Overview of models of armored beds, their weaknesses
Many people know the iron bed with an armor-clad mesh, which a few decades ago was in every house. With the development of technology, the furniture manufacturing process has become more complicated, which allowed us to create the most functional furniture. But despite this, the carapace is still found in the interiors of country houses.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of an armored bed is its low cost. For very little money you can buy a durable and durable model.
Also, buyers are attracted by the following advantages of such a bed:
- reliability - the metal frame is very durable, which reduces the chance of breakage and frequent repairs;
- hygiene - the material used to make the bed base (metal) and the shell mesh exclude the risks of dust accumulation and the development of insects. The metal frame is very easy to wash, clean with abrasive products. If necessary, it can be painted in any color;
- Duration of operation - the product can be used for at least twenty years. The long service life determines the demand for such furniture by government agencies, where the purchase of new beds is extremely rare;
- affordable cost attracts buyers even with very low incomes. A carapace bed is an ideal option for arranging rental housing, a country house, change houses for workers;
- strength - the product withstands very large loads (up to 130 kg);
- ease of transportation - the carapace bed is easily disassembled into its constituent elements and can be transported disassembled to any distance.
The disadvantages of the products also are:
- a carapace bed creaks very strongly when a sleeping person flips over on it;
- furniture of this type will not add home comfort, a touch of style and personality in the interior. Often the paint on metal parts begins to crack, which does not add to their beauty;
- the weaving of the mesh weakens quickly enough and it stretches. As a result, a person goes to bed and falls almost to the floor;
- the “hammock” property is reflected in the condition of the spine and can provoke back problems. There are models of beds in which the legs are located not only along the edges, but also in the middle. When the grid sags, the bed for sleep completely loses its functional load and becomes just an element of furniture on which it is impossible to sit, not to mention a full, high-quality sleep;
- a cotton mattress (an element of bed configuration) is not always distinguished by quality, practicality and convenience.
As a result, we can conclude that the carapace is just a good, budget option for a short rest.
Attaching the mesh to the housing
The carapace is two backrest frames made of a metal pipe, between which a mesh is stretched. The shell net for the bed is a spring interlaced in a special way. Depending on the way weave the rings, the mesh is pulled onto the frame in different ways:
- mesh type of mesh - in this case, springs made of metal wire resemble diamonds in their appearance. Pulling such a mesh on the frame is quite simple. On one side of the spring are special tensioning bolts. They pass through the metal strip of the base. Pulling them with an adjustable wrench, you can not only pull the shell mesh, but also adjust it, choose the rigidity level for yourself;
- ring-hairpin type of mesh - in this embodiment, the shell-shaped mesh spring consists of several rings connected by a metal wire. A feature of such a mesh is the absence of tension bolts;
- the ring-hairpin mesh is stretched in production to a metal frame, and only then is fixed to the body.
In a situation where it is necessary to adjust the tension of the rings (to make the place for sleeping stiffer), the wires connecting the rings are simply shortened (clamped on both sides with pliers).
Pulling rings over the entire area of the shell mesh is a tedious and lengthy task. Also, in the work it is necessary to be extremely careful, as the steel stud fixing the rings can break.
Difference in shapes and sizes
There are several types of shell beds, which successfully complement the interior of a country house or small apartment. In the classic version, the carapace is a frame made of metal pipes, with a carapace mesh fixed in the middle. Alternatively, a carapace bed can have wooden backs. This model fits perfectly into the modern interior. When folded, such a model of a bed with an armored mesh is transformed into a pedestal (table). It is convenient to transport from one place to another. Also in this design, a limiter is provided that prevents the mattress from slipping.
Depending on the destination, they distinguish:
- medical metal bunk;
- soldier's armored bed;
- bed for children (teenage).
Sizes of a metal bed:
- A single model is most often purchased in a teenager’s room or as a sleeping place for one adult. The width of such a bed does not exceed 80 cm. A bed of this type can be single-tier or two-tiered. The bunk bed is necessarily equipped with safety bars, and a ladder (attached or folding);
- one and a half bed is very popular. It can become a berth for both one and two people. Standard sizes of such furniture are 2 m in length and 1.2-1.4 in width;
- a double bed with a length of 2 m has a width of 1.6 m.
The nuances of choice
You can purchase a high-quality metal cot with a shell mesh, adhering to certain rules and recommendations:
- it is good when the base is powder or polymer coated. It is also worth noting the wide range of colors of powder paint. Enamel coating should be avoided, as it is less durable;
- Pay special attention to the furniture frame. The thickness of the bed base pipe should not be less than 32 mm;
- frame manufacturing metal is steel. In some cases (if this is a walking model), you can purchase a model made of aviation aluminum;
- the best carapace is the one with the smaller cell. The best option is one that is made of welded mesh. It should be as tightly stretched as possible and not bend under the weight of a person;
- if there is a mattress in the kit with the bed, it is better if it is not cotton, but made of synthetic materials. It is easier to care for such mattresses, they do not start a dust mite, a mattress made of synthetic materials has the best elasticity characteristics and the ability to restore shape;
- When choosing an armored bed, pay attention to the height of the base. Given that the shell mesh bends under the weight of a person, for an adult the height of the base should be at least 50 cm, and for a child - 25 cm.
- the most durable and reliable way to fasten the walls of the bed to the frame is a wedge. A lot of furniture manufacturers use a bolted connection to reduce the cost of their products. It is better to refuse to buy a bed with such a compound, since it very quickly falls apart under the weight of the human body.
Affordable cost, light weight and duration of operation - these are the main advantages of a carapace bed explaining the demand for this type of furniture.