DIY Projects

Functional DIY Projects

Use this bed barrier to keep toddlers safe and prevent them from rolling out of bed. It consists of two sizes of timber – 44x22mm and 96x22mm.

When it comes to children, safety is always a priority, and taking two precautions too many rather than one too few is the rule when it comes to keeping scrapes and bruises to a minimum

CAUTION:
There is a caveat to this project, however the barrier is kept in place by the weight of the bed matress and the child’s weight when he or she is in bed. It should not therefore be used as a ladder to get into or out of bed.

Materials

SA pine – 44×22 – 3m; 144×22 – 1.83m; one pair 40mm butt hinges and screws; paint finish of your choice – we used a water-base signal red (available in small pots).

Method:

  1. Cut the 1.83m length of 96×22 SA pine in two and mark off each end using a suitable item – we used a varnish can.
    Bed Barrier Image 1
  2. Round off each end and then rout the top and bottom edges – the aim is to remove any sharp corners. Sand well by using a 60 – grit, then a 80 – grit, and further proceed with a 120-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface.
    Bed Barrier Image 2
  3. Cut two vertical supports, each 560mm long from 44×33, and rout the outer edges and the ends. Hint: When routing the ends, clamp them firmly between two offcuts to prevent any splintering of the ends.
    Bed Barrier Image 3
  4. The result – no splintering of the verticals supports
    Bed Barrier Image 4
  5. We also routed a curve in the gap between the upper and lower barriers.
    Bed Barrier Image 5
  6. Proceed by cutting a length of 10mm dowel into 65mm lengths – we find a pipe cutter works like a charm.
    Bed Barrier Image 6
  7. Measure 150mm from the 560mm under-mattress inserts, mark off the centreline and mark the positions for two dowels to fix in vertically.
    Bed Barrier Image 7
  8. Cut a 560mm brace and clamp it firmly to the one vertical – 150mm from the end.
    Bed Barrier Image 8
  9. Set a drill depth of 70mm using masking tape as shown.
    Bed Barrier Image 9
  10. Now drill as accurately as possible through the vertical and the brace.
    Bed Barrier Image 10
  11. Going back to the dowels, you can see what a clean cut the pipe-cutter achieve.
    Bed Barrier Image 11
  12. When drilling on each end of the brace it is likely to be a little different. Mark the first end A-A, with an arrow and the second with a B-B and an arrow, indicating which end to align with “under-mattress inserts”.
    Bed Barrier Image 12
  13. Insert glue between the surfaces including the dowel holes and tap the dowels into position – countersinking them by 2-3mm.
    Bed Barrier Image 13
  14. Fill the countersunk holes with filler, allow to dry and sand down.
    Bed Barrier Image 14
  15. We then painted the two assemblies. Once the paint was dry, we secured the 40mm hinges to the ends of the “under-mattress insert” as shown.Bed Barrier Image 15
  16. We attached the under-mattress inserts to the former, 370mm from the top of the barrier.
    Bed Barrier Image 16
  17. he bed barrier folds down and can be stored behind a door or in a cupboard.
    Bed Barrier Image 17

BED BARRIER
Bed Barrier Image Fin 1

Here it is in position and keeping the sleeper safe from rolling out of bed. The verticals bear against the bed base ensures that the barrier will be adequately braced against flexing outwards, while the under-mattress inserts and their brace prevent it sliding out.

Project guide

  • Difficulty: Beginner/Novice
  • Estimated time: 3 hours
  • Cost: R100-R150

These materials are available at Selected Mica Stores. To find out which is your closest Mica and whether or not they stock the items required, click here to find your nearest store, find your store and call them. If your local Mica does not stock exactly what you need they will be able to order it for you or suggest an alternative product or a reputable source.