Hey guys, just a quick update! I have successfully used the loft bed for six months without it collapsing and killing me, which I consider to be a success!
I bought some metal shelves on a Lightning Sale through Amazon and used it and some spare lumber to mount a box fan to blow at my feet, but the bed has always creaked, although not enough to cause... alarm... just concern.
I keep thinking of different ways of bracing it, but I always decided that not failing school was more important. One guy bought the same bed, drilled holes in the posts, and ran cables. I do not know how much that would cost, but I do not like the idea of trying to strengthen the bed by putting holes in it. I would make wooden crossbraces if I did not think that it would take too much time. I ended up just looping the ends of a cargo strap across opposite corners and tightening! I have only done one end so far, but it is rock solid!
This is the cable solution:
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