How to Build a Loft Bed with a Massca Jig!

How to Build a Loft Bed with a Massca Pocket Hole Jig
#DIY #anawhitediy #bedbuild #loftbed #woodworking #massca
In this video we build a new Loft Bed for my daughter with plans we got from Ana White DIY. We did make some mods to this design to suite our needs, one major one being we excluded the stairs at the base of the lower platform (I explain in the video why). We also added some metal brackets as well as a few other minor details to help make the overall build easier.
Link to plans here - www.ana-white.com/woodworking...
Our main sponsor for this video was Massca Tools, and I feature their amazing Pocket Hole Jig System in this video heavily. On the site for the plans you’ll see Kreg mentioned, but in my opinion this Massca unit is a far better option to try out.
I have a full review here on the channel as well if you’d like to check it out - • Massca Woodworking - P...
Link to Massca’s Products - masscaproducts.com
I hope this how to video adds value to your project and that you find some good advice buried in there! Let me know if you have any questions down in the comments, I am happy to help in any way possible!!!
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Thanks for watching!!! ----
Note for my fellow DIYers! 👋 While I consider myself an experienced DIY enthusiast, it's important to note that I'm not a certified professional. These videos are created to share my expertise, tips, and creative ideas for your construction, remodeling, woodworking, and homesteading projects. However, your project is unique, and I can't guarantee that my methods are foolproof for everyone. I'm here to inspire and guide, but the responsibility for the success and safety of your renovation or construction project lies with you. Always exercise caution, adhere to safety guidelines, and if in doubt, consult with a qualified professional. I won't be held liable for any mishaps or mistakes that may occur during your DIY journey.
Let's embark on these projects together, learn from each other, and, most importantly, enjoy the process! THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!

[@jasonconk8321]

#Annawhitediy has great plans and you made small adjustments to fit your style and comfort for strength. Great job, looks great!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you!! Yes so many awesome plans available! We’ve built this bed twice now, super happy with it!! Thank you for watching and for the comment! 💪🏻

[@estherkyaw3040]

@@TheToughGuysTV I really like it.. how much are you charged to build this ?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

We don’t build them for sale unfortunately, but it’s a really good beginner build!! Plans in description! 🙌🏻

[@ollie6512]

Thanks so much for this, I'm going to be making this design for my 4 year daughter! This is my first wood working project so this is exactly what i needed

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Hey!! So exciting!! Reach out to me on social if you have questions, I’ll try to help however possible. Good luck on the build, it’s a fun one and not too hard - perfect project for learning.

[@jamesd1184]

Made the mistake of showing this to my wife. Thanks a lot. There goes my weekend...

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Haha bummer!! Well good luck with the build of you tackle this one! The kids love it, I’ve done one for my son as well! 🙏🏻

[@MrVonMengesdorf]

I’d give anything to be a youngster again and help dad with projects, but at least I’ve got a son and he loves to help and learn. It really is more about the time together than the project for me.....great job!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks so much for the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@patrickmclaughlind.c.7141]

Gonna give this a shot. I prefer cammo but my daughter wants pink because, well, she's a girl. She is 7 and very excited about sleeping in a loft bed. Thanks for posting!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Good luck and let me know if you have any questions! 💪🏻

[@420FreedomFighter]

Thank you for the video. Had these plans and lumber for 6 months now. Finally got the gumption and time to start building it. Got all my cuts made and head and foot frames built. I will definitely use your ideas of making the rails one piece and using the brackets to assemble.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

So awesome!!! So glad the video helped and I hope the idea on the rails works out great for you as well! 👍🏻

[@flylowlevel817]

Well done. I really like your side panel mod. Way easier than wrangling a bunch of individual sticks.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Hey thanks!!! Yes I agree - trial and error and it works much better. I don’t think it takes away from the design either, it still looks great too!! Thanks for checking out the video and for the comment! 💪🏻

[@sarahm479]

This looks amazing! I love how you modified the plans to fit your space. I promised my daughter I'd make her a loft bed and what you've made is exactly what I think she wants. Great video!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

So awesome!! And so happy the video helped you out! My daughter loves her bed so far! We also added some rope lights to the underside, and installed a little handle for her to climb up - it’s been so great!! Good luck on your build!! 🙌🏻

[@charlieannep]

Thanks! Keen to build a loft bed too 🛌

[@TheToughGuysTV]

If you do try this one circle back and let me know how it goes!! Thanks for watching!!

[@emilyz9298]

Nice job!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks so much!! We really love how it turned out. Thank you as well for checking out the video!!

[@nunyabiz3453]

I came for the loft plans and stayed for the awesome tunes! What's that song?!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I get my music for videos from the KZbin Music Library - Thanks for reaching out!

[@bernardlee2998]

Great tutorial and build. Thanks for posting. Question about 3/4 plywood. I don’t work with wood enough to know but do you think that’s enough support? I saw you climbed on and I would hate to build a bed and have it buckled!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

The 3/4” plywood definitely held up for us, never any issues. The most important thing in my opinion was adding those brackets to help support the upper tier section of the bed. Although it had many fasteners, those brackets def helped me sleep better at night with the kids in their new beds! Thanks for the kind words and good luck with your build! 💪🏻

[@indyfosho5458]

Go colts!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

HEY! Roughs season this year, but cheers to the future! 💙

[@ivankira2330]

Looks great! Thanks for sharing. Does the plywood alone is sufficient or do we need additional support underneath the ply?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

It worked well but I did have those extra support brackets added to the rails. The plywood itself was fine though, as long as it’s 3/4” thick, no way I’d try 1/2” ply or thinner.

[@ivankira2330]

@@TheToughGuysTV thanks for the reply. Makes sense. Your plan is very good and even I as a newbie,with just a few projects under my belt, can possibly attempt it :)

[@moawiyaalrawas270]

Thank you.. I'm into my second loft bed now for my son and having to redo it because I just found that the raw lumber, Malaysian Meranti, that I got have some kind of holes. Most probably termite or some other type larva. Your simple design will make my second attempt easier...

[@TheToughGuysTV]

So glad you’ll be trying it out!! If you do build it, come back and share your experience if you don’t mind! Thanks again for checking out the video! 💪🏻

[@nabalshah]

hi Bro...saya pun dari Malaysia. Bercadang nk buat loft bed jugak. Bro guna kayu apa untuk ganti meranti tu?

[@JMC8415]

What tape measure are you using?

[@phenmom]

Great tutorial!! I'm in the middle of this build and the 2x2 threw me off as there's not much explaining in the plans. And I love the idea of the support that holds all the side rails together! Can you tell me at what angle you cut those? Love how they look! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I believe I cut those at 30 degrees but a 45 would probably look ok as well. Thanks for reaching out and glad the video is helping with your build!

[@perrypainter]

Great job. I’ve got all the tools collected to start my daughters but have been reading that pine is a bad idea for lofts/bunks. Hardwood is so expensive though! Have you noticed any creaking or movement? I might still consider hardwood so I can use 1x’s to give it a cleaner look, but watching this makes me feel a little better about using 2x’s.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

No reason why pine lumber wouldn’t work great for you same as me. Never a single issue on my end. Good luck with your build and circle back and let me know how it goes! 👍🏻

[@ehronw7565]

Awesome instructions. I might have missed it, but what was the purpose of the miters on the ends of the side panel supports that you added?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Just liked the look, no reason structurally / functionally. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@ruphay2531]

Buenos días. Excelente trabajo, muy bonito, practico y funcional. Me gustaría saber las medidas y dimensiones del mueble. La mediada y el tipo de tornillos que usted utiliza? Mil gracias por su amable respuesta y saludos de Lima, Perú.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

¡Gracias por ver! Enlace a los planes para la cama aquí - Enlace a los planes aquí - www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/camp-loft-bed-stair-junior-height. Modifiqué un poco la compilación, así que esté atento a esos cambios en mi video. Utilizamos algunos tipos diferentes de tornillos, pero para el ensamblaje principal, usamos tornillos de agujero de bolsillo de 2-1 / 2 pulgadas. La plantilla de bolsillo que utilicé puede comprarla aquí: www.masscaproducts.com.

[@andrewhayhurst6934]

Do you think this would be sturdy enough for 300 lbs? I'm a big guy and would probably climb in and read to my kiddo. I was thinking about using 4x4s for the legs but was wondering if that's even necessary.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I lay up there with my kids for book time as well, my son weighs 80lbs and me about 210lbs - so I’m getting to right to 300lbs. We’ve built two of these beds now, both have held up well with my mods. I also have those extra brackets added already. The 4x4 legs would be a good consideration, and maybe some additional supports under the mattress plywood - good luck with the building

[@kellyeileen8537]

Do you have the break down Of the sizes you cut of each of the woods and how many?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

The plans should be linked in the description for you - if not please reach back out. They have a full cut list for you included. Thanks!!

[@Peladrake]

What do you do if you don't have a brad nailer? Is there something else I can use?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

You could use screws or hand nail those sections. Screws would be exposed head though, so depending on how you want it to look.

[@jimbarron6215]

Where do you get the LED strips for under the bed

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I think we ordered off amazon, and they are a “rope light” style. I used some coaxial cable staples to attach to the bed underneath. The switch I mounted for the lights is linked here -> Cordinate, White/Gray, Designer Switch Plug with Braided Cord, 6 Ft Long Power Cable, for Tabletop or Wall Mount, Perfect for Lamps/Seasonal Lights, 3 Prong, Slip Resistant Base, 41095 www.amazon.com/dp/B07KFMNJLH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_W9ofFbE21FG7G

[@patrickmclaughlind.c.7141]

How thick was the plywood you used? I would assume at least 5/8"?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

It was 1/2” I believe, been a while since I built it. May have been 5/8” hoping I mention it. I did add some support brackets so look out for that as well - it’s a great bed, we built 2 of them one for each kid. I slept on it with them many times, and with my weight added it was all good. Wishing you luck on the build!

[@mwfeatherston]

How thick was the plywood you used? 1/2 or 3/4? Thanks for posting the build. I’m doing the same thing this weekend.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Nice!! Sorry for the delayed response - I used 1/2” plywood for ours, and I bought the pre-sanded type to save some time. It’s worked out great so far!! Circle back if you don’t mind and share your experience! Good luck on your build!

[@mwfeatherston]

Tough Guys TV thanks. Will do. I have some 3/4 but don’t want to add a bunch of unnecessary weight.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

That was my thought as well. Hope the build goes great!! 💪🏻

[@gottabdcheese]

I went with the 1/2” as well. But when my son moves around I see a lot of flex in the plywood....makes me nervous. Regretting not going 3/4”. I may add a cross support or add supports at the head and foot.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Definitely add some support if needed no doubt!!

[@Reviews-Tidbits]

I just did my first review on the massca..

[@TheToughGuysTV]

It's a great pocket hole jig setup! Glad you have one!

[@omayraroman210]

Can you please help me with figuring out mods for a queen size. I want to make this for my 10 yr. I don’t have any previous experience.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

The length front to back should be the same, but expanding to the width of a Queen size mattress, you'd probably need to have much better overall support. I did not create these plans for myself, I go them per the link in the description. My suggestion would be to search online for 'Queen Size Loft Bed Plans' and see what you can find. Good luck and thanks for reaching out!

[@khirtcano646]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@TheToughGuysTV]

🙏🏻

[@jonathanmason7788]

Hi, What diameter screws did you use? Thanks

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I think the screws were #10 not positive on that to be honest, I don't have the boxes any longer. Thanks for checking out the video - I hope it was helpful to you!

[@jonathanmason7788]

@@TheToughGuysTV I have gone for #10's I have just finished, cutting, drilling and sanding all the pieces. Making a slight alteration for the ladder by going side mounted. Really helpful video.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks so much! So glad it helped out! If you are on Instagram and you post a photo of the finished product tag me if you don’t mind - would love to check out the build! 💪🏻 @toughguystv over there

Just found your channel and overall liked the video. Your voice is hard to hear in a lot of parts compared to loud saw noise and banjo music.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks for the feedback Greg! Right now I still record everything with my iphone, hoping to step up my audio game this year and get a mic rig. Not to mention, editing! 🙌🏻 I appreciate the comment and thanks for checking out the video!! 💪🏻

@@TheToughGuysTV I was also watching in bed with volume low which didn't help. And the TV in that room sucks for audio levels!

[@jimbarron6215]

Where did you get the brackets for the loft bed

[@TheToughGuysTV]

The small “L” brackets we got at Lowe’s it Home Depot, not exactly sure - could have also been Ace hardware. Pretty much every hardware store sells something like them dmso should not be hard to find. Good luck on your build! 💪🏻

[@jimbarron6215]

Tough Guys TV thanks took your advice on the cleats for the side rails

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Nice!!! I’m hoping people will keep sharing their ideas and process too, so thanks for commenting. It’s already a solid bed build, but tweaking a few small things made it much better in my opinion. Did you add anything or change anything additionally??

[@garethbrierley5364]

Are pocket holes screws strong enough? Or are additional fixings required?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I have glue in combination with pocket holes / screws and I also added some support brackets to be extra safe. Also, for the rails that hold the plywood under the mattress, those are secured with glue and 12 or so, wood screws all the way down each side.

[@rjkevin4]

What nails did you use for the platform

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I didn’t nail down the plywood the mattress rests on, no need to do so plus I can easily swap it for any reason. Thanks for checking out the video!! 🙏🏻

[@rjkevin4]

@@TheToughGuysTV sorry, I meant the platform to climb on with the 12 2x4

[@TheToughGuysTV]

No worries!! I think I used 2-1/2in straight nails in the air nailer - apologies if I didn’t mention in the video! Could have been Brad nails - I don’t recall directly.

[@frankcastle6298]

What dimensions did you cut the plywood

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Should be on the plans linked in the description but if not, reply back or email me and I’ll grab the measurement for you. 💪🏻

[@frankcastle6298]

@@TheToughGuysTV I have the plans and watched your video multiple times lol but the plans don't say exactly, I'm guessing '75x'39 but I could be wrong

[@nabalshah]

Hi , may i know what type of wood were you using?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

We just used select pine 2x4s / 2x6s and I ripped down the 2x4s to make my 2x2s - I think I detail one video - thanks!

[@nabalshah]

@@TheToughGuysTV great info. im thinking to use 2x2 for my loft bed legs. Does it steady enough?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I don’t think I’d go with 2x2s .. I don’t think it would be sturdy enough to hold all that weight. Might be wobbly or break - that’s my two cents - good luck!

[@nabalshah]

@@TheToughGuysTV thanks for your advice. This video really inspired me to have my own self made loft bed.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Definitely go for it!! Circle back and let us know how it turns out!

[@Rww930]

I see these plans nowhere at Ana White

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Link in description ...... www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/camp-loft-bed-stair-junior-height