FSU Loft Policy

The purpose of the Loft Policy is to promote the safety of the residents who utilize lofts in the residence halls. While lofts are not necessary to arrange a comfortable room, residents may elect to use these specific loft plans as a means of building a loft and personalizing their living environment.

LOFT SPECIFICATIONS:

• Legs must be at least 4" x 4". It is acceptable to permanently join two 2" x 4"s with glue and bolts to create the 4" x 4" leg post.
• Horizontal members used in the frame must be at least 2" x 6" on the perimeter and cross members.
• Legs should be notched 1 5/8" deep, which is the standard width to receive 2" x 6" horizontal members. They must be bolted with at least two 3/8" bolts, nuts, and large washers at each joint.
• Diagonal bracing members must be used on the legs to make the loft structurally sound. Bracing must be a minimum 1" x 3". They should be lag bolted in place using large washers behind the bolt heads.
• Plywood or OSB must be used as a mattress platform and should be a minimum of ½" thick. Plywood/OSB must be secured to the frame with wood screws, with the smooth side of plywood/OSB facing the mattress. Great care must be taken to avoid damage to the mattress.

1. All materials used must be standard dimensional lumber as specified. This means 1"x3", 2"x6", and 2"x4" or 4"x4" boards that are of good quality and relatively free from knots, splits, and imperfections. Rough sawn (barn) lumber is not permitted.
2. Lofts may not be constructed in front of any window.
3. Lofts may not be constructed across an exit way (any doorway). At least 3 feet of horizontal space must be maintained between the loft and the exit.
4. Loft legs should be 60". While ceiling heights vary by both hall and floor, the leg height is designed to accommodate a minimum 30" clearance from the top of the mattress to the ceiling.
5. Lofts generally should be designed to replace the space used by the beds.
6. Lofts must be free standing and not attached to the walls, ceiling or floor. Lofts should be padded whenever contact with walls is possible to avoid damage to the walls and paint (nonflammable materials such as pieces of carpet are suggested).
7. Removal or alteration of electrical fixtures or outlets is not permitted.
8. Lofts may not cover telephone or cable/computer access ports in any way.
9. Lofts may not cover or block windows, heat registers or vents in any way. A minimum space of 12" must be maintained in front of heat registers.
10. All lofts must be removed from the hall prior to exam week at the end of the semester or academic year. Lofts may not be stored in the hall during the summer months and a substantial service charge ($150 min.) will be levied against all room occupants for failure to remove loft materials from the hall.
11. Lofts may not be constructed with nails or spikes. Lofts must be bolted together as noted to allow for ease of disassembly and adequate structural support. See loft specifications.
12. Lofts may not be constructed so as to be an enclosure of any kind.
13. No university-owned furniture or equipment may be removed from the room/suite.
14. Storage will not be provided for any university furniture while the loft is in place.
15. Lofts must include a sturdy ladder, secured to the loft to allow easy and safe access.
16. Sawing, staining and/or other preparations for loft construction may not occur within the residence hall.
17. The university reserves the right to create and enact additional loft regulations at any time without prior notice.