Such a functional thing as a podium, there is a place in almost any apartment. We spoke in detail about its functions and tasks in the articles "" and "", and mentioned it as good decision for the nursery, bedroom, kitchen, and even innumerable times.
Podium types
Podiums have different heights. At very low levels, a kitchen or a bath is often placed for the convenience of hidden communications. This type of podium also serves to delimit functional areas in large rooms or studio apartments, or to create a visual accent. The bed and drawers are hidden in the higher podiums, and the rest of the furniture is placed on top; it happens and vice versa: the mattress is placed on the podium, and inside they only store something. The highest podiums are often found in the nursery: a whole closet can fit inside, and on the second floor you get an excellent bedroom or study area - a kind of replacement for a loft bed or purchased sets of children's furniture.
The podium does not have to be large in size: the compact version looks great by the window or on the balcony - with a mattress and pillows on top and useful storage containers inside. You can even apply knowledge on the arrangement of podiums to create a functional sofa or base with drawers for the bed.
materials
The following requirements are imposed on the materials for the podium: reliability (to withstand furniture and people), lightness (not to give a strong load on the floors) and the absence of unpleasant sounds when walking on the podium.
The most durable podiums have a concrete base, but this solution is not suitable for apartments: the weight of the structure is simply enormous. Therefore, the frame of the podium in urban conditions is made of the following materials:
- Wooden bars. Sometimes they are supplemented with supporting columns made of bricks.
- Metallic profile. Withstands heavy loads, but costs more. metal structure still complemented by a bar.
- Foam blocks. Lighter than concrete and provide high structural strength.
Sheathe the podium with plywood, and put the selected finishing material on top: almost any flooring from tiles to carpet.
Preparation
First, decide on the type of podium, placement and size. You will need a diagram that takes into account the dimensions and additional elements such as drawers or a pull-out bed. Without proper experience, it is difficult to draw a drawing on your own, so you can turn to professionals for advice or take a suitable one on the Internet and modify it a bit. Here are a few for example:
It is also necessary to roughly calculate the amount of material and purchase it. IN classic version for a wooden podium, a bar of 30x40 mm and 50x50 mm and plywood of 10 mm and 20 mm are suitable. Plus, you will need a set of carpentry tools and consumables:self-tapping screws, anchors, dowel-nails, simple and reinforced mounting angles.
If your design contains retractable elements, you need the appropriate fittings or ready-made boxes / bed for podiums. The easiest way to make a storage location with hinged lid on top, but it will not be very convenient.
Do-it-yourself podium for a bed: note
- To make the podium even, draw a level line on the wall before starting work.
- Leave a gap of 2-3 mm between plywood sheets: the material expands with changes in temperature and humidity.
- The strength of the structure is added by a decrease in the step between the supports in the frame - the optimal distance is not more than 40 cm.
- It is better to fill the voids in the podium with construction wool or foam in order to avoid the booming sound from steps and the creaking of the frame.
- Materials for the podium in the wet area, especially foam blocks, additionally require serious waterproofing.
Master classes
These three videos show the construction of podiums that differ in design or materials. For example, in latest video the creative craftsman made a podium using IKEA kitchen cabinets, which greatly simplified his work.
Quartblog Digest
All about neat and convenient storage bedding at home: best places and the most useful life hacks.
In this collection, we have collected for you examples of bedrooms and beds with catwalks.
Interesting ways to visually separate the bed from the rest of the space.
IN small apartment with an area of 42.9 m², it was important for the designers of the Geometrium workshop to place all the functionality, while maintaining space and airiness.
Platform beds are suitable for those who want to save space in the bedroom and take advantage of the storage space that has appeared.
Photos: howmeb.com, ik-architects.com, whoovie.com, pinterest.com, homester.com.ua, happymodern.ru
Many faced the inconvenience of organizing the space of an apartment, especially this issue concerns those who have a small living space. There are many design solutions to give your apartment the desired look: removing a wall, or vice versa, making it in the right place for you, there are no particular difficulties, but before you decide on any cardinal changes, it is worth considering all options for the reorganization of living space.
To create a cozy atmosphere in the house, many problems will not be, the main thing is to approach this issue with responsibility. For example, for space zoning, you can make a podium instead of a wall or a screen. This option will be able to visually isolate the desired part of the apartment, and at the same time not reduce the size and so small house or apartments.
What is a podium
The podium is a raised part of the floor, it has a height of 20 to 50 cm. Thanks to the podium, you can delimit the room space, zone the kitchen from the living room, and also thanks to the raised surface you get a box for storing your things.
Negative sides of the podium
There are negative aspects of the podium that you need to be aware of. Firstly, the podium will reduce the space from floor to ceiling, indoors with low ceilings it is better to refuse the podium. Secondly, the podium should visually stand out, because if you make it invisible, even with a small height, you can constantly bruise.
Podium - its characteristics and types
There are two types of podium: monolithic and frame. The monolithic floor is made from cement screed, as a rule, such a podium is not installed in apartments due to the large weight, especially since a useful niche for storing things with a monolithic floor will not work.
The frame floor is the most acceptable option, it is easy to manufacture and also suitable for storing things.
Weight distribution on the podium
One of the most important issues in the manufacture of a podium in an apartment is the distribution of the load on the podium. Before you start work, indicate what exactly the podium is for, if furniture will be placed on it, you need to count on its weight.
With a maximum load on the podium of approximately 200 to 300 kg per square meter for the frame, you need to use a beam with a cross section of 50 to 70 mm. If the podium is designed only for people, without any furniture, the approximate load on the podium will be 150 kg per square meter, in which case a beam for the frame with a section of 40 mm can be used.
The process of creating a podium at home
First of all, you need to dismantle the old floor covering, as it also affects the load. You can skip this step if you wish, but keep in mind that the old flooring will take precious centimeters, this is especially important if the room has a low ceiling.
Next, you need to make the podium frame itself. The procedure is not complicated, the boards are installed at right angles to each other and fixed with nails. The frame can be made on your own at home, or you can buy it ready-made from the master.
From above, the frame is sheathed with material made of plywood or OSB-board, it is possible with other tiled material at your own discretion. To sheathe the frame with tiles, you need to drill holes in the tile and frame and fasten them together with screws.
On last step any coating that you have chosen is laid on the podium. Thus, following clear instructions, you can make a podium yourself, there should not be any difficulties.
DIY podium photo
Many motorists prefer to listen to the radio or their favorite tracks while driving. Wherein Special attention paid to the quality of acoustics in the car. Not always a full-time speaker system allows you to embody all the subtleties of your favorite composition in a high-quality way. Therefore, in some cases, in order to improve sound quality, motorists resort to easy way- trying to make podiums for speakers with their own hands.
Modern fashion for car audio
Today, most modern Vehicle equipped with standard speakers. However, lovers of loud music in cars often do not like their sound, so they buy speakers bigger size. In this case, a problem of a different kind arises - how to install large-sized equipment in the cabin so that, on the one hand, not to interfere with passengers, and on the other hand, to create a really clear sound?
One of the common ways to solve the problem is the manufacture of podiums for speakers. They are not only able to improve the sound quality, but also bring the performance of the speaker system to a whole new level.
DIY acoustic shelf allows you to mount speakers different sizes and forms
What are podiums
The acoustic podium is the base for the speaker, thanks to which it is fixed in the desired position. The podium serves as a fastener for the speaker, for example, in a car door or pillar.
Those speakers that are built into the podiums give a completely different sound: richer and deeper, with clearly distinguishable high and low frequencies.
What are speaker shelves used for?
We can say that the podium performs several functions in the car interior at once:
- the variety of appearance of the catwalks helps to hide the unattractive acoustic system or underline strengths salon design;
- expands the acoustic capabilities of the speakers in the cabin;
- podiums can be made from various materials and decorate them with leather, wood, velor and other types of finishing fabrics to create a unique interior;
- in podiums of complex shape, it is easy to place non-standard and large-sized speakers, for example, a horn.
What are the podiums
Podiums are divided into only two types: external and internal.
External can be considered podiums that are mounted directly in the passenger compartment - for example, on the rear shelf. However, most often, motorists use internal podiums in the doors of a car to better fix the speaker and improve the sound character.
Traditionally, most cars already have regular speakers or holes for them. Usually their sizes depend on the brand of the car. Domestic-made cars are characterized by speakers with a diameter of 130 mm. Foreign cars can have built-in podiums of larger sizes - 160, 200 and even 250 mm.
Speakers on car doors are usually round or oval in shape. Depending on the model of the car, the podiums must take this feature into account. In general, the shape of the podium can be absolutely any, since the main purpose of this element is to securely fix the speaker in order to give volume and purity of sound.
Round speakers of different sizes can be installed in the doors of any car
How to make universal speaker stands
In most cases, you can do without investing in the purchase of factory podiums, and make the element yourself. This is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.
To successfully make a podium, you will need the following materials:
- plywood 6–8 mm thick;
- degreaser;
- cardboard;
- mounting foam;
- putty;
- glue;
- epoxy adhesive;
- kapron tights;
- dye;
- fabrics or leather for covering.
In order to put your idea into practice without much difficulty, it is best to prepare in advance necessary tools:
- scissors;
- hacksaw / jigsaw;
- pencil;
- clerical knife / blade;
- sandpaper;
- putty knife.
Almost all the tools and materials for the manufacture of podiums are in the household of an experienced craftsman
Dimensions and shape of the acoustic podium
The technology described below involves the manufacture of podiums for speakers located in the front or rear doors car. Most often, there is one speaker with a diameter of 13 centimeters in the door. However, regardless of its size, the podium manufacturing technology will be the same:
- First you need to figure out what kind of podium shape is suitable for the interior of your car.
- It is necessary to measure both the dimensions of the existing speaker and the dimensions of its protective grid.
- The diameter of the speaker ring will correspond to the diameter seat for him on the podium. And the outer diameter of the ring will be equal to the diameter of the protective mesh.
- After you have approved the form, you need to draw it on a sheet of cardboard.
- The resulting template must be carefully cut with scissors.
- Next, we apply the template to a piece of plywood and circle it with a pencil.
- For two doors, we need two plywood blanks that can be cut with a hacksaw or jigsaw.
- It is necessary to cut a hole in the podium as accurately as possible, since if the proportions are violated, the speaker in the pocket will not be securely fixed.
Photo: the correct order for making a shelf in a car door
Padding with artificial leather is one of the most time-consuming steps in the design
Video: how to make a do-it-yourself podium in a car door
The process of creating podiums - from inventing a shape to cutting the foam and polishing the workpiece - turns into a real art for creative people. Every car enthusiast can feel like a sculptor who creates a masterpiece!
Homemade podium in the car door "width="960" height="667" />
Made from plywood and crafted mounting foam, such a podium is no different from the factory
Making a podium in machine racks
The option of placing a shelf in racks is more complicated due to the fact that they will need to be dismantled. However, a neat motorist is quite accessible independent production podiums on racks.
So, the work consists in performing the following steps:
- Removing racks.
- The position of the speakers and their height on the stand should be well calculated so that they do not interfere with the driver's view.
- In the right place, you will need to screw the speaker cup with screws.
- After that, to give the rack desired shape capron can be used.
- Next, the product is treated with epoxy glue to give it greater strength.
- To make the rack look smooth and even, you can lightly sand its surface. sandpaper and then reapply the epoxy.
- Then a layer of putty is applied, and after it dries, the final polishing of the rack is performed.
Photo: the main stages of manufacturing a shelf in racks
The dismantling of the racks must be carried out with the utmost care so as not to damage the interior trim. 
The choice of the place for fastening the cups for the speakers is decisive for this stage making a podium 
Podiums are ready for decoration
In general, the process of manufacturing a podium in racks is similar to the technology for processing podiums for car doors.
Video: how to independently make a shelf in racks for tweeters and tweeters
Algorithm for making a podium on the ceiling of a car
The podium on the ceiling of the car is characterized by large dimensions, since usually the largest speakers are placed in this place.
Despite this, any car owner can make a podium on the ceiling - it’s enough just to carefully install the structure:
- You will need to dismantle the upholstery of the ceiling so as not to damage it during operation.
- Form and appearance podiums are selected based on the size of the speaker.
- Usually plywood and polyurethane foam are also used.
It is obvious that the procedure for manufacturing ceiling podiums is similar to the same process in the production of door podiums.
It is noteworthy that these schemes for the manufacture and further design of podiums are suitable for any type of speaker - both round and oval. Regardless of the available dimensions of the speaker (13, 16, 20 and 25th, as well as oval 6 * 9), the podium will fulfill its main purpose - to improve the sound quality of the acoustics in the cabin and securely fix the speaker in the desired position.
Photo: step-by-step production of plywood shelves
The procedure requires caution, as it is easy to damage the upholstery
Installing and fixing the podium in the car
The traditional method to securely fasten a homemade podium is to screw it on with self-tapping screws from the inside of the skin. This, on the one hand, will ensure the quality of fastening, and on the other hand, it will not spoil the appearance of the entire structure.
To carry out this procedure, you will need only two tools: a screwdriver and soundproofing materials.
The main stages of the procedure
The process of installing and fixing any podium in any part of the car is as follows:
- A ready-made podium is taken with a speaker built into it.
- From the inside of the casing, the podium is screwed with self-tapping screws.
- However, in order to achieve a really clean sound, you will need to experiment with the installation - some screws will be tightened to the end, and some will not. That is, you need to give the podium such a position that the speaker can reveal its sound to the maximum.
- It is recommended to carry out soundproofing of doors and ceiling (in this case, you can achieve even cleaner sound).
- After completing all the work, assemble back the ceiling, racks or doors (depending on where exactly the podium was mounted).
Video: how to install a podium in the cabin with your own hands
To enjoy clear and powerful sound in your car, there is no need to overpay for expensive speakers and factory-made podium elements. It is within the power of most motorists to assemble a podium for speakers in a car on their own from the available tools at hand.
If your room has little free space to set up a bed or you want to have additional sections where you can store things, then consider creating a multifunctional podium with a bed. There are 2 options for how to mount a podium bed with your own hands in a few days. Let us consider in detail the manufacturing technology and possible mistakes at work.
Podium above pull-out bed
In the first case, the podium is a structure that is located on a dais, inside it is hollow. The bed frame is made on wheels. During the day, the bed slides into the podium, rolls out at night and is used for its intended purpose. The advantages of using this type of podium are significant space savings.
A podium of this kind, installed in a long and narrow room, will allow you to visually adjust its shape, make the room more square.
Above you can set the desktop, children's Corner, bookshelves. If the podium is made according to the width of the room, then in addition to the bed, it is possible to make built-in sections for bed linen, clothes or other things inside. The use of this design allows you to perform zoning, separating the recreation area from the work area or bedroom.
Preparation of materials and tools, construction of a scheme
The first stage of work is the preparation of a design scheme and the calculation of materials. The length of the structure is the width of the room, for example, 3.5 meters. Minimum Width corresponds to the preferred width of the bed with a margin of 10-20 cm. For a baby bed, a width of 1.2-1.5 m is enough, and the installation of a double bed will require 1.7-1.9 m. The height of the podium should be at least 50 cm, in this case, the bed will move freely under it.
Drawing If the room has high ceilings, then it is possible to make a podium with a pull-out bed 60-70 cm high, the inner drawers in this case will be more spacious. On a piece of paper, you need to build a design diagram, indicate the location, width and height of the steps. Determine the number and size of drawers, in which direction the doors will open.
To build the frame of the structure, a 5x5 cm beam is used, which is fastened with wood screws 70-100 mm long, with metal corners. The number of timber is calculated according to the constructed scheme. For sheathing the frame, OSB sheets with a thickness of 9 mm are prepared. If the design involves the presence of boxes, then purchased furniture facades and accessories.
wooden elements
Tools 
Lamella set podium frame
The manufactured model of the podium belongs to the frame. Its advantages are considered high versatility, easy installation, low weight of the structure and the ability to create high podiums. To increase the strength of the frame, it is recommended to provide additional rigidity to the structure with the help of intermediate logs.
The mounted podium will consist of three parts:
- area for a pull-out bed;
- area of boxes and sections for storage;
- ladder.
A lattice frame is mounted in the area above the pull-out bed. Markings are made along the walls and the plinth is dismantled. Otherwise, the rack will not be close to the wall. The supports are located at a distance of 40-45 cm; with increased load, the step can be reduced. Long rails attached to the wall uprights, the distance between them should be 40-50 cm. They are connected to each other by short bars, with a step of no more than 40 cm. To increase the strength of the frame in the span above the bed, the frame is made of a double bar.
podium frame 
Attaching the frame to horizontal posts bed frame
The frame of a pull-out bed consists of a flooring and boards, it is made according to a pre-made drawing. Edges are cut from furniture panels or MDF. The height of the side is selected based on personal preferences, but for reliable fixation of the mattress, they should not be less than 15 cm high.
The flooring for the mattress is calculated based on the dimensions of the mattress with a margin of 5 cm on each side. A frame for the lower flooring is assembled from the timber. At the junction of wooden bars, pieces of soundproofing material are laid. Then, when the bars are rubbed while using the bed, there will be no creaking. In the center of the frame, the supporting central crossbars are fixed. Thin flexible lamellas are then nailed to them or wooden slats that serve as the base for the mattress.
The side rails are screwed or glued to the frame base. Then the front facade is fixed, which is part of the podium with the bed pushed in. It is important that its height is not greater than the distance between the edge of the podium and the floor, taking into account the size of the rollers. Special stops are installed between the facade and the frame, which can be cut out from the remaining parts of the MDF. Attached to the bottom of the frame furniture rollers on which the bed will extend.
Pull-out bed drawing How is it possible to close the podium
Upon completion of the installation of the frames of the podium and the bed, it is possible to proceed with the closing of the frame and the sheathing of the upper elements. Used for finishing sheet material, which has high strength, for example, OSB boards or plywood. The cost of a finished plywood structure will be less, however, OSB boards have a more uniform structure, without knots, chips and cavities.
We sheathe the podium In accordance with the drawing, the necessary pieces of the plate are cut out and screwed to the frame with self-tapping screws. In this case, it is recommended to leave a distance of 2-3 mm, which prevents possible deformation of the surface. If a fully closed podium is mounted, then you can not sheathe internal organization. For structures that are open on at least one side, they are sheathed inside.
If the podium is planned with boxes, then they are installed inside the frame before the podium is closed. How to make and install drawers will be discussed below. wooden frame and the skin is recommended to be treated with protective agents against fungus, mold.
Finishing steps Finishing and design adjustment
As a final finishing material it is possible to use any floor covering: laminate, parquet, carpet, linoleum, ceramic tiles. You need to choose the material that is most suitable for the overall interior of the room.
Do not forget that the podium is an elevation with steps, its surface should not be slippery.
most accessible and comfortable materials- laminate and carpet. The laminate is fixed with liquid nails. If built-in linen boxes are provided in the podium, then the laminate is placed on their covers in separate pieces. The edges of the cover and steps are trimmed with a specialized profile for edging the steps or with durable PVC corners.
Carpet for the podium can be used in the same design as for the rest of the room. A one-color podium will be less noticeable. When zoning, choose a carpet of a different shade. At the joints of the podium and carpet, it is possible to use a finishing plinth.
carpet 
Laminate 
Linoleum Podium with sleeper upstairs
This model of the podium with a berth above the storage system allows you to optimally use the space under the bed. It is possible to place this design anywhere, even in the center of the room, but it is better to choose an impassable zone. The lower part with built-in drawers will allow you to place inside a large number of things, unload the closet or, in general, replace it with small hanging shelves.
Preparatory work and materials used
A sketch of the podium is built on paper, where all the parameters of the frame, headboard and backrest, storage compartments, dimensions of the side step for fixing the mattress are indicated. In calculations, it is recommended to take into account the fact that the pressure on the floors should not be more than 350-750 kg / m 2.
To make a structure with a berth on top and boxes below, you will need the following materials:
- board 2.2 cm thick for the manufacture of elements: A - outdoor panel 191x33 cm, parts B, C- 165x33 cm, planks of the upper side D - 193.2x15 cm, back plank E - 171x15 cm, 2 external panels for drawers F - 95.3x32 cm, plank for center G - 191x10 cm, parts of the back H - 33x10 cm;
- Chipboard 1.9 cm thick for elements inside the block: K - 191x33 cm, L - 160.6x33 cm, 2 panels M - 147.9x27.2 cm, 4 crossbars for the center block N - 27.2x14.2 cm, 8 crossbars for the side block and backrest O - 33x8.1 cm;
- the walls of the drawers are made of boards 1.6 cm thick. 2 elements I are made - 77.8x24 cm, 4 elements J - 76x24 cm;
- the bottom of the boxes P is made of plywood, their dimensions are 78.8x74.8x1 cm;
- for bed supports, beams with a section of 27x27 mm and 27x47 mm are required.
Preparation of materials Blocks
The building will consist of 3 parts. The side block and back will be fixed at an angle of 90̊. The block in the center will divide the structure into 2 parts, in each of which a drawer will be installed. To increase the mobility of the structure and make it collapsible, blocks with a headboard can be connected with wing nuts and bolts with nuts.
The blocks are assembled first of all, holes are drilled in them and pins with a diameter of 0.8 cm are used for assembly. adhesive composition, and until it is completely set, the structure is fixed with clamps.
The block in the center is the shortest, it is held by 4 spacer elements. In the upper part of its panels, recesses are made necessary to fix the central transverse bar. The parameters of the recesses are 10x2.2 cm.
Fastening the side beams to the wall 
Frame support preparation Mattress frame
In the blocks of the back and headboard, as well as on inside side blocks horizontally fix the bearing bars measuring 4.7x2.7 cm. The bearing bars are attached to the screws and glue. Next, fix the support bars, on which the entire load occurs. They are positioned so that 2 bars are at the edges of the structure, one is in its center, three bars each fall on the headboard and headboard. In the side block, 2 bars are placed as close as possible to the place where the central block is attached.
To mount the central transverse bar, recesses are cut out in the bearing beams, holes are drilled for screws with a diameter of 4.5 mm. From the side where the sliding sections are located, T-shaped stops are screwed to support the front parallel bars.
Fastening of longitudinal beams 
Installation of the lower supports 
Strengthening the structure with corners Assembly of drawers and possible types of facades
A cutter with a size of 10 mm on each wall of the box makes recesses of 5 mm, into which a plywood bottom is installed. The location of the grooves is influenced by the height of the roller wheels. In the work, it should be noted that the minimum allowable distance from the bottom of the drawer to the floor is 1 cm.
The walls are assembled on flat spikes or connected to pins. The front wall should extend beyond the boundaries of the walls, on the sides up to 4 cm, in the central part up to 10 cm. On the side elements, beams with a section of 1.3x1.3 cm are fixed, designed to move along the guides. Guides are fixed on both sides of the central block.
If plywood was used for facades, then it is necessary to sand the entire surface with fine sandpaper. Then the facades are primed and painted or varnished.
Also, in the manufacture of a podium with drawers, you can use ready-made facades made of MDF, plastic. They can be ordered by individual sizes in furniture or kitchen companies. The color of the facades can be in the tone of the main structure or contrasting, the surface is patterned, matte or glossy. In the case of using ready-made facades, the design will have a more attractive appearance.
Finishing with chipboard sheets
Final assembly and finishing of the structure
The blocks are fastened with support bars, at the joints they are fixed with screws. To increase the strength of the structure, several adjacent elements of different blocks can be connected with large bolts and nuts.
Front decorative panel mounted on crossbars located in the front part and based on T-shaped stops and bars in the center. In the elements for decorative edging (D and E) there are grooves on the ends, into which the spikes of the front crossbars and the base of the bed are inserted. The adhesive for fixing is applied only on one side of the spike, which allows you to disassemble the bed if necessary.
Further, in special recesses, the center cross bar. Then cuts are made in the elements of the upper edging. After that, the edging elements on the spikes are mounted, connecting the front slats with the bed base.
If there are flaws in the joints, then a layer of putty is applied to the wood, the surface is polished. Then the podium frame is primed and varnished or painted in any color that best suits the interior of the room.
Finished podium bed Common mistakes at work
Consider the mistakes that beginners make when installing a structure:
- if the podium is located near the heating radiator, then inside it must be provided ventilation holes. They can be located on the partition between the stairs and the pull-out bed or in the vertical wall of the step. If it is possible to transfer the battery, then it is better to use it, and hide additional pipes in the frame of the structure;
- when installing a structure with a pull-out bed near the window, the risk that the child may fall out of the window increases. It only needs to be opened for slit ventilation. If possible, a fence in front of the window is made of thin chrome-plated pipes or kitchen railings. It is enough to fix 2-3 horizontal pipes at a height of up to 60 cm to protect family members;
- all side cuts and joints must be securely sealed, free of nicks, hooks.
Don't plan too much complex structure if your experience construction works quite small. A bed with a podium is a fashionable and comfortable piece of furniture. The design allows you to optimally use the available space, organically integrate storage systems, communications inside the podium.
Podium - interesting design decision, used by ancient Roman architects for the arrangement of residential buildings and public buildings. Modern designers with the help of the podium "align" the proportions of the space and divide the room into several functional areas.
The article discusses in detail the technology for making a podium with your own hands, given practical advice for the placement of a homemade structure.
The role of the podium in the interior of the room
The design of the podium resembles a step, up to 25 cm high. If it is necessary to raise the podium to a height of more than 25 cm, then a multi-tiered structure with a wide upper platform is built.
As an element of the interior, the podium can be built with decorative purpose, and at the same time, perform a number of practical functions.
Space zoning. By “raising” part of the room, you can visually highlight part of the room and make the right accent in the interior. According to the laws of perception, objects located above attract attention in the first place. On the podium you can equip any functional area: office, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, nursery.
The use of a podium is especially relevant when decorating the interior of a multifunctional room, for example, one-room apartment or studio apartments. The autonomy of each zone is distinguished by the level of the floor.
Correcting the proportions of the room. With the help of the podium, you can change the visual perception of space and give the room correct forms. narrow room“expand” with a rounded podium, and the angularity of a square room can be hidden by installing a corner podium.
Expansion of usable space. In the design of the podium, you can provide boxes for storing things, which is very convenient in small apartments.
Placement of communications. In the frame podium you can hide different elements communication systems, wiring video and audio equipment, wiring cable. In bathroom sewer pipes and others engineering Communication disguised under the podium box.
Using the podium as furniture. You can make a cozy sofa out of the podium by upholstering it with foam rubber and draping it with fabric. regular bed can be replaced with a frame multi-level structure. In this case, the bed is located on top of the podium bed or is pulled out of the podium niche. In the second option, additional possibilities for using the podium appear - arranging a zone that is different in terms of functionality (study, living room, nursery, home theater).
Additional light source. On the end of the structure, you can install led strip or small decorative light bulbs. Lighting fixtures will emphasize the style of the interior and can be used as lighting for the relaxation area in the bedroom or living room.
The choice of the type of construction of the podium and the material for its manufacture
Depending on the design, all podiums can be divided into two groups: monolithic and frame.
Monolithic podiums are made of cement-sand mixture, gypsum block or foam concrete. More often, such a structure is erected in bathrooms and kitchens of private houses.
The advantages of one-piece structures include:
- base strength;
- podium durability;
- ease of manufacture and installation;
- the possibility of using any finish, including ceramic tiles;
- resistance to moisture.
Disadvantages of monolithic podiums:
- the finished structure is very heavy;
- there is no storage space inside the podium;
- access to immured communications is limited;
- the height of the concrete podium is no more than 15 cm.
Frame podiums- more common and functional view designs. The base of the podium is made of metal profile or wooden beams, frame sheathing - plywood (20 mm).
The advantages of frame podiums include:
- multifunctionality of the design (placement of communications and storage systems);
- ease of installation;
- the ability to create high, multi-stage profiles;
- lightness of construction.
In order for the frame podium to be reliable and durable, it is important to ensure the rigidity of the structure by installing intermediate logs.
There are no restrictions on the installation of frame podiums, they can be built in apartments, in country houses, cottages, etc. The main thing is to choose the right material for the construction of the frame and finish the podium.
If the podium will be installed in a room with high humidity(kitchen, bathroom), then the frame is made of a metal profile, and a wood-polymer composite or tile is used as a sheathing.
For "dry" rooms, the frame can be made of wooden lag and bars, sheathe the base OSB boards or multilayer plywood, decorate the podium with linoleum, carpeting, textiles, wooden floor lath, parquet or laminate.
Logs from glued laminated timber must be treated with impregnations against the formation of fungus and fire
Having decided on the design and material for the manufacture of the podium, it is necessary to choose the optimal place for the hill.
Rules for placing a podium in an apartment
The place under the podium must be chosen, taking into account some factors:
Do-it-yourself erection of a frame podium under the bed
Preparatory stage: podium scheme, necessary tools and materials
Consider the simplest option for making a half-dium bed with drawers. Sleeping area located above the podium. This design is usually used for zoning space.
Let's start making a podium with our own hands. Drawings and a sketch of the structure must be displayed on paper, indicating all dimensions:
- height, length and width of the frame under the podium;
- drawer dimensions;
- the height and width of the board-step holding the mattress;
- height and number of support logs;
- dimensions of the headboard and back of the bed;
- podium step dimensions;
- Availability additional elements(racks, screens, partitions).
Scroll necessary materials to create a podium bed measuring 193*165*35 cm:
Of the tools you will need:
- jigsaw (hacksaw);
- screwdriver or drill;
- Phillips screwdriver;
- roulette;
- hammer;
- construction stapler;
- pencil;
- building level (tool length - from 1.5 m);
- ruler.
The sequence of manufacturing a frame podium
We will analyze in stages how to make a podium with your own hands:
Ready-made podium with your own hands: photo
To separate the catwalk bed from the rest of the room, you can install homemade shelving or a screen. The design of an impromptu partition should complement the style of the design of the podium bed, and be a kind of continuation of it.
Making a podium with your own hands: video
Do-it-yourself manufacturing technology for a monolithic podium in an apartment
A monolithic podium can be made of concrete or a “lightweight” version of a solid structure can be made, using expanded clay instead of gravel, and instead of brick formwork, a frame made of metal profiles or sheets of drywall.
Construction of a concrete podium:
- Lay brickwork along the outer perimeter of the podium.
- The adjoining of the podium to the walls does not need to be additionally drawn up.
- Place the necessary communications inside the podium. This is usually done when creating a podium for a shower or bath.
- Pour concrete mortar(sand + gravel + cement).
- On top of the concrete box, until the solution has hardened, lay the masonry mesh.
- plaster side walls podium.
- Finish the podium with tiles or other material.
Creation of a solid podium from expanded clay concrete:
- Build a frame from a metal profile along the perimeter of the podium.
- outer part metal frame sheathe with plasterboard.
- Fill the finished frame with expanded clay concrete (sand + expanded clay + cement).
- The podium is ready for finishing.
Here are practical tips for those who decide to make a podium on their own:
Making a podium is a great way to update the interior of the room, add style, originality and functionality to the room. All work on creating a hill can be done independently, significantly saving on paying for the services of specialists. Of course, you have to spend Construction Materials and stock up on free time, but the result is worth it - the podium will change the usual perception of space.
