Bunk Bed Options

Oh, the bunk bed drama. :) You ought to look up some of my recent posts. I did discover a way to make ours safe, I'll just say. :)

We bought a "staircase" bunkbed from BunkBedKing, and I am thrilled with it. It's as solid as a rock, it's beautiful, and for less than 20 dollars we were able to fashion a locking swing gate to block the staircase entrance from our youngest child. My older child will be seven and understands bunk bed safety...never standing on the bed, etc. I am not concerned that she will be injured...my concern was for my toddler, but as I said, that's all worked out. :)

It was a little pricey...about 550 (free shipping!) but I think it's worth it because the quality is SOO much better than the $200 ones you see at WalMart, etc, and this bed had only good reviews. I also love the drawers in the stairs...they are sturdy and hold quite a bit since they are deep.

We got both of our sets at IKEA. Both are solid wood and are twins, but are slightly different sizes. The set we got 5 years ago is the bigger set (taller, larger frame) and it breaks down into two separate beds if we want to. The big kids are now 13 & 14 and this set is still rock solid and comfortable.

The second set, while still a twin, is slightly smaller - the top bunk isn't as high and the set can't be broken up into two separate beds. The design is a bit trimmer so although the mattress sizes are the same as the other set, it takes up less space so it's great for their very small bedroom. We have had this for my little boys for two years and so far, so good. This set definitely will feel too small when they're teenagers though, but by that time the older kids will be out of the house and the little boys can move up to the bigger beds.

Do buy the most bed you can now that your budget and space will allow for. Some sets are taller and have a bigger footprint than others, but by the time the kids are 12 or 13, you're dealing with people who are the size of adults and they really do need that sturdiness and space.

While we were happy with the solid wood frames at IKEA, I don't really care for their mattresses so we got regular twin mattresses elsewhere.

We're getting a bunkbed for my son next week for his birthday. We've decided on the ones with the staircase built in -they're more solid it seems. From our research we've been able to find good, sturdy ones for around 500-600. Research Craigslist and non-chain/wholesale retailers near you. I also have some friends who have found good deals on Craigslist where they could go see the bed set up and they originally came from a reputable chain. The Ikea ones we looked at were all incredibly flimsy, so I would not go that route.

***And they're not some "horrible danger" -unless you just want to keep your children in a bubble. Seriously. If you ever take your kids anywhere in a car -that's far more dangerous.

When baby #3 comes we're going with a junior loft bed. I don't know the ages of your kids, but I also have a toddler who will no doubt want to get up on his 'brother's' bed. This gave me much assurance in that it won't be as dangerous as a regular loft or bunk bed. So far the ones I've come across aren't really any taller than a captain trundle, but have enough clearance to have a short dresser and another twin (feet end) to slide under!

http://jennifer-white.suite101.com/select-the-best-bunk-b...

HTH

Bunk beds way too dangerout. You might want to read up and then rethink
your decision.

ETA: Bunk beds are NOT dangerous. I don't know who would've said something like that!

L.:

I have two sets of bunk beds - with both I have a love-hate relationship with them!

The love - I love:
they don't take up as much space
they make GREAT forts!

The hate:
I hate making the top bunk. The boards or safety bars cannot be removed to make the bed.

We have one traditional set - we bought it at Sam's Club - when the order we had placed at The Bunk Bed Store - never happened (long story). It is SOLID maple wood and looks GREAT!!!

When we moved Greg into his own room - he wanted a bunk bed as well - he wanted one with the futon/couch on the bottom. At the time, we couldn't justify the $2,750 for the wood version with the matching dresser, etc. so we bought the black metal frame one from Wal-Mart for $200. We spent an extra $100 on the 10" thick futon mattress - well worth it.

We will be replacing it with the wood one - just not sure when. With the metal one - it really did need more support so my husband, being the wonderful engineer he is, drilled brackets into the frame and it's VERY sturdy now.

We have had the set from Sam's Club for 8 years. No issues.
We have had the set from Wal-Mart for 3 years, maybe 4.

We have a solid oak loft bed that we got at a furniture store and we like it. It has gone through three kids, but we are looking to sell it now. It is too big and takes up too much room in their bedroom.

We are going to build hanging beds from Ana White's DIY site.

FYI... I grew up in a bunkbed and we climbed all over it. As long as you make sure it is stable and secure there is no reason to consider it any more dangerous than any other type of bed.