Many bunk bed reviews focus on the most expensive, because they believe that price means quality. Many also focus on the more affordable for those with less of a budget. This best bunk beds review covers both: the expensive and the less so, while always focusing on quality and functionality.
So what do you want from a bunk bed? Comfort sure, but most of all: your bunk bed must be safe.
Kids love climbing stairs to get to their bed, and it will always be a fight if you have two about the same age and an up and down bunk bed to fight over! However, that's another issue you will have to figure how to solve without starting a war. Here is our top 5 bed bunks along with our reasons why they have been chosen.
Some bunk beds are expensive: over $1,000 while others are much less. Our comparison, therefore, must take price into account. It is not possible to compare a $1,400 bunk bed with one at $170! For that reason, we present our best bunk beds in five different price ranges: $1200+, $1,000 - $1,200, $700 - $1,000, $400 - $700 and under $400.
Table of Contents
We are reviewing the Twin over Twin (T-T) options. Other options are available as shown in the table below. Each increases in price as the overall size increases.
* TT: Twin over Twin; TF: Twin over Full; FF: Full over Full
** Dimensions for Twin over Twin All in Inches.
Note: Reviews are for Twin over Twin where available.
1. Columbia Staircase Bunk Bed
The Columbia Staircase Bunk Bed Is a sturdy, beautifully fashioned bed made using eco-friendly hardwood protected by a five-step, smooth antique walnut finish. It is safe for your children to use without getting wood splinters. The slatted base can accept up to a 9.5 inch mattress. The staircase can be set up at whatever end suits you best, and the bed can be split into two separate beds if you prefer.
The Columbia Staircase Bunk Bed comes with full instructions on how to assemble it. Like most bunk beds, you have to purchase the mattress and bedding separately. Storage drawers are provided to fit under each stair. Trundle drawers are available to fit under the bed - these to be ordered separately. There is also a White painted version of this bunk bed. Check it out here.
Editor's Notes: This appears to be a sturdy and beautiful looking bunk bed. The complaints were few from the 14 reviews provided. This seems to be a new product, and the majority of buyers loved it. It seems safe for children, and once they outgrow bunk beds they can be separated into two individual beds large enough for children or adults.
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2. Woodland Staircase Bunk Bed
The Woodland Staircase bunk bed is made by Atlantic Furniture. It is manufactured using eco-friendly hardwood protected using a 5-step finish. It meets industry safety standards - in fact, it claims to exceed them. The bed base is slatted and can accommodate a 9.5 inch mattress. The mattress can be purchased separately from any mattress vendor.
The bunk bed itself looks good, and simply oozes quality. It is solidly constructed with a staircase you can set up at either end. It is easily separated into individual beds where that is the preferred set-up.
Editor's Notes: This solid wood bunk bed looks great. It feels solid and there appeared to be no negatives to it. It is safe to use, with a solid banister on the stairway.
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3. Coaster Home Furnishings 460078 Bunk Bed, Gunmetal
This is a good looking metal-framed bunk bed with a gunmetal finish. Your children will love the look of this bunk bed, which not only looks good, but is designed for support and stability. This twin bunk bed can give more space to a small room. It is also great for sleepovers, with two levels of genuine twin bed width.
While The Coaster 460078 gunmetal full/full bed can accommodate two single mattresses, it is generally best to fit it with twins. That then gives you the flexibility of sleeping one or two on each level. This bunk bed can fit in with any type of decor.
Editor's Notes: This is a sturdy bunk bed with metal slats every 2 inches on the base to support the mattress. As with the majority of bunk beds, it does not come with a mattress. It's construction and support enables you to use any mattress of your choice. Make sure you check the dimensions of the bed (length and width) before purchasing a mattress.
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4. Bedz King Stairway Bunk Bed Twin over Twin with 3 Drawers in the Steps, Honey Finish
The Bedz King Stairway Bunk Bed twin over twin can be converted to two twin beds if needed. It is made from Brazilian pine in a honey finish. The stairway is also of wood, and has three drawers built into the stairs. Great for storing toys, clothes and school stuff. The stairway is a safer option than a ladder for access.
The wood has been sanded smooth, and then protected with an easily cleaned protective smooth coating. This prevents cracks or splinters that can be harmful to your children. You need to assemble the bunk bed yourself with the tools supplied. The mattress is not included.
Editor's Notes: This is a solid high-quality bunk bed. It is safe for children and the drawers fitted beneath each step are very useful. It is very smooth to the touch, so offers no risk to children of getting splinters or cuts on their hand. This is an excellent bunk bed for the price and you have the option of twin over full or double over full - though price increases with the options.
NOTE: There are several versions of this bunk bed, each very much the same but with a different finish. You can get it in Bedz King in Cappuccino - Grey : Just click on each for more information.
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5. DHP Twin Over Twin, Metal
This is a metal bunk bed that is easy to assemble to form a bunk bed suitable for your children. The full length guard rails and handrails provide safety, and the ladder is attached to the frame. The DHP twin over twin bunk bed can take two twin mattresses.
Although this bunk bed comes at the bottom end of the price scale, it is nevertheless very safe. It would not be permitted to be sold otherwise. The low price reflects the metal construction, and the fact that it cannot be converted to two single beds. Just think what you could get for under $200, and this offers more. Neither safety nor stability is compromised.
Editor's Notes: People complained about the usual things with self-assembly furniture. The screws did not fit properly, or were too loose when fully driven in. In fact, most complaints regarded self-assembly issues, even though they seemed to be fairly easy to follow. Other than that, this is a sturdy metal bunk bed frame that is suitable for any type of mattress. It looks good when assembled, and is safe to use.
It is easy to assemble and is an excellent choice for a bunk bed for one or two children - and it's great for sleepovers with friends. In fact, the DHP twin over twin bunk bed is sufficiently inexpensive to purchase only for use during sleepovers!
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Bunk Beds: Buyer's Guide
Bunk beds are normally associated with children's rooms and can save a great deal of space. There are many different designs of bunk beds, and they are made from a range of materials, though generally wood or metal. This Buyer's Guide will explain the major factors to consider when buying bunk beds - whether for your children or as spare sleeping accommodation for sleepovers. Or even for the occasional adult who is unable to make their way home after a party!
Available Space
A bunk bed takes up vertical as well as horizontal space. A bunk bed should never be so tall as to enable someone to bang their head on the ceiling if they suddenly sit up. Check the height of the mattress from the ceiling. This should be at least 36 inches to prevent children from banging their heads on the ceiling when they suddenly sit up in bed. If you can't make 36 inches, then 24 may do at push - it should be OK for children at that.
If your bunk beds have drawers or trundles that run under the bottom of the bed, then make sure there is enough room for them to be pulled open - or pulled out.
Bed Style
A standard twin on twin (TT) will best for most young children. If they are a bit older, then twin over full, or full over full, may suit your family better. When buying a bunk bed, keep in mind that your kids will soon grow up, and it might be worthwhile purchasing a 'full on full' so that it will still fit their needs a few years into the future. Such years go by very fast with children; one year they are small and the next they are almost your height! Here is some advice on this:
- Twin on Twin: These are good for kids, but they will soon grow out of it. Though they are genuine twin size.
- Twin on Full: These are good if you have two children of different ages. The younger child can sleep on top with the elder on the bottom. That means the top bunk is smaller and may be too small for your younger child who will want a full like their sibling!
- Full on Full: The ideal solution when you have two children who have to use the bunk bed. However, this is also the most expensive option. Most go twin on twin and the kids have to stick with it until they are old enough for their own beds - or you have room enough!
These are just three options. You may have others, but they display the advance thinking needed before investing in bunk beds. Some children want to switch to their own beds very quickly, particularly if they don't like the sleeping habits of their brother or sister. That happens - believe me!
Bunk beds are usually manufactured using wood or metal. They are often painted in white, black or a range of other colors, bright or pastel. Metal beds tend to cost less than solid wood beds. Wooden bunk beds are easier to repair than their metal equivalents - or alternatives. Most people have their favorite between wood and metal - generally wood winning.
Storage Features
Often but not always, bunk beds are used because that is all the space available. You can expand the available storage space by incorporating drawers in the bunk bed. Options include drawers under the stairs, trundle beds beneath the bottom bunk, and drawers at each end of the bed.
Mattress Choice
Your choice of mattress is important. Normally, bunk bed mattresses are around 8"-9" thick. Any type of mattress is suitable for a bunk bed. However, most supplied mattresses are innerspring mattresses, often with pocketed coils. These are fine for children whose weight is less of an issue than an adult.
Guardrails
Guardrails are usually not needed, but if the bunk bed is to sleep small children, then they may be wise to have - at least on the top bunk. To be honest, guard rails are also useful for some adults who may roll over in bed and right down onto the floor - what a rude awakening that must be! You can easily overcome that by purchasing a bunk bed with rails on the top level.
So these are our comments on buying bunk beds. It seems easy, but make sure you are purchasing a well built bunk bed that doesn't wobble when in use! A top guard rail would be good for children and make sure the bed fits the room. Happy hunting!
Continue Reading: Best Adjustable Beds Reviews "
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