DIY TIP
To prevent the joist from slipping out of the hangers, drill a 3/16-inch hole through the metal joist hanger and 2x4. Push a nail through the hole to lock the joist. You don't need to pin every joist; two will suffice.
Camp in comfort on this high-and-dry wooden tent platform.
Sep 8, 2004
Tent camping has long been a favorite way to experience the natural wonders of the great outdoors. However, the novelty of sleeping on the ground-even with an air mattress-gets old quickly during extended trips. If you're an outdoorsman who spends weeks or even months camping, consider building a tent platform.
This tent platform, designed for Outdoor Life, features a 2x4 frame covered in ½-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood. The really cool thing about this project is that the platform is completely portable: It can be erected and disassembled using only a screwdriver and hammer, and it folds up to fit in the back of most pickup trucks.
This 12- by 16-foot platform accommodates a 10- by 12-foot canvas wall tent. The extra 4 feet in front creates a small "front porch" that allows you to get out of the tent without stepping onto the ground.
A detailed building plan of the platform is available online. Lumber and hardware will cost $450 to $500.
What You Need
Six 4- by 8-ft. sheets of ACX ½-in. plywood
Ten 12-ft. 2x4s (for joists)
Four 8-ft. 2x4s (for sides)
Four 8-ft. 2x4s (for legs)
Twelve 6-in. Stanley LifeSpan strap hinges (No. 78-1515)
Nine Stanley 3-in. utility hinges
(No. 75-2060)
Four Stanley 3-in. butt hinges with
removable pins (No. 08-3031)
Ten 3/8x8-in. Stanley eye bolts
(No. 13-0290)
Ten 5/16x2x5-in. Stanley square
U-bolts (No. 13-4250)
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