Carpentry question

[GeoffM]

Hello everyone. Later today I'll be building a bed frame with my GF. It's imperative that it cannot squeak, or if it does, it's very quiet.

I'll be using the frame I built for myself as an example. I.e. use 2x6's instead of 2x4's. The frame will be lower to the floor, but I'm not planning on using any triangular supports. Only connecting it at the places where the boards need to meet. I'll be using screws instead of nails.

So my questions:
Will I see a more rigid structure since I'm using 2x6's over 2x4's?
And, (possibly a dumb question but the reason I made this thread) will applying grease to the areas where the boards meet help?

[The G-Man]

For what purpose would you ever need a bed that doesn't squeak?


HAHAHAHA.

Have sex on a huge slab of granite instead. It won't squeak.

[GeoffM]

For what purpose would you ever need a bed that doesn't squeak?


HAHAHAHA.

Have sex on a huge slab of granite instead. It won't squeak.

lol.
Actually, since it's a new bed we just set the box spring and mattress on the floor. Make absolutely no noise. But, she wants it off the floor for storage space and such.

[Law Grandeur]

maybe L brackets on the inside of the frame?

[GeoffM]

maybe L brackets on the inside of the frame?

That's not a bad idea. Metal won't bend or squeak. At least not with what we're doing. If store brackets won't work, I can always weld up some of my own. Great idea!

[Jarrett]

You're not being very descriptive about what you want the bed to look like. What type of headboard are you wanting to make? Or are you going without? Sure the 2x6 material will be sturdy but only as long as they're not screwed into a wafer-thin plywood board for a headboard. In that case, bigger material is worse because of the weight and additional load it will put onto the weaker material.

Sketch up what you want and I can be more of a help to you or possibly suggest something different? Also, have you considered a platform bed?

[19dabeast85]

Yeah, more details on your design would be very helpful, I can think of a hundred different ways to build a bed frame. Working with wood....if you want it to last long term without squeaking you need to glue, clamp and screw your joints. You can make each rail and leg section like this then attach the cross pieces with screws so it will come apart to be moved later. Most love-making-movement is directional along the plane from head to foot of the bed so your super-stiff siderails and legs will be absorbing most of the motion therefore you SHOULD be okay with not gluing the crosspieces.

[Jon]

Use joist hangers to connect the 2x4s or 2x6s to the exterior frame of the bed, sort of like building a deck.
Also if you were to install some sort of thin pliable barrier (I'd use mass loaded vinyl) between the joints to prevent rubbing, this would greatly reduce the chances of any squeaks.
I would also suggest taking a look at Trex or other similar composite material, as these are less prone to transfer vibrations and squeaking.


Of course this would be more expensive than BUYING a quality bed frame... so yeah...

[PakaloloHonda]

the hell with 2x6's and don't even think of 2x4's lol ..
I used 2x12 .. wayyy better .. and yes .. metal L brackets.
Cut the corners at a 45* angle .. easy!

[crazymikey]

lol.
Actually, since it's a new bed we just set the box spring and mattress on the floor. Make absolutely no noise. But, she wants it off the floor for storage space and such.

Ah, somewhere for all the vibrators and fuzzy handcuffs.

[Night Wolf]

glue that wood!

[crazymikey]

glue that wood!

Too literal?