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Loft construction guidelines
Lofts or platforms are not allowed in Bolks Apartments, Smith Hall or Stegenga Hall. In all other residence halls or apartments, lofts or platforms are permitted if the following guidelines are adhered to:
- All plans or drawings must be cleared with the associate dean of residence life prior to construction.
- In order to extend the life of residence hall furniture, the use of college furniture in the building of the loft or platform is not allowed. Also, it may not be disassembled or removed from the room.
- The structure must be free standing and not fastened to the walls, floor, ceiling or any college furniture. In areas where the structure is close to or against walls, there must be protection to prevent damage.
- The use of concrete blocks or concrete products is prohibited.
- The maximum height allowed is 60 inches, and the structure must maintain 24 inches around all heating and cooling equipment.
- Lofts or platforms bearing the weight of one or more students require the following:
- Platform area will be no more than 50 percent of the square footage of the room.
- All legs and posts will be 4 x 4 or two 2 x 4s fastened together. All legs must be connected using half-inch bolts.
- Legs and posts over 24 inches will need corner supports at a 45° angle, at least 16 inches long.
- Platforms must be framed with 2-inch dimensional lumber on edge and on 16-inch center. Joist/frame/stringers require 2 inches by 4 inches, up to 80 inches. Anything over 80 inches requires 2 x 6 lumber.
- All connections of framing should use 3-inch hardened wood screws. Drywall screws are not allowed. Decking must be three-quarters-inch plywood fastened with one-and-a-half-inch hardened screws 12 inches on center. No nails are allowed.
- Failure to adhere to these policies could result in being required to disassemble the loft or platform. Students will be charged for any damage to college property as a result of the construction.
Download loft/platform construction form (PDF)
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 Student life |
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