Bunk Bed 101: Know everything about your Bunk Bed

How to Assemble Bunk Beds

Assembling or building a bunk bed is not much different than assembling a normal bed. With the manufacturing process currently utilized to build beds and bed frames, supplementing bracers for bolts, this task requires no special tools to complete. Below is an outline which shows how to build a Bunk Bed.

First: Bottom frame construction

Standard bunk beds include four side rails and two end pieces. The side rails are constructed with locking braces at both ends which slide into pre-built slots in the end pieces. The bottom half of the frame is assembled by sliding these braces into the built-in slots in the end pieces, and pushing them into place to ensure tightness. Connect two of the four side rails to one end piece first, and the remaining end piece after.

Second: Upper frame construction

The upper frame is built in the same manner as the bottom, and since the end pieces are already set and stable due to the bottom frame, all that remains is to slide the two remaining side rails into the upper slots of the end pieces.

Third: Internal support

If your bunk bed includes support bars, put these in place after the top and bottom frames are assembled; these bars typically tighten into place using nuts and bolts but are possibly free-floating, requiring no tightening. Note that these support bars are not included with every model of bunk bed. Once placed, the construction of the bed is complete. Verify that the bed is stable, and proceed with mattress placement.

Fourth: Mattress placement

The last remaining step is to slide the mattresses into place. Since mattresses require no locking or tightening, sliding them onto their pre-built supports is the final step in the assembly process of your bunk bed.

You can find detailed instructions on how to assemble a bunk bed on Canadian Woodworking or watch video here.

Read About Bunk Beds With Stairs Here

FAQs About Bunk Bed Weight Limits

When purchasing a set of bunk beds you want the best quality for your dollar. You want a sturdy, well-made piece of furniture that lasts and provides support, but how can you tell if what you are looking at is quality craftsmanship or a piece of junk? The most important thing to consider of course is the weight limit guidelines that are recommended by the specific manufacturer. A less expensive product is all you may require if you plan on replacing it when your child is a certain age. Always refer to the user manual, or check the product website to access the most accurate weight requirements for your bed.

Q: If your children are very close to the maximum weight limit, is it safe to use a bunk bed?

A: The weight recommendations given out by manufacturers are an accurate measure of how much a bed can handle. If you are concerned about the safety, you can always add a Bunkie board, slat support or similar product to provide additional support; however you never want to exceed the weight limitations.

Q: Which type of bunk bed has the most structural integrity?

A: There are several types of bunk bed systems, and none of them are necessarily better than any of the others. It depends largely on the individual model of the bed, and who the intended user is. Always compare your particular bed model to the ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) Safety Standards. Strictly speaking, wood bunk beds tend to accommodate modifications more easily from adding extra structural support, to cosmetic upgrades such as paint or stain. Metal bunk beds are lighter and generally more manageable as far as rearranging furniture. They tend to provide more flexibility to your interior design options.

Read About Bunk Bed With Slide Here.

FAQs About Bunk Bed Safety

Jumping onto the top bunk of a bunk bed may seem like a fun way to start a trip to Dreamland, but the act of climbing to the top of the double-decker sleep station is treacherous at times. Fear not, correct bed bunk safety is not difficult to master; however, if you have a large family and use bunk beds to make better use of space, ask yourself these simple questions.

Q: Do the mattresses on each bunk bed fit properly?

A: This is important because a poor-fitting mattress does not just make it harder to rest, but is an avenue to arm and leg injuries for children. If the mattress is not a good fit, a child can get an arm or leg trapped between the frame and the mattress, causing pain, and maybe even a trip through the frame to the bottom bunk.

Q: Do you need guard rails on the sides of the bunks?

A: Technically no, but it is a good option to think about. The rails prevent falling off the bed and are a relatively inexpensive safety measure.

Q: Are there safety rules you should share with your kids?

A: Yes, teach your kids that there is no jumping on the beds, and that the ladder is the only way to get to that top bunk. Playing or jumping on the top bunk can lead to serious falls and injury, so make sure your children know and understand the rules you establish for them.

Q: How often should you inpsect the beds for safety issues?

A: There is no definite answer here, but if the checks are regular, there is no reason why the bunk beds do not stay safe.

Benefits of Bunks Beds

When seeking new beds for children, consider adding a bunk bed. Instead of taking up the space of two separate beds, combine both into one compact unit with a bunk bed.

Bunk beds save space

Whether you are setting up a bed for two different children, or providing an extra place to sleep, getting a bunk bed is a sure way to save space. Most people do not have a way to utilize all of the room above a bed, which ends up a wasted area. Bunk beds use that space, while combing the features of two beds. More people can sleep in an area of the room without using extra space. Use the extra space for another dresser or a larger play area.

Kids love bunk beds!

Ask any children what they think of a bunk bed, and hear them gloat about the benefits of bunk beds. They are fun to climb and play on, and offer a great way to sleep near a sibling or friend while maintaining personal space. Watch your children have fun taking turns sharing the top bunk, or staking claim to their own specific spot. There are even kits you can buy to turn a bunk bed into a fort.

Quickly learn how functional and fun a bunk bed is, whether you are setting it up for multiple children, or putting together a guest room. The space savings alone are enough of a benefit, and kids and guests have a blast climbing and sleeping on them.

Different Styles of Bunk Beds

There are so many different styles and choice of bunks beds that it is important to get as much information as possible about your choices. Depending on the size of the room, how many children intend to share the beds as well as price, this choice is critical. Read more to learn about the different styles available.

Types of bunk beds

Bunk beds are usually found as twin-bed over twin-bed. However, you can sometimes find them as full-size over full-size. There is usually a ladder to connect top to bottom. There is one bed that included dressers ingeniously disguised as steps in a nautical theme. Some even feature a third bed, termed a trundle bed, next to the bottom bunk. It is great for sleepovers or a third, younger child who is not able to sleep on top yet. Prices usually start at $150 and up for the most basic types of bunk beds.

Non-traditional styles of bunk beds

Newer types of bunk beds are coming to market. Some featuring futons have a traditional bed on top, and the bottom folds down for use as a bed. During the day, the futon is folded up and used as a couch. Another type has a bed at the bottom that reconfigures into a table and chairs. Perfect for daytime play and study, it folds back down into a bed at night. Lastly, loft bunk beds have one top bed, and the bottom space is open, allowing for a space usable as a play area or for storage.

Bunk beds have evolved over the years from the most basic twin bed variety. Now, beds feature trundles, loft beds or futons. Bunk beds are now more sophisticated and take up less room. They are an excellent use of space, and most children enjoy them.

Tips for Designing a Guest Room With Bunk Beds

More truly is the merrier with bunk beds in your guest room. No need to worry; you are sure to have plenty of extra space for your overnight company. With bunk beds, you can host more people while saving much-needed floor space in your house. Invest in a TV, recliner or another piece of furniture with the floor space you save when beds take up less space. Enjoy your newfound freedom and openness of your guest room or any other part of your house with an investment in bunk beds.

A variety of styles and uses for bunk beds

Great for adults and kids alike, bunk beds come in a variety of styles to fill your guest room needs. Give your guest room style; bring back nostalgic memories of camping and of childhood. Whether a simple wooden bunk bed or metallic framed bunk bed, or even a fun bunk bed with a rocket ship or sports car theme, you are sure to please your overnight guests when you have added bunk beds to the guest room. Bunk beds provide you with an extra bed, just in case someone brings a friend home or the kids want to come home from college. Invite the grandchildren over with plenty of space with bunk beds in your extra room.

Whether furnishing your room with them for the first time, or whether you have used them for years, enjoy bunk beds in your guest room — and, most importantly, the company of your extra guests in your home. Bunk beds save space, provide much-needed beds and are a simple, practical way to furnish your guest room.

Tips to Decorating a Child’s Bedroom

Do you need to save space in a child’s bedroom? Do two or more children share a small room at your house? Does your son or daughter invite friends to spend the night? Do other family members drop their children at your house for the weekend? If any of the answers to these questions are yes, consider a bunk bed.

Two for the space of one

Sharing a room with a brother or sister can bring out the worst in the nicest children. Squabbles about small spaces seem to erupt out of nowhere. By putting in a bunk bed, you free up an entire bed’s worth of space, creating more places for the kids to put their possessions and reducing arguments.

Instant guest space

Most children like to host friends overnight once in a while, and cousins or other family members visit from time to time. Rather than make them sleep on the floor, or try to cram a portable bed somewhere in your house, use a bunk bed. It takes up no additional floor space, and waits ready for any guest.

Somethng else on the bottom bunk

If you do not have need for another bed, a bunk bed can still create decorating possibilities. Many bunk beds have the option of removing the lower mattress, creating space for a desk, play area or dresser. Increase your options by increasing the available floor space.

Bunk beds provide a functional and versatile solution for any family. Whether you need to help your children get along, host guests or just add some decorating flair, bunk beds offer a perfect solution.