This site shows the design, analysis, and build process for two latex beds. All components of the bed are important for comfort and longevity. The frame needs to be completely flat and rigid to support the latex. Also, it must allow air flow to the bottom of the latex. Another criterion is that it does not harbor dust and mildew.
The latex needs to be contained in a shell. This is accomplished with a zipper case. The preferred materials for the case are cotton, wool, polyester fiber fill, and rayon. The case should be a snug fit to the latex. The thickness, strechiness, and snugness all affect the feel of the latex.
The cover is the final layer. It needs to be removable and washable. It also is made from the same materials as the case.
The latex needs to be contained in a shell. This is accomplished with a zipper case. The preferred materials for the case are cotton, wool, polyester fiber fill, and rayon. The case should be a snug fit to the latex. The thickness, strechiness, and snugness all affect the feel of the latex.
The cover is the final layer. It needs to be removable and washable. It also is made from the same materials as the case.
King Bed Frame
Native tulip top boards with clear urethane
13 slats 3.5" wide, 1-1/8" thick, recycle white pine
Balance of frame recycle southern pine and douglas fir
Nylon 1/16" skid pads on the bottom of the legs
Native tulip top boards with clear urethane
13 slats 3.5" wide, 1-1/8" thick, recycle white pine
Balance of frame recycle southern pine and douglas fir
Nylon 1/16" skid pads on the bottom of the legs
Foam from KTT Enterprises
LI Blended Talalay
Top Layer: 28 ILD, 2"- (LI testing says this is 26 ILD)
32 ILD, 2"
36 ILD, 2"- (LI testing says this is 37 ILD)
Bottom Layer: 40-44 ILD, 2"
This latex combination is on the firm side, but still exceptable for side sleeping. It is great for back and belly sleeping
LI Blended Talalay
Top Layer: 28 ILD, 2"- (LI testing says this is 26 ILD)
32 ILD, 2"
36 ILD, 2"- (LI testing says this is 37 ILD)
Bottom Layer: 40-44 ILD, 2"
This latex combination is on the firm side, but still exceptable for side sleeping. It is great for back and belly sleeping
Vertical deflection with 400 lbs on each half section
Maximum is ~ 0.015"
The old spring mattress improved to bearable when the old box springs
were replaced with this.
Maximum is ~ 0.015"
The old spring mattress improved to bearable when the old box springs
were replaced with this.
Bamboo cover from Arizona Premium
Bamboo is chemically converted to rayon and blended with cotton to make a soft, compliant membrane. The wool padding is very breathable.
Bamboo is chemically converted to rayon and blended with cotton to make a soft, compliant membrane. The wool padding is very breathable.
Bamboo, polyester pad from Exceptional Sheets
The polyester padding is very resiliant and about 1" thick, uncompressed. This is a good match to the firm latex and the wool case.
The polyester padding is very resiliant and about 1" thick, uncompressed. This is a good match to the firm latex and the wool case.
This is a spread sheeet that compaes the compression of three different mattresses. Mattress A uses 6" of the extra-extra firm talalay as a base. Mattress B is the King mattress above. Mattress C is the Queen size on the frame below.
Below is the build process for the queen sized support frame.
Urethane finish
Wood Stain
Wood Glue
Wood Stain
Wood Glue
White painted wood is 1.2x7.2 pine. It will be used for the slats.
The frame is made from 2x6 and 2x8 Douglas Fir recycled lumber.
The frame is made from 2x6 and 2x8 Douglas Fir recycled lumber.
The side rails are ripped to 5.0 wide.
The inner rails that support the slats are ripped to 3.9 wide
Next, this lumber will be run through the thickness planar.
After planing the wood will be perfect for gluing and finishing.
.0
The inner rails that support the slats are ripped to 3.9 wide
Next, this lumber will be run through the thickness planar.
After planing the wood will be perfect for gluing and finishing.
.0
The frame rails are on the left and the top tulip is on the right.
The framing is planed to 5.0x1.44 and 3.9x1.44. It still needs to be cut to length.
The tulip will cover the exterior of the frame and be used for the simple headboard.
The framing is planed to 5.0x1.44 and 3.9x1.44. It still needs to be cut to length.
The tulip will cover the exterior of the frame and be used for the simple headboard.
Post cores are planed to 2.88 square by 17.0 long.
These will be cover with tulip (popular).
These will be cover with tulip (popular).
The slats are planed to 1.10x3.5. They still need to be cut to length, strained and sealed with urethane.
Time spent up to this point is ~11 hours.
Time spent up to this point is ~11 hours.
The post corners were milled flush and a 1/4" radius was milled into the side corners and bottom corners. They were then sanded clean.
Glue Tulip to post core
Start by glueing and screwing the 5.0 frame boards. Must use a big square and measure the diagonals.
Post attached with deck screws and glue
Frame is starting to look like something.
Estimated time so far is 25 hours. At $30 /hr this would get very expensive. It is much smarter to buy a good bed frame and work longer at your day job.
Estimated time so far is 25 hours. At $30 /hr this would get very expensive. It is much smarter to buy a good bed frame and work longer at your day job.
Tulip finish boards glued and tack to the base frame.
Nylon pads glued with constructional adhesive to the bottom of the legs. This prevents statching wood floors and will slide easily.
Finished after more than 40 hours effort.