NC State University

Wooden Structures - Lofts

REG 11.30.5

University Housing

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Authority: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

History: First Issued: October 1, 2002.

Contact Info: University Housing (919)-515-2440.

1. Introduction

Understanding the need of students to personalize their living environments, University Housing permits the use of wooden structures in residence halls. The following guidelines are intended to provide, to the student, the requirements and procedures for the construction of lofts, and other items not already supplied by University Housing. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of all members of the residence hall community.

Please carefully read the following information completely before submitting a design plan and beginning construction. All construction must be performed in accordance with these guidelines. The University is not responsible for injuries to either the occupants of the room or their guests during and/or after the completion of the construction of the wooden structure.

2. Definition

A wooden structure is defined as ANY structure made of wood built by or brought into the residence halls by students (i.e., lofts, bookshelves, tables, etc.). Any lofts made of material other than wood must also meet the requirements outlined in this policy.

3. Deadlines

3.1. Design Plans - Only approved designs are permitted to be built. If your wooden structure design differs from one of the approved styles in the appendix or is an alteration of one of these designs, then a design plan must be submitted to University Housing Facilities, 01 Lee Hall. The design plan must include details of the type of materials (e.g., 2x4, 4x4, 2x6, etc.) and joints (e.g., lap, butt, mitered, etc.) used. The deadline for the alternative plans to be submitted to University Housing Facilities will be provided and is typically within the first ten (10) days of classes.

3.2. Permit - Part of the process includes the submission of a wooden structure permit form to your Residence Adviser (RA). The submission of the permit and all construction must be completed within the first two weeks of the semester. A specific date for completion will be provided.

3.3. Removal - All wooden structures that require dismantling must be removed by 5:00 PM Friday before the beginning of finals week of the semester the student plans to leave University Housing. This will enable students to concentrate on studying for their exams without the noise required to dismantle and remove the wooden structure(s).

4. Specifications

4.1. Construction

4.1.1. The main supports must be built of 4x4s or two 2x4s bolted together. The entire height of the structure will be in unbroken lengths. Four (4) columns or more must be used to give initial support to the bed frame(s). Upper deck materials can be made of either 2x4s or 2x6s, depending on length.

4.1.2. The frame of the bed must rest on the main supports. A cross brace for the frame must be used every two feet.

4.1.3. All major supports should be through-bolted or lag screwed with 5/16" hardware minimum. All other joints (decorative finished, cross members, "X", "V", or parallel supports) can be secured with nails.

4.1.4. "X", "V", or parallel type bracing must be used to give the bed additional support. The cross bracing of the support or the columns must be done with 2x4 lumber.

4.1.5. The construction must place the support surface for the mattress 36 inches or more from the ceiling. The top of the mattress or other sleeping surface must be at least 32 inches from the ceiling. Water beds/mattresses are NOT permitted.

4.1.6. Only 1/2" or thicker plywood may be used and should function solely to support the mattress. The plywood support for a matress may be cut into 2 pieces provided that the cut lies over one of the mattress supports.

4.1.7. A ladder is not necessary for the standard and "L" shaped bunk beds. A ladder must be incorporated in a structure higher than a standard bunk bed. The ladder may be either part of the structure itself (as in the parallel supports) or it may be detached and set at an angle to the structure.

4.2. Requirements

4.2.1. The construction of the wooden structure must be free standing, not nailed, bolted, or otherwise permanently affixed to the walls, floor, ceiling, or other furniture and/or fixtures.

4.2.2. The wooden structure may not take up more than 50% of the usable floor space in the room. (Floor space in the closets and bathrooms is not considered to be usable.) Raised floors are NOT allowed under any circumstances.

4.2.3. The construction should neither restrict exit from the windows or doors of the room, nor should it impede any normal operation.

4.2.4. The construction should not interfere with access to the heating/ventilating units, plumbing, electrical outlets or other fixtures in the room. Existing attached room fixtures (drapery rods, telephone outlets, heating/ventilating units, etc.) are not to be removed, relocated, or modified in any way.

4.2.5. There is to be no change in the permanently installed electrical system and electrical wiring is not to be included in or attached to the wooden structure.

4.2.6. The following items are not to be included in the wooden structure: draperies, beads, parachutes, wallboard, and/or fishnet.

4.2.7. It is highly recommended that the wood to be used is stamped indicating that it is composed of flame resistant material; however, flame retarding lumber and wood which is dipped/coated with a UL Class "A" flame coating is acceptable.

4.2.8. Construction materials are not to be stored in common areas (hallways, stairwells, lounges, etc.). During construction all corridors, doorways, outlets, and window areas must be clear of materials and furnishings. Debris resulting from construction is to be removed from the building and placed in the proper waste containers. All of the above holds true for dismantling and removal of the structure.

4.2.9. NO UNIVERSITY OWNED PROPERTY (i.e., box beds, springs, etc.) MAY BE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OR SUPPORT OF A WOODEN STRUCTURE EXCEPT THE BED MATTRESS. ALL UNIVERSITY OWNED FURNISHINGS MUST REMAIN IN THEIR ORIGINAL ROOM.

4.2.10. Person(s) performing construction in the student rooms assume full responsibility for any damages to the room and premises.

4.2.11. No additions or alterations to the wooden structure are permitted after the final inspection.

4.3. Inspection

4.3.1. All wooden structures will be inspected by the Fire Protection Division - Public Safety to ensure that the structure meets the minimum standards and requirements and poses no threat to the safety of the residents in the building.

4.3.2. Those wooden structures that comply with all of the requirements will receive an approval sticker for the school year. This sticker must remain on the loft in a visible location for the entire school year.

4.3.3. The students whose wooden structures do not pass inspection will receive a form detailing the reasons that their structure failed. The students will be given the opportunity to correct any problems and the wooden structure will be re-inspected.

4.3.4. A student whose wooden structure construction, upon re-inspection, is found in noncompliance will be required to dismantle and remove the wooden structure from the building, immediately.

4.3.5. The residents of a room in which an unauthorized wooden structure is present must completely and immediately dismantle and remove the structure from the residence hall.

4.3.6. Each student who fails to remove a wooden structure when instructed to do so when vacating a room during the year, or who leaves the wooden structure in a room after the designated date for removal will be charged for removal and disposal costs.

4.3.7. Repair and/or replacement costs for damages resulting from the wooden structure to walls, ceilings, carpets, fixtures, and/or furnishings will be billed to the room residents.

4.3.8. Students will be informed of dates and times of their inspections at least 24 hours in advance.

For appendices including diagrams of acceptable designs, please contact the 24-hour service desk for your residence hall, or click here to view an Adobe Acrobat file.

Fill out a wooden structure permit. Must be completed within the first 10 days of the semester.