Riley's bed

This is a true "Bed Breaking" story
This is the story of Riley's bed.

Last week a gentleman from Texas (photo right) contacted us about making him a bed. A big bed. A real big bed. He had broken three in the last seven years, one even made of iron. He thought it was time for something a little more substantial to carry him through to retirement. 
A little embarrassing having to go into a shop at the age of 90 claiming you have broken your bed again.  
You would probably get arrested for assault with a dead weapon.

Best get a real one now! Good thinking Riley!

We do not generally make to order. What we like to do is make something we like, If you like, you buy. Riley liked this idea and we gave him first option.  If he likes it when it is finished, it's his. If not, I know someone out there has the same problems as Riley. Otherwise I am happy to keep them both.

It took me a few days to think of a design for a bed that not even a Texan could break.  Looks like he's already broken the horse.

What a challenge for me.

I was so exited about what I came up with I decided to make two. Just in case Riley did take one. I wanted one,
There's just something I  love about the idea of " trying to break a bed". 
I'll keep you posted!!

Today the wood arrived.  Today is 17th April 2002

I expect to make this bed in 6 months.

This will be a pictorial history of what will now be known Riley's bed

Bet you can't break this one Riley!

P.S. I think air freight maybe a little pricey for this one. I'm only guessing but I would expect this to weigh in excess of a ton when finished! Maybe more.
Better in a container.

 

Follow our progress

Day 1

Day 100

The wood arrives from Mombasa.
It is mahogany and it is from The Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has travelled more than 2,000 miles to get here.		 The beams were 18 feet long X 22inches x 14 inches. We cut the first into three equal planks.
The planks are now 4 inches thick and 22 inches wide. These pieces will be our headboards
The beam you see here on the ground will be just one of the four posts They started out at 14 inches x 13 inches.
Finished they will be around 12 x 12 square. 8 foot high
It took 15 people just to get one of these off the truck. Apart from having the biggest beam split at a sawmill in Mombasa, there will be no more electricity used in the making of these beds.

All the wood you see here will go to make just 2 beds. One for me, maybe one for Riley. Next week I will put up some more pages showing the progress of a bed I expect will end up as a future antique from Africa. Keep tuned.
Next

Check our other big beds.