How to Build a Napparatus (Raised Bed with Net) 2026

Today we will teach you how to build a Napparatus in a quick and practical way, which you can use as a rest area.

Since the dawn of society, humanity has been trying to solve a mystery: how to make workers more productive.

We have the solution: Naps at work!

It turns out that if you provide people with services that make them want to stay at work (espresso machines, snacks, ping pong tables, video game consoles, ball games, dog parks, nap structures, etc.).

They will remain for much longer. than they would if you just gave them a desk, a computer, and yelled at them when they didn't perform up to your expectations.

Steps on how to build a Napparatus

#1: Design

• The first step, of course, is always the design.
• The big idea was to make a place to take naps that wouldn't sacrifice floor space in the building.
• The obvious answer to that was to make the "bed" on a raised platform so you can still walk under it.
• The space already had a sofa and a coffee table, so the structure would need to accommodate them.
• A solid platform would not work due to a fire sprinkler above that space, never obstruct a fire sprinkler!
• This is where the idea of a cargo net came about: water will have no problem passing through a net with 2″ Ø openings.
• For the structure, we decided to go with aluminum box section with aluminum reinforcements.
• This makes it light; A total of 289 pounds for the entire structure.
• Being in a seismic zone, it is a bad idea to add significant weight to any building that was not taken into account when the building was designed.
• We went with 3″ X 3″ X.125″ 1/4″ gusset plate, which is a serious overkill. You could put a tank on top of this thing and it wouldn't move.
• We had a few reasons for this: We didn't want the facility staff to worry about not being sane enough.
• The net is hung from the beams at the top of the structure, meaning they need depth in the horizontal direction to prevent bending when the net is strained from the weight.
• We sacrificed frame design efficiency with multiple member types so we could get a cohesive aesthetic and simplify the parts kit.
• Any time you design something specific for a space, you should measure the space it goes in before doing anything else.
• To prevent the structure from touching the walls. We made the structure 7′-2 1/2″ tall to give us enough room to walk underneath.

PARTS LIST:

• 3X3 6061 aluminum box section tube: 492 LF.
• 1/4″ 6061 aluminum plate: 4'X8' total
• Cargo Net: 6’X9′ 2 inch black square mesh 4.75mm knotless HTTP cable – 1/4″ sewn rope edge.
• 11mm safety rope: 165′.
• Paracord: 100′.
• 1/2″ Stainless Steel Nylon Lock Nut - Thread Size 13, 3/4″ Width, 19/32″. QUANTITY: 190.
• Galvanized Steel Eyebolt with Nut and Shoulder Lift, 1/2″- 13 Thread Size, 1-1/2″ Thread Length. QUANTITY: 64.
• Grade 8 1/2″ Steel Flanged Hex Head Screw - Thread 13, 4″ long. QUANTITY: 130.
• Nylon Self-Retaining Washer 1/2″ Screw Size, 0.468″ ID, 1.125″ OD. QUANTITY: 200.

Plans to build a Napparatus:

File #1 – The PDF file is a complete set of store drawings. Includes a complete equipment list, aluminum member cutting list, hole drilling locations, and an assembly diagram for the shelf brackets (which we never finished).
File #2 – The DWG file is a reinforcement design for waterjet cutting. All reinforcements fit on a 4'X8' sheet. These could also be plasma or CNC cut, or I suppose they could be cut by hand if you have nothing else to do for a few weeks.
File #3 – The F3D file is the Fusion 360 file that I used to design the part. The fusion is free for life for students, hobbyists and enthusiasts.

#2: Manufacturing

#3: Assembling the structure

• The first step to assembly was to add all the eye bolts for the network connection. We used 1/2″ Ø galvanized eye bolts with nylon washers and nylon clamp nuts to hold them together. Very robust!
• With the eye bolts installed, we begin assembling the frame.
• We did this in the standard way of construction: frame a wall on the floor, angle it, connect it to the next wall, repeat...
• We use 1/2″ Ø galvanized steel hex nuts, nylon washers and nylon core.
• Locknuts to fasten the reinforcements to the tubes.
• With the structure finished, we begin to tie down the cargo net.
• We did this by tying the net in place with some of the eye bolts, then tying the safety rope through the outer ring of holes in the cargo net.
• We used a trucker's hitch so as not to tie the ends of the safety rope.
• This is kind of like tuning a guitar: you tighten it, then let it stretch, then tighten it again until it settles.

• We also ended up adding an extra level of redundancy.
• We got some paracord and tied the inner loops of the net to the eye bolts.
• That way, if somehow the knot came undone, the net would not fall because it would be held in place by the climbing ropes.
• This had the added benefit of making the network even tighter.

#4: Safety

The images in this step have all the information an engineer would need to make the call on the structure.

The 3D model shows a proposal to add a new railing structure to the top.

#5: Fun and Dreams

Remember that you can easily build a Napparatus in any work or home environment.

Creative Home Decor Ideas to Transform Every Space

Refreshing your home starts with smart design choices that combine comfort, personality, and functionality. Whether you want to modernize a small apartment, upgrade outdoor areas, or create cozy rustic interiors, these trending ideas can completely change the atmosphere of your space.

Outdoor Spaces That Increase Style and Functionality

Outdoor living continues to dominate modern home trends. Homeowners are increasingly investing in practical entertainment zones inspired by these BBQ shed ideas, which create the perfect setup for gatherings and weekend cooking sessions.

First impressions also matter when designing exteriors. Elegant farm entrance gates design ideas help properties stand out while improving privacy and curb appeal.

Compact living solutions are also gaining popularity. These inspiring 16x40 shed house interior design ideas show how smaller spaces can still feel luxurious and functional.

To enhance patios and entryways, homeowners are adding stylish protection with these creative porch awning exterior DIY ideas that blend aesthetics with practicality.

Rustic and Cozy Interior Design Trends

Warm and natural interiors remain timeless. These charming rustic decor ideas combine wood textures, vintage accents, and earthy tones to create welcoming spaces.

Bedrooms are becoming more personalized with curated wall arrangements. Many homeowners use these stylish picture wall ideas for bedroom spaces to display memories and artwork creatively.

Textured wall treatments are another major trend. Installing a board and batten wall adds architectural character while keeping interiors elegant and modern.

Similarly, bold accent wall ideas can instantly transform plain rooms into eye-catching focal points without requiring a full renovation.

Smart Kitchen and Organization Inspiration

Functional kitchens are essential for modern homes. These practical kitchen wall cabinet ideas maximize storage while maintaining a clean and stylish appearance.

Organization also starts at the entrance. Well-designed mud room ideas help families keep shoes, coats, and daily essentials neatly arranged.

Colorful and Personalized Home Styling

Vibrant interiors are becoming increasingly popular thanks to playful dopamine decor ideas that use bright colors and joyful accessories to improve mood and energy.

Gallery walls also continue to evolve as a major decorative feature. These trendy gallery wall inspiration ideas offer creative ways to combine prints, photos, and statement art.

Young renters and new homeowners are especially embracing these stylish first apartment aesthetic ideas to create sophisticated interiors on a budget.

Finally, selecting the right shades can dramatically influence any room’s atmosphere. These modern trendy color ideas help homeowners choose palettes that feel fresh, elegant, and timeless.

Final Thoughts

From rustic charm and colorful interiors to outdoor entertaining areas and functional storage solutions, today’s home decor trends focus on creating spaces that feel both beautiful and livable. By combining smart layouts, modern textures, and personalized decorative elements, any home can become more stylish, comfortable, and inspiring.