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How to create a bed from an old ship

Step 1

How to create a bed from an old ship How to create a bed from an old ship

Sand the ship

Start by getting an old ship (Image 1). Check a local shipyard or salvage yard. Sand the boat to a smooth finish (Image 2).

Note: Make sure the interior is wide and long enough to accommodate a standard double mattress.

Step 2

How to create a bed from an old ship

Build the frame

Build the frame that will support the mattress inside the ship's hull. Using 2 x 4's, create the frame with two shorter pieces on the ends and two longer pieces on each side. Don't forget to add three cross members in the middle for extra support. Screw all the pieces together to create the shape of the frame. Make sure the screws are long enough to go through both pieces of wood.

Step 3

How to create a bed from an old ship

Measure the plywood

Measure a piece of plywood for the mattress size frame. To make the cut easier, pull out a chalk line to follow with the circular saw.

Stage 4

How to create a bed from an old ship

Cut the plywood

Cut the plywood to size and fix it to the frame with screws.

Step 5

How to create a bed from an old ship How to create a bed from an old ship

Put the boat in the bedroom

If the boat won't fit through the bedroom door, cut it in half. Once you're in the room (Image 1), snap the two halves back together using heavy-duty brackets (Image 2).

Pro Tip

Be sure to measure the dimensions of the boat before bringing it up the stairs.

Step 6

How to create a bed from an old ship How to create a bed from an old ship

Add feet to the boat

With the hull removed, it actually gives the boat more stability as it rests on the floor. To make the bed more secure and prevent it from rocking, add four 4 x 4 feet just below the two benches for the boat to rest on (Image 1). First, place each of the four feet under the seats and drill a hole through the seats and into the 4x4 (Image 2).

Step 7

How to create a bed from an old ship

Secure the feet

Secure the feet to the bench seats with screws.

Step 8

How to create a bed from an old ship How to create a bed from an old ship

Secure the mattress frame

Insert the mattress frame and secure it to the boat with screws (Image 1), placing them at a 45 degree angle (Image 2).