Students must document brand and type of fire retardant covering applied to raw wood. Fire retardant products are available from or can be ordered through most paint stores and lumber yards. These instructions are intended to help you design and build secure and fire safe lofts for your residence hall room. The techniques and designs in this guide are suggestions that are based on proven effectiveness. The deck is the horizontal surface or platform.
Supports are the vertical members designed to hold the deck and completed loft.
Cross supports are used for stability and reduction of wobble. Cross beams are horizontal members attached to the cross supports, designed to hold the deck and deck joists. They must be bolted to the supports. Screws are recommended for attaching these joists. Cleats are beams running parallel with the cross beams and are used to support desk joists.