How to Find the Best Cheap Bunk Beds

Shoppers who are looking to save space Bunk beds free up floor space to accommodate other furniture.

If you're looking for a bunk bed that can last: Solid wood can cost more, but it's better built to withstand rough children and adult guests who could be staying over.

Families on a budget: Some bunk beds can be divided into separate beds. This is a great option if your children outgrow them or you move to a larger home.

Safety Features

When shopping for a bunkbed make sure it meets all safety standards. It should have a sturdy base and guardrails on the top mattress. It should be sturdy enough to support the weight of your child, and not easily tip over. Also, consider if there are side handles to help your kiddos get in and out of the bed safely. Some bunk beds also include ladders, while other have stairs. Ladders require less space than stairs and are safer to climb.

You should also consider the materials used to construct bunk beds. Solid wood is more expensive but it can withstand rougher play better than particle board laminated. It's also more appealing for kids' rooms. You may want to think about the way that the bunk bed could be utilized if you plan to house adult guests at times. Could it be split into two beds?

Bunk beds come in different colors, making it easy to pick one that matches the room of your child. Some models are painted while others have natural finishes. It's a good idea think about how the bunk bed will look with your other bedroom furniture, as well.

Some bunk beds feature slides that can be detached. This is an excellent feature for kids. This bunk bed accessory can bring hours of fun for your kids. They can slide down the slide with their pals or take their pet animals on rides.

The bunk bed from Max and Lily features a full-size mattress on the bottom and a twin-sized mattress on the top, so it can accommodate several children in the same room. This is a great choice for families with at least three kids. Pick from a range of classic finishes to fit any decor. A white, crisp finish is a reliable option for coastal, cottage and vibrant rooms, while a gray option works with more modern palettes. A neutral stained finish, like clay, is a good choice for many interior styles.

Mattress

The mattress you choose for bunk beds will have a big impact on how your kids sleep. A mattress that is good will keep them upright and prevent them from falling off the top of the bed or pushing into each one. Bunk bed mattresses are available in a wide variety of materials, from foam to innerspring and hybrid versions. They are generally designed to fit into narrower frames, however you need to take into consideration your child's size and sleeping position before choosing.

It is important to first determine whether the bunk bed is in compliance with minimum safety standards. For example, it should have guardrails to stop children from falling off of the top. Check that the bunk bed is stable and there is enough room between the top and bottom beds. You should also make sure that the bunk bed fits the space you need and complements the design of the bedroom your child is in.

Metal bunk beds are usually cheaper than wooden ones and are an excellent choice for families with a limited budget or will be moving in the near future. This twin-overtwin bunk from YourZone is easy to put together and is made of lightweight materials such as MDF and kiln dried wood. Its clean lines and simple slatted headboards as well as footboards give it a contemporary look and feel that's durable against wear and tear. It is also CPSC-tested to ensure it can support up to 500 pounds per bed, and Greenguard Gold certified to have low chemical emissions.

For older kids who may require a little more room, this full-over-full bunk bed from Max and Lily is a great option. You can customize this bed to meet your specific dimensions and select an escalator instead of a ladder which can help to save floor space. It's a great option for siblings with an age gap that is large as the mattress on the lower is a full-size mattress while the upper mattress is a twin. It's also a great option for guests or sleepovers as the trundle bed can accommodate an additional guest.

This is the only bunk bed we've listed that's not made of wood. It's perfect for parents who want to make sure their bunks will last. This metal bunk is built to last, and it's robust enough that Fenton says she would be able to trust it with her children. It's also reasonably priced and comes in a range of colors, ranging from neutral gray to a bold blue, so it's easy to mix it up with your child's décor. It requires some assembly, but the pieces are clearly labeled so it's not difficult to put together.

Storage

If your children can stay in a bunk bed without supervision, then you might consider purchasing a bed that has built-in storage. Some bunk beds have drawers underneath the lower bunk that can be used to store clothes, blankets or toys. This feature makes it simple to keep the room neat and tidy. This is a great choice for families that travel often or have more than two children sharing a bedroom.

Another benefit of cheap bunk beds is that they can be split into two beds that stand on their own that can help you save space in a small space or provide flexibility when you move to a new home. A majority of the wood bunk beds featured in this roundup have this feature, and it's worth looking for if this is something you're looking to purchase.

Consider how often you will use the bunk bed, and whether or not you are planning to add additional furniture to the room when shopping for one. In addition to the quality and design, the construction is also something to consider. If you're planning to keep the bunk bed for a long time it's better to purchase something that's durable and well-constructed.

The cheapest bunk beds are usually constructed from cheap materials such as medium-density fiberboard and kiln-dried wood that is fine for children, but might not be as durable for adults or frequent sleepers. However, you can find inexpensive bunk beds that are constructed from higher-quality materials. For instance, the Xtreme Metal Bunk Bed is made of strong aluminum and has a huge weight capacity. It's also a good choice for families with children younger than since it can be split into two beds as they get older.

If you're in search of a bunk bed that matches the furniture in the bedroom of your child opt for a model that has the same headboard and feetboards. That way it won't appear out of place should you decide to add additional furniture pieces later on. The South Shore twin-over-twin metal bunk bed is a good option for this, since it's available in five different colors and features an escalator instead of a ladder. It's also available in queen-over-queen sizes, which makes it an excellent option for teenagers or adults.

Style

The style of a bunk bed can be different depending on the materials and configurations. For example there are best portable bunk beds beds made of wood that's sustainable and is GreenGuard Gold certified (the highest best quality childrens bunk beds of certification). Bunk beds can also be built in a L-shaped form or with additional features, such as desks or drawers built into them. Some bunk beds can be disassembled and used as two separate bed that is a great alternative for kids who are likely to outgrow their bunk beds or are planning to move in the near future.

Size-wise, bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes. The most popular are twin-overtwins and full over-full. If you have room choose a higher-end bunk bed such as this one from Ikea that's recommended by experts. It also comes with an adjustable ladder that can be moved to either side of the frame to accommodate various room layouts. This bunk bed can accommodate an ordinary twin mattress in both the top and bottom bed, and it comes with two slats to support the beds' mattresses.

If you don't have enough space to build a taller bunk bed, you can opt for this IKEA bunk bed that's smaller at 61 3/4 inches. It's recommended for kids older than 6 years, and is able to be put together at home using a screwdriver or drill. It can accommodate a standard twin-size mattress on the lower bed and an XL full-size or twin-size mattress on the upper bed. This is suitable for children of all ages from toddlers to elementary school.

Another option is this metal bunk bed made by Room & Board, which experts recommend for its durability and quality. It's the only bunk bed on this list, and is built to last for "a very long time." It can accommodate twinor full-sized mattresses and has an adjustable ladder that can be moved to either end of the frame, and features secured slats on both sides. It also has a best trundle bunk beds beneath the lower bunk for use for guests who want to stay.

This wood bunk bed from Crate & Kids will suit those who prefer something simple and classic. It's recommended for kids who are over six years old, and comes with solid guardrails to keep the younger children safe while they sleep on the higher level. It comes in a variety of colours and finishes and is easy to assemble.