hold in the mattress you'll be using?

There are a few products that Rock West Composites has off the top of my head that would work well for making a traditional bed frame.

 

[sfsailboat]

Thanks @Adam and @lo_0l ! I want it to look like a simple, low-profile bed frame with a 3" brim in the head and the foot, 78" long, 55" wide, 3" high off ground. I am also flexible on not having a brim at all. I was thinking of using velcro on the square tubing to attach the wood planks on top.

I was thinking of the 78" square tubing. I am uncertain about which connectors to use and would greatly appreciate any suggestions 🙂

https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/tubing/shaped-tubing/square-tubing

[sfsailboat]

@lo_0l I keep re-thinking my measurements; current thinking is 78" long, 51" wide, 3" high off ground, 4" brims on head and foot.

[Adam]

Ah... square tubing... that would be better. I recommend using 1 inch inner diameter standard modulus square tubes:

 1. https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/25488-long cut to size for your 78" sections.

 2. https://www.rockwestcomposites.com/25488 for the shorter 55" pieces.

and connect them together with something like this: https://www.mcmaster.com/47045T82/    I have not been able to find any carbon fiber square tube connectors out there, but I think any tough plastic or aluminum piece will do. Use a rubber mallet, and (maybe a few brushes with some sandpaper) to insert the connector into the tube. You can bond them if you want with a touch of cyanoacrylate epoxy (super glue), but I don't know if that is necessary. 

 

As far as attaching the wood to your carbon fiber frame, I would say you will need a fastening system that is more durable and lasting for the wear and tear of life at sea. I recommend that you fasten your wood panels to the carbon fiber frame using regular metal nuts and bolts, with a flat head that is aesthetically acceptable to you. Drill pilot holes through your square carbon fiber tubes with a regular metal drill bit and a strong drill (if your tube is securely immobile, this is pretty easy). 

Lastly, you will need to secure the bed frame to your boat. I would think you would want to bolt it to the floor or wall using the same method.

Edited October 27, 2023 by Adam

[sfsailboat]

Hi @lo_0l what products are you thinking will work well for a bed frame?

[lo_0l]

12 hours ago, sfsailboat said:

Hi @lo_0l what products are you thinking will work well for a bed frame?

I was thinking you could actually use a size compatible with 80/20 as the connectors for it are much more common. Since anything aluminum needs to be anodized, you could use something like these nylon 3-way corner connectors and these nylon T connectors. You could also 3D print your own out of nylon, PETG, or a carbon fiber variant.

[lo_0l]

Hey @sfsailboat, wanted to check in and see how your project is coming along? 🙂