Self-built Loft Specifications

Residents who want to build a loft of their own design (not an approved kit or our specifications) must present a detailed drawing of the plan to Housing and Dining Services for approval prior to construction. For more information, visit www.studentprograms.vt.edu/movein/lofts.php.

Lofting Configurations 

Lofts must be placed in a safe configuration in the room. Students may not connect or place lofts beside each other to create a platform or double bed, as there is a potential for the lofts to separate and the student to fall. Students are not allowed to mechanically connect the lofts in such a configuration (whether personal, rented, or using pre-existing furniture in the room). University-owned furniture cannot be altered or damaged. The residence life and housing staff may require students to adjust, remove, or reconfigure furniture at their discretion if there is a possibility of danger to the residents, the furnishing of the room, or the facility.

If help is needed to assemble a wooden loft after move-in, residents can submit a request for assistance by entering an online work request at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/facilities.php.

Disassembly and Removal

We encourage residents to disassemble their lofts prior to the exam period to avoid noise and disturbing their roommate/hallmates. Rented lofts typically are required to be returned prior to the exam period by the vendor.

Residents will be held responsible and liable for any damages to room or room furniture. Residents will be billed for failure to properly reassemble the University's bunk beds in the room, and/or for failure to remove loft materials upon check-out. Loft materials must be removed from the room and returned to the rental company, taken to an approved trash pick-up site or taken home.

Safety

It is unsafe and residents are not permitted to remove the lower bed frame and mattress from a bunk bed to create a "loft" effect. The bunk bed frame is only stable when fully assembled with both beds.

Do NOT decorate lofts with flammable materials, fabric, or paper.

Do NOT position the loft so that it blocks a door, window, or heater.

All rented/purchased loft kits must be arranged in an L, T, or side-by-side configuration unless a diagonal brace is used on the end opposite the ladder.

Include a ladder on the end of each loft and attach it.

Tighten all bolts regularly on wooden lofts.

Be sure to note the proximity of the loft bed to sprinkler systems and smoke alarms.

Rules and regulations help protect residents from accidents; however, residents use lofts at their own risk. Virginia Tech is not responsible for injury resulting from the construction or use of any lofts.

Storage

Storage space in the residence halls is NOT provided for lofts, beds, or other furniture. All bed frames, springs, desks, dressers, chairs, and other furniture must remain in the residents' assigned rooms – including bed ends. Students will be charged a fee to locate and reinstall missing items or to replace any missing items at the end of year. Lofts, other furniture, and personal belonging are not permitted to be stored in the residence halls over the summer.

Building Your Own Loft

If residents want to build their own loft, it must meet the specifications of Housing and Dining Services. If the loft is one of your own design, the resident must present a detailed drawing of the plan to Housing and Dining Services for approval prior to construction.

All University policies must be observed while building and using a loft. Rules and inspections help protect residents from accidents; however, residents use lofts at their own risk. Virginia Tech is not responsible for injury resulting from the construction or use of lofts.

Materials

• Uprights must be 4" x 4" (nominal) lumber or larger.
• Inside rails must be 2" x 6" (nominal) lumber or larger.
• Outside rails must be 2" x 4" (nominal) lumber or larger.
• Lumber must be standard kiln-dried of construction grade or better.
• Mattress support area must firmly support bunk bedsprings. 5/8" plywood may be used as a deck to support the mattress. Deck must be connected to frame with wood screws (1-1/2"). Screws must be driven to full depth to prevent resident injury and mattress damage. Use 1" x 3" (nominal) lumber braces (slats) spaced no more than 24" apart to support the deck (minimum of 3 braces).
• Fasteners must be through-bolts with washers at all connections.

Size Limitations

Mattress support area must be no closer than 30" to the ceiling and no more than 6' from the floor. Ceiling heights vary; measure your room.
Construction of Lofts

While building, DO NOT block hallways, doors, or windows with any lumber or furniture. DO NOT build or take down the loft during residence hall Quiet Hours. All cutting, sawing, painting or staining must be done outside the residence hall. Loft must be free-standing, self-supporting, and not attached to walls, ceiling, floor or other furniture or blocks.

List of Specifications

Specifications

• All 2" x 4" fastened with one bolt at each end.
• All 2" x 6" fastened with two bolts at each end.
• Use construction grade, solid, continuous lumber.

Diagrams

3-D view of an assembled loft (with dimensions)

Top, side and front views of an assembled loft (with dimensions)

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