Getting Started
Choosing a DIY BDSM Bed Playground System
Step 1
Choose a Bed Size
If you are replacing your existing bed, then you already have an idea of how the size will fit your space. Unless you're planning to change that, you can jump to Step 2.
When choosing your bed size, we suggest starting by measuring the size of your playroom. Make sure you have all the space you need to walk and play around at least 2 sides (if possible, 3 sides are better, if you want to be extra luxurious and have the space, keep all 4 sides open).
Start by measuring the room you need to comfortably walk alongside the bed, then measure the room you need to play with your partner(s) beside the bed.
Using those measurements, deduct them from the width and length of the room. This will give you an indication of the space you have to fit your BDSM bed. If you have a small space and don't plan to use the bed for daily sleeping, we recommend going with a smaller bed to give you more play-space around 3 or 4 sides.
The standard sizes are built to fit the following US/Canadian standard mattress sizes:
- Full/Double (54" x 75")
- Queen (60" x 80")
- King (76" x 80")
- California King (72" x 84").
Step 2
Choose a Bed Base Height
Bed base height affects the final height of the top of your mattress. The Standard bed height is 11" (including the 1.5" bed base, the bottom of your mattress will be at a height of 12.5"), so you can easily determine your final height by adding that to your mattress/box-spring height. The Standard 11" bed base should leave your mattress at the perfect sitting height, with no box spring. The higher you go, the more intrusive a box spring will feel. The bed playground system comes ready to use a plywood base so you can eliminate the box spring altogether. Remember that you can adjust the bed height any time in the future, but will need to cut the four under bed supports to lower, or purchase new, longer bed supports to raise it.
Raising the base makes room for some extra add-ons, like under-bed cages or storage. Once you've decided on your final bed base height, you can choose from a combination of add-ons, like a cage or storage (or both)! The options for bed height are Standard 11", Raised 18", High 24", or Extra High 30" (these measurements indicate the clearance from bottom of the frame to the floor - the mattress base will be 1.5" higher due to the bed base platform).
Step 3
Choose the Suspended Weight Rating
Now is the time to determine how much weight you want to suspend. Remember that it's easy to upgrade the weight rating in the future by purchasing upgraded suspension structural members, so don't be afraid to start light.
The Lite version of the Queen bed will safely carry the dynamic weight of up to 200lbs or 90kg, which is just about right for getting a taste of what suspension is all about. The individual load ratings for each bed size is unique, and is found in the description of each bed system.
There are 3 options for overhead suspension weight:
- Lite
- Regular
- Heavy-Duty.
The difference between the Light and the Regular is the internal thickness of the structural members. The difference between the Regular and the Heavy-Duty is a bit more obvious - the upper structural members are not only thicker than the Lite version, but they are double the height. This again approximately doubles the strength of the Heavy-Duty version from the Regular.
Note: The king bed is not available in Lite. To be safe, we factor in a margin of error 2-3 times the maximum weight rating, and the span of the King beds borders on that margin of safety. If you are curious to measure the weight rating of your bed system during use, read our Guide on How to: Measuring Specific Weight Maximums.
Curious about the strength of these materials? Read our summary and deflection comparison between each strength class.
Step 4
Choose a Suspension Rack Height
Finally, you get to determine the height of your suspension rack. We recommend starting by measuring the inside height of your room. Be sure to factor in electrical fixtures, like a light or ceiling fan. The options for Suspension Rack Heights are:
- Short 80"
- Regular 87"
- High 100".
In most cases, the Regular height of 87" should clear normal light fixtures in a room with 8' (96") ceilings. If you have 9' or higher ceilings and go with a Raised, High, or Extra High bed platform in Step 2, then you probably want to go with the High option here.
If you need to go higher, custom heights above 100" are available by special request.
Step 5
Accessorize the Bed!
Now comes the fun part! Whether or not you chose a higher bed base, you can add a fixed cage or fixed storage underneath. All bed designs can be raised with the included simple tools for add-ons in the future.
Other options include rolling queening/face-sitting benches that sit at the foot of the bed (or be stored underneath), side tables, dressers, and even spanking benches! Don't see an item you want? We have a long list of ideas on our design list, so let us know what's important to you and we may be able to shuffle it to the front of the line!
We also have extensive guides on how to dress your BDSM furniture up! From padded or upholstered headboards, to specialty wood finished footboards, our guides show you a number of ways to customize your furniture, and include:
- How to: Adding a Headboard, Footboard, Cladding and Upholstery
- How to: Webbing Slings for Custom Suspension
- How to: Movable Bolted Anchor Points
- How to: Attaching Toy Holders, Tables, and Other Toys (coming soon)
24" Under-Bed Cage
Queening Bench
30" Under-Bed Cage
