Loft bed
 

Building a loft bed for my daughter.
Trying to figure out a way to recess the mattress into the frame.
So that we are not adding 4" under the mattress.
Need as much head room as possible as she is tall.
Thinking 2x4 on the flat for 'joists' with 3/8" plywood for under the mattress.
Then a 1x6 rail (rim joist) along the front of the mattress. With the 2x4 on the flat screwed into it flush along the bottom edge.

So really the weight is all on the screws.

What think ye?

Had another Idea.
Use angle iron on the inside of the 'rail' bolted to it. then 3/4" plywood would sit in that,

That might work----but the ply may sag a bit in the center after a while----

Back when I was a kid they had a strip of wood the slats set on or some beds had just the angle iron with slats. That angle iron was tempered pretty good though. If you have a box spring base you could use slats but depends on what type base you have if you can use slats or not.

Thinking no base, just the plywood.

is this sitting on the floor or elevated? if elevated can't you just make the legs shorter?
i'd go with the angle iron.

Elevated about 48-52" off the floor, Going to put bean bag chairs for her to sit under it.
one side and the one end will be attached to the wall, there will only be one leg.
Only 8' ceiling so I don't want to lose 2" (1.5" 2x4 on flat and plywood) to 6" (2x6 joists and plywood) for the base of the bed.

consider a futon frame
I did this in my mtn cabin and put a desk beneath it.
I used long wood screws to attach the futon frame to the wall and a 2x4 to support the inside edge. Angle iron would be even better.
Gary

If you have not bought the lumber, you might look into RTA kits (Ready to Assemble) that come pre-cut and with all the fasteners needed? Also look online for plans?

Any plans I have seen or kits at minimum 2" below the mattress I want say 3/4" - less would be better :)