Making Table Top and Bed Frame

[Bec]

I need to make a table top which will drop down to make a bed using existing dinette seating. What is the best, light weight, wood to use? Not to expensive, that I can find easily (I live about an hour north of Melbourne)

Also want to put in a light weight double bed with storage underneath. For the top I am planning to use a metal frame with slats (but without the legs). Need to know what wood I can make the frame for the base from (preferably purchasing from Bunnings or local hardware store).

Will use gas struts and hinges. Any advice would be appreciated. Conscious of weight, and not over capitalising.

FYI - it’s a 1977 York. Thanks

[snoops]

Hi Bec, I’d use a good bit of plywood for the table top. This would be cheap, easy to obtain and strong. With a good sanding and a couple of coats of paint, it would look good too. It’s not the lightest though, but needs the strength for its application, so I’d go around 10mm for this.

All the bed frames I’ve made have been out of 38x19 pine with thin 3mm ply wood secured to the pine frame for strength. You can then end up with a light but strong structure.

[Bec]

Thanks Snoops. Very much appreciated.