There’s just something about a bunk bed that kids think is lots of fun. A cool bunk bed is just like a pillow fort that your kids get to sleep in every night. For parents, bunk beds are a fantastic way to save space in a smaller room. The beds make an excellent space-saving solution for having more than one kid in a room.
When we think of bunk beds, the first thing that comes to mind is the basic wooden model, but there are so many different options now. There are bunk beds with storage solutions, beds made of metal, or even ones with room for a play area or desk.
With all the different types of bunk beds out there, how do you know which one is best for your kid’s room? That’s where we come in. We’ll go over all the essential aspects of bunk beds and review our favorites. So, let’s get started!
- Important Aspects of Bunk Beds
- Top 10 Best Bunk Beds 2023
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Storkcraft Caribou Solid Hardwood Twin Bunk Bed
- 2. Best Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed: DHP Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed With Metal Frame
- 3. Best Low Bunk Bed: Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed With Slide
- 4. Best Budget Pick: DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame
- 5. Best Bunk Bed With Stairs: Shyann Staircase Twin Over Full Bunk
- 6. Best Bunk Bed With a Playhouse: Donco Deer Blind Loft Bed
- 7. Best Bunk Bed Over Desk: Novogratz Maxwell Metal Twin Loft With Desk
- 8. Best L-Shaped Bunk Bed: Harriet Bee Reasor L-Shaped Bunk Bed
- 9. Best Triple Bunk Bed: Greyleigh Moorcroft Twin Over Twin Over Twin
- 10. Best Premium Pick: Harriet Bee Tena Bunk Bed With Storage and Trundle
- Complete Guide to Buying the Best Bunk Bed for 2022
- Frequently Asked Questions About Bunk Beds
- Final Thoughts on Bunk Beds
Important Aspects of Bunk Beds
Before shopping for a bunk bed, the first thing you should do is measure the room you plan to put the bed in. Measure not only the wall space but also the ceiling height since you’ll need to know how much head clearance your child will have when they’re sleeping in the top bunk.
Once you have the room measurements, there are a few other things to think about before you go hunting for the best bunk bed.
Types
There are more types of bunk beds than you might think, especially when you consider different materials. We include a variety of different kinds of bunk beds on our list. Bunk beds typically come in either wood or metal, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. We cover each material’s pros and cons in our FAQ section below.
Safety
Safety is a significant concern with bunk beds. Knowing your little one is sleeping six feet in the air or sleeping beneath another bed that you fear may crush them at any moment can be nerve-wracking.
Thankfully, there are lots of ways that you can ensure safe-sleeping in a bunk bed, and we go into them in full detail in the FAQ section below. To help ease your mind, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a set of rules that must be followed by U.S. manufacturers of bunk beds to prevent injuries. We’ll note the safety features of each bunk bed on our list.
Storage
Many bunk beds offer great storage solutions. Some, like the Shyann Staircase Twin Over Full Bunk, offer cubby holes that are perfect for everything from books to toys. Others have drawers to store clothes or blankets. We’ve also included bunk beds that offer other unique ways to use space, like a desk or play area.
Sizing
There are a few measurements that will come in handy to make sure your bunk bed of choice fits in your room. The first is the height of the fully assembled bunk bed. You want your child to be able to sit up easily on the top bunk, which means they need at least thirty inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling.
You’ll also need to know how much clearance there is from the bottom bunk to underneath the top bunk. Most manufacturers will let you know what size mattress thickness you can get, and you’ll need to follow this recommendation if you don’t want your kids banging their heads on the ceiling or underneath their bunk bed!
Since the safest place for a bunk bed to be is against a wall, you’ll want to measure that space, too. The younger the child, the lower you want the bunk beds, and some like the DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame, are only about four feet high.
As a quick reference for you, we’ve also included the bunk bed type and dimensions. Now let’s jump right into the reviews!
Top 10 Best Bunk Beds 2023
1. Best Overall Pick: Storkcraft Caribou Solid Hardwood Twin Bunk Bed
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Wooden twin-over-twin convertible
- Dimensions: 78.4” L x 42.6” W x 64.7” H
- Mattress thickness: 7 inches and 8 inches
- Weight limit: 225 pounds
If you’re looking for a classic wooden twin-over-twin bunk bed with a ladder, then the Storkcraft Caribou Solid Hardwood Twin Bunk Bed is a solid choice. It’s made of rubberwood instead of weaker pine, and it comes in several different colors, including white, navy blue, gray, and espresso. Best of all, if you get sick of the bunk bed configuration, the bunk bed converts to two twin beds.
Safety
The Storkcraft bunk bed includes full-length guardrails that are a little over thirteen inches high. The bunk bed is ASTM and CPSC compliant with all its safety features.
Storage
Aside from space beneath the lower bunk, there isn’t any storage space on this bunk bed. If you’re looking for a wooden twin-over-twin with storage, then you might like the Harriet Bee Tena Bunk Bed with Storages.
Verdict
The Storkcraft Caribou Bunk Bed is durable, sturdy, and inexpensive. It’s a great choice for a wooden twin bunk bed, and it’s especially convenient that the beds convert to separate twins. The ladder is on the small side, and there isn’t much room between beds, so it’s not the ideal bunk bed for older kids.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Converts to two twin beds
- Durable and sturdy hardwood
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not the best bunk bed for bigger kids
2. Best Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed: DHP Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed With Metal Frame
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Metal twin-over-full
- Dimensions: 78” W x 56.5” D x 61.5” H
- Mattress thickness: 6 inches and 8 inches
- Weight limits: 200 pounds and 450 pounds
The DHP Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed is a great choice if you need a bigger bunk bed in a small space. This bunk bed has a small footprint in your room, but the bottom can hold a full-sized bed. It’s also available in black, white, pink, blue, and silver.
Safety
The bunk bed includes full-length guardrails on the top bunk to keep your little one safe and secure. A ladder at either end of the bed allows them to get down easily. The metal slats are all secured together to give added strength and keep from breaking. The frame has pretty high weight limits; the top bunk can hold 200 pounds, and the bottom can hold 450 pounds.
Storage
One disadvantage of this bed design is that it doesn’t have any storage solutions. However, you can store another mattress beneath the bottom bunk if you wanted a trundle-like bed under there.
Verdict
The DHP Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed takes up very little space in your room, even with the bigger bed size. It’s sturdy and has some decent safety features like the guardrails and the slats being all connected. The safety features mean the bed is challenging to put together, though. It takes at least a couple of hours, and it’s best if you have someone to help you.
This also isn’t the best bunk bed choice if you need one with storage. For a bed with lots of storage, check out the Shyann Staircase Twin Over Full Bunk instead.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Ladder on either side
- Sturdy metal frame
- High weight limits
Cons
- Time-consuming to put together
- No storage solutions
3. Best Low Bunk Bed: Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed With Slide
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Wooden twin-over-twin
- Dimensions: 84.5” W x 50” H x 81.5” L
- Mattress thickness: 8 inches
- Weight limits: 400 pounds
If you have a low ceiling or younger kids, Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Slide is the perfect option. It’s only 50 inches high, so whoever sleeps on the top bunk will have plenty of room even with a low ceiling. The bunk comes in several different colors, including clay, white, and gray. The top bunk sleeper gets to choose between sliding down the slide when they wake up or climbing down the ladder in the morning.
Safety
With a low height and a bottom bunk that is just a couple inches off the floor, your little ones can still enjoy bunk bed living without as much risk from a fall. This bunk also has high weight limits of 400 pounds for the top and 400 for the bottom, which means you can squeeze into the bed with your little one for a bedtime story. The guardrails are a tall fourteen inches for added safety.
Storage
If you need any type of storage from your bunk bed, you won’t find it with this one. There aren’t any drawers or shelves, and since the bottom bunk is only a couple of inches off the floor, you can’t store anything under the bed.
Verdict
Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Slide is a excellent choice for houses with low ceilings or with kids with fall risks. The slide is a fun addition, but we also think it’s a little too fun. As in, your kids might turn their bunk bed into a jungle gym. Since that creates a safety concern, we recommend this bed for older kids. It’s helpful that the top and bottom bunks have high weight limits on this bed, but it’s not a great choice for storage.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Angled ladder and slide
- High weight limits
- Only 50 inches tall
Cons
- The slide can become a safety concern
- No storage solutions
4. Best Budget Pick: DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Metal loft bed
- Dimensions: 51” W x 50” H x 78” L
- Mattress thickness: 6 inches
- Weight limits: 200 pounds
If you’re looking for a creative way to get back floor space in your child’s room, then the DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame is a great solution. Kids will love having all that space underneath their bed as a hideaway or study area. The frame is also available in black, white, pink, blue, and silver.
Safety
The bed looks tall, but it’s only 50 inches high for safety. The guardrails wrap around the entire bunk, but they’re only 12 inches tall, so you need to have a thinner mattress. The maximum weight capacity is 200 pounds, so this isn’t the right choice for teens or adults.
Storage
Although this bed doesn’t have built-in storage like drawers, it offers you plenty of storage space beneath the bed. There are so many ways you can creatively use the space. Kids can use it as a place for studying, lounging, a hideout, or even an area where you keep a dresser for all their clothes.
Verdict
The DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame allows you to utilize more space in a small room, but it isn’t dangerously high. The inexpensive frame gives you lots of room underneath for storage or a play area, and you can even get it in different colors. However, this isn’t the sturdiest bed since you use an Allen wrench to tighten all the bolts. The bolts loosen quickly, and the bed becomes squeaky.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Lots of room underneath
- Inexpensive
- Quick assembly
Cons
- The bed isn’t very sturdy
- Bolts loosen easily, and the bed squeaks
5. Best Bunk Bed With Stairs: Shyann Staircase Twin Over Full Bunk
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Wooden twin-over-full bunk with staircase
- Dimensions: 66” H x 56.62” W x 93.12” L
- Mattress thickness: 9.5 inches
- Weight limit: 400 pounds for top and bottom
If you would be more comfortable with your little one stairs instead of a ladder, then you’ll love the Shyann Staircase Twin-Over-Full bed. It has a fully enclosed staircase that’s safe and easy to use. The bed frame is available in four different colors: white, gray, caramel latte, and antique walnut.
Safety
This is the sturdiest bunk bed we’ve found, which is evidenced by the high weight limits. Both the top and bottom bunk have limits of 400 pounds. So if you want to cuddle up with your little one and a book in either bed, you won’t have a problem with this bunk.
Storage
The manufacturer cleverly made use of the stairs by putting shelving on the other side. There are three shelves of various sizes on the stairs, and then you also have space underneath the staircase and beneath the bed for additional storage.
Verdict
The Shyann Staircase Twin-Over-Full bunk bed is ideal if you want one with a staircase and shelving. It has high weight limits and is very well-made and sturdy. For lower ceilings, this bed works well. Assembly is very time-consuming, complicated, and you will need an electric drill. Sometimes the holes didn’t line up correctly or were too small for the screws, and the instructions weren’t straightforward to follow.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Attached staircase with shelves
- Sturdy and stable
- Highest weight limits
Cons
- Time-consuming assembly
- Difficult assembly requiring an electric drill
6. Best Bunk Bed With a Playhouse: Donco Deer Blind Loft Bed
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Wooden loft bed
- Dimensions: 77” L x 43” W x 90” H
- Mattress thickness: 10 inches
- Weight limit: 180 pounds
Kids need space play in their room, but what if you could combine their bed and an indoor playhouse? This fun bunk bed is a hideaway and bunk bed in one. It’s available in pink and gray as pictured or blue and gray. As complicated as the bed looks, it’s not too hard to assemble as the instructions are clear.
Safety
Kids will feel safe and secure whether they sleep in the bottom or the top bunk. The bottom bunk is only a couple of inches off the floor, and the top bunk has guardrails along with one whole part of the bed that’s enclosed. Once assembled, the bed is sturdy and secure. The maximum weight capacity is only 180 pounds on the top bunk, however.
Storage
There isn’t any storage on this bed, but your kids will love the roll-down curtains that turn their beds into a cozy hideout. However, if you only have one child sleeping in the bunk, then the top or bottom can become a great storage area for toys and stuffed animals.
Verdict
For kids who love tents and hideouts, the Donco Deer Blind Loft Bed is perfect. It’s fun, sturdy, and easy to assemble, though the assembly is time-consuming because of all the parts. Because the bunk has a roof of sorts, it’s very tall. Therefore this bed is best for rooms with high ceilings.
Pros
- Cozy playhouse bunk bed
- Sturdy and stable
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Fun and exciting use of room space
Cons
- Best for tall ceilings
- It takes a long time to put together
7. Best Bunk Bed Over Desk: Novogratz Maxwell Metal Twin Loft With Desk
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Metal loft bed with desk and shelves
- Dimensions: 5” L x 41. 5” W x 72” H
- Mattress thickness: 6 inches
- Weight limits: 200 pounds
A desk and a bed can take up a lot of space in a room, so combining the two is a great way to maximize floor space in your kid’s room. The Novogratz Maxwell Metal Twin Loft with Desk has a simple, modern design where a desk is underneath the single bunk bed. The bed frame is available in gray or navy, and you can also get it in a full-sized bed over the desk.
Safety
The guardrails run all the way around the top, and they’re 12.5 inches high, which gives plenty of security if you stick to a six-inch mattress. It also has a pretty high weight limit of 200 pounds, so it’s ideal for older kids and teens. The ladder is integrated, which saves space but isn’t as easy to climb.
Storage
There is plenty of room for a laptop or desktop, office supplies, and a lamp underneath the top bunk. There’s additional space beneath the desk where you can have a low set of drawers or cabinets to hold everything your teen needs for school and homework.
Verdict
The Novogratz Maxwell Metal Twin Loft with Desk makes good use of your child’s room by providing space underneath for a built-in desk. The metal slats ensure you don’t have to use box springs beneath the mattress, which is convenient.
This isn’t a good bunk bed for rooms with low ceilings, though, since it’s six feet high. It would have been better if the manufacturer left less room beneath the bunk as there’s more than enough for everything on the desk. It’s also not very sturdy.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Built-in desk
- Built-in shelves
- Makes use of a small space
Cons
- Not a good choice for low ceilings
- Not very sturdy
8. Best L-Shaped Bunk Bed: Harriet Bee Reasor L-Shaped Bunk Bed
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Wooden l-shaped bunk bed
- Dimensions: 65” H x 78” W x 118” L
- Mattress thickness: 6 inches and 8 inches
- Weight limits: 175 pounds
The Harriet Bee Reasor L-Shaped bunk bed sleeps four kids comfortably. It’s ideal for fitting a bunch of kids in one room, so if you have a big family with limited space, this is an ideal solution. This type of bed is especially great for lake or beach houses with only a few rooms and multiple guests. Or you can even use this bed for kids who have frequent sleepovers. The bed frame comes in white, dove gray, or chestnut, and you can also convert this bunk bed into three separate twin beds.
Safety
This L-shaped bunk adheres to the ASTM and CPSC safety guidelines. The maximum weight capacity for all of the beds is only 175 pounds, so it won’t support an adult or even a muscular teenager.
Storage
There is no built-in storage with this bed, but there are ten inches of height beneath the bottom bunk. That gives you plenty of room for a trundle bed or slim storage containers.
Verdict
The Harriet Bee Reasor L-Shaped Bunk Bed makes use of a small space by sleeping four kids comfortably. It’s great for big families or vacation homes, but prepare yourself for a nightmare of an assembly. The bed comes in ten separate boxes, and it takes hours and a lot of help to assemble. When you finish, though, you have a high-quality bunk bed. We wish the weight limit were a bit higher, though.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Sleeps four kids
- Converts to three separate twin beds
- Makes use of a small room
Cons
- Time-consuming assembly
- Low weight limits
9. Best Triple Bunk Bed: Greyleigh Moorcroft Twin Over Twin Over Twin
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Wooden triple bunk bed
- Dimensions: 77.13” H x 43.5” W x 79.25” L
- Mattress thickness: 6 inches
- Weight limit: 165 pounds
If you have tall ceilings and not a lot of floor space, then you might like the Greyleigh Moorcroft Twin Over Twin Over Twin bunk bed. It’s perfect for three kids sharing a room, but it’s also a great option for two kids who want to use the bottom bed as a couch or daybed. Available in four colors, you can bet this bed in white, gray, mocha, or black. If your kids ever get sick of bunk beds, you can convert them into three separate beds.
Safety
Although these beds conform to all U.S. safety guidelines for bunk beds—like having full-length guardrails—the weight limits are low. Each bed can hold 165 pounds. The bunk is also made from a combination of manufactured and solid wood, making it less durable in the long run.
Storage
Although there isn’t dedicated storage space on this bunk, depending on how many kids you need to sleep in the beds, you can use the bottom bunk for storage. There’s no room underneath the bottom bunk, though.
Verdict
The Moorcroft Twin Over Twin Over stacks three beds on top of one another for the ultimate in space-saving bunks. If you only have two kids, they can even use the bottom bunk for a couch to lounge on. The assembly on this bed is complicated, and you need to make sure you carefully follow the directions as they also include instructions for assembling double beds. The weight limits are lower since the frame is made out of manufactured wood mixed with solid. This also isn’t the best bunk bed for low ceilings.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Sleeps three kids
- Converts to three separate twin beds
- Makes use of a small room
Cons
- Time-consuming assembly
- Low weight limits
- High ceiling required
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Wooden twin-over-full with storage and trundle
- Dimensions: 68.5” H x 59” W x 103.25” L
- Mattress thickness: 9 inches
- Weight limits: 175 pounds and 200 pounds
The Harriet Bee Tena Bunk Bed with Storage and Trundle has everything you need in a bunk. It’s a twin-sized bed over a full, and it includes a twin-sized trundle. The trundle rolls smoothly on casters, so you don’t have to worry about it scratching the floors. You can also convert the Tena into two separate beds. The bunk is available in white, gray, or espresso.
Safety
Made of solid pine instead of particleboard, this bunk bed has a smooth finish to prevent breakage or splinters. The guardrails are full-length and much higher than the mattress on the top bunk. The rails are so high they almost look like crib railings around the top. Instead of a ladder, an enclosed stairway is included, which is ideal for kids who are nervous about using a narrow ladder.
Storage
This bunk bed has tons of storage with four drawers built into the stairs and two shelves. The shelves are on the other side of the stairs, and they are ideal for storing baskets of toys, decorations, or even a small lamp.
Verdict
The Harriet Bee Tena Bunk Bed is pricey, but it’s worth it if you want a bunk bed that has it all. With plenty of storage, a trundle bed, stairs, and the ability to convert the whole unit into separate beds, this is an excellent choice.
All these parts mean the assembly is a serious undertaking, though. Everything is heavy, and you’ll need plenty of time and help to put this thing together. Figure on at least a few hours for assembly. The top and bottom bunks don’t have very high weight limits, so this isn’t a good choice for parents who need to snuggle their little ones before bed. For that, you should consider the Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Slide, which has 400-pound weight limits.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Converts to two separate beds
- Includes rolling trundle bed
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Time-consuming to put together
- Doesn’t have high weight limits
Complete Guide to Buying the Best Bunk Bed for 2022
Once you’ve measured how much space you have and know which type of bunk bed you’re looking for, there are just a few other things to consider before buying.
Cost
There are bunk beds to fit almost every budget, and if you’re creative, you can stretch your dollar even further. For example, if you want to stick to the cost of something like the DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame but need two beds, you can always fit a trundle-style bed underneath.
In general, the more the bed has going on—like extra storage, stairs, a trundle bed, and a full-sized bed instead of a twin—the more it will cost.
Weight Limits
Weight limits are important to consider for more than just who will sleep on the bed. If you have a little one who needs snuggles and a bedtime story, for example, you might not be able to get away with a weight limit of only 165 pounds. To make it easier to change the sheets, you might end up having to climb on the bed, too.
Bunks like Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Slide with a higher weight limit can make this less of a precarious situation.
Assembly
All of the bunk beds have instructions that anyone can follow and put together. That being said, the more features the bunk has, the more parts you should expect. Almost all of the bunk beds, except for the super simple DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame, take hours to put together.
To make your life easier, you should have an electric drill on hand. We also recommend getting help from a friend, partner, or even one of your older kids. That’ll make the job easier and faster.
Mattress Thickness
If you have a child who likes plusher mattresses, they might be disappointed by many bunk beds. Many of them require six-inch mattresses. It’s important to follow the mattress thickness requirements because of the guardrails. If you put a thicker mattress than recommended on the top bunk, you run the risk of your little one not having enough railing to keep them safe and secure.
For kids who prefer thicker mattresses, Shyann Staircase Twin Over Full Bunk has 9.5-inch mattress requirements.
Convertible Beds
As much as your kids may love their bunk bed now, they might eventually want separate beds. In that case, it can save you money in the long run if you choose bunks that convert into individual frames. That way, you won’t have to go out and buy all new bed frames.
Trundle or Storage Space
Many bunks come with the option of a trundle bed that rolls beneath the bottom bunk. The advantage of this is if your kids have frequent sleepovers because then you have plenty of room for everyone to sleep without taking up much more floor space. On the other hand, if sleepovers aren’t a common occurrence at your house, then having extra storage space might be a better choice.
Many bottom bunks have room underneath for storage containers, but others are only a few inches off the floor. So if storage is at a premium at your house, you might want to choose the bunk with more storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunk Beds
Does the thought of a bunk bed make you a little nervous? If so, we’ve got you covered with everything you wanted to know about safety. Or maybe you aren’t sure what the age ranges are or which materials are best. We have the answers to the most common questions on bunk beds below.
Are Bunk Beds Safe?
Safety is the biggest question that comes to mind when you consider a bunk bed, and for a good reason. The truth is, high bunk beds can be a fall hazard for kids. If they fall off the top bunk, they risk a broken bone.
Loft beds like the Novogratz Maxwell Metal Twin Loft Bed should only be used for older kids who aren’t going to see how far they can jump off the bed.
In general, though, bunk beds are much, much safer than they used to be. You may have noticed that every bunk bed on the list has guardrails for safety. That’s because, in 1999, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finally put out requirements for bunk bed manufacturers.
Along with the guardrail requirements, the federal standards address the problem of kids becoming stuck in between the railings. The standards state that the slats must be either 3.5 inches small to prevent a child from getting stuck or be wide enough to fit their head and torso through.
What Can You Do to Make Bunk Beds Safer?
Your kids aren’t going to love this answer, but the best way to make bunk beds safer is to set some rules. Here are some great ones to consider.
- You are not one of the Five Little Monkeys, so no jumping on the bed.
- Only one kid on the top bunk at a time.
- The bunk bed is not a playset.
- Never hang things from the bunk bed (it’s a strangulation hazard).
In addition to setting rules, it helps to have a nightlight in the room so that whoever is sleeping on the top bunk can get down easily.
Where you place the bunk bed is important, too. You never want to put it beside a window because the glass might break. You also should make sure there are at least 30 inches of room from the top bunk to the ceiling so your little one can sit up without hitting their head. Lastly, make sure you don’t place the bunk where your child can bump into the ceiling fan or light fixture.
Are Bunk Beds With Stairs Safer?
Stairs are easier to climb than ladders, so they are safer. Kids can slip on the rungs of a ladder, especially when they get to the top of the bunk and have to crawl over the side. Kids also tend to be more familiar with stairs than a ladder, so they are more comfortable using them. If you have young children, we recommend a bunk bed with stairs unless it’s a low bunk like the Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Slide.
What Are the Age Requirements for Bunk Beds?
For the bottom bunk, there is no age requirement. It’s whenever you feel your little one is ready to sleep in a bed of their own. The top bunk, though, is a different story. The CPSC standard is six years old. This is because it doesn’t take much height at all for a toddler to break a bone. And a six-year-old is far more likely to follow the rules and not use the top bunk as a diving board.
If you plan to get bunk beds for siblings and one is younger than six, it’s up to your discretion whether or not you think your little one will follow the rule about not getting on the top bunk.
When it comes to maximum age for a bunk bed, that depends more on the weight capacity. A petite teenager will have no problem with a low weight limit. However, a bigger, heavier teen might want a higher weight capacity to feel comfortable.
Are Wooden or Metal Bunk Beds Best?
Depending on the type of wood you get, wooden bunk beds are more durable and long-lasting than metal. The bed has to be made of solid wood, though, and preferably hardwood. Any kind of manufactured or particleboard will not hold up to the rigors of kids climbing into them every night. Wooden beds are typically heavier and more solid.
However, metal is lightweight and easier to move around your room. It’s also typically more modern looking, so it appeals to teens. Metal bunk beds are usually cheaper, too. So ultimately, which one is better depends on your needs.
Final Thoughts on Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are a great way to free up floor space in a smaller room. So many of them come with helpful storage options, too, and others are just plain fun. Whichever one you pick, we hope your little one will enjoy their new bed!