The Ultimate Bunk Bed

I found this excellent bunk bed design online and I thought I would share it with the viewers of my website. This bunk bed is quite unique in that it offers two desks, two beds (of course), and tons of storage space with shelves, pull-out drawers, and more. This bunk bed offers almost every feature you could ever want in a space saving, and compact design. Here is the photo:


This bunk bed is available at BarnDoor Funiture Co. I am not affiliated with the company in any way nor am I profiting from this post. Just thought I'd share this with my readers!

Are Bunk Beds Easy to Assemble?

The term “easy” is relative. What is easy for one person might be hard for somebody else and vice versa. Most bunk bed assembly requires only very simple household tools to be able to put your new bed together, such as a screwdriver or a wrench. If there are any tools required that are not considered “household,” they will be provided with your bunk bed purchase.

If you do not know what a screwdriver or a wrench is, or what they even look like, you might want to consider getting some help. Although these beds can be put together with one person it is advised that you have a second person. That additional set of hands will make assembly a lot easier.

The first thing you want to do when your new bed arrives is to lay everything out onto the floor and read the assembly instructions carefully and thoroughly, at least once through even before you start. Make sure that everything in the documentation is included such as rails, headboard, etc…. and all of the hardware. What I mean by all of the hardware is bolts, washers, and screws. The last thing that you want, and I've had this happen to me before, is to get almost done and find out that you're missing two bolts. And at 7pm on a Sunday evening, there are no hardware stores open where I live. So the best advice before you begin putting together your new bunk bed is to make sure that all the parts have arrived and that nothing is damaged. Once you have verified that the contents are complete, start with step one.

Since bunk beds are actually two beds one stacked upon another, I cannot stress the importance of putting the beds together correctly. Please take the time to read the instructions before you begin. I know the temptation to look at the pictures and start putting together the frame is high (and I'm guilty of this myself with certain projects), but bedroom furniture, especially heavy bedroom furniture, needs patience. So for the safety of everyone, please read the instructions.

So, how easy are bunk beds to put together? For the average person with average household skills the installation is relatively easy. The first thing you will likely assemble is the actual bed frame to the footboard and the headboard of both beds. Sometimes you will actually assemble two beds and then lift one on top of the other. For this type of assembly it is imperative that you have a second person, as lifting one bed on top of another is something most people cannot do by themselves. There are many bunk beds that are assembled as a whole unit rather than two separate beds. Some of the loft designs and certain theme bunk bed styles are put together as one unit.

If you have any reservations about having bunk beds delivered to your door and being overwhelmed at the thought of how they will be assembled…don't! Help is always a phone call away, every reputable seller has phone operators that can help with instructions and assembly. Don't want to even attempt this yourself, or just don't have the time? Local handy men in the phone book can perform this task with ease. There are some online retailers that will deliver and put together your new beds for you, just ask them.

So, get out there, choose your style, get the beds delivered, put them together, you can even make a nice family event out of this, and have fun.

Choosing the Right Log Bunk Bed

So you’ve got the perfect little log cabin, or chalet by the lake, or just want a country touch to your home. You want a log bunk bed, or two, but don’t know where to start. And they don’t carry them in your downtown furniture store.

Not to worry, there are plenty of options available on the Internet. There are loft log bunk beds, twin over twin log bunk beds, full over full or even twin over queen. I haven’t seen a twin over king yet, but really the Amish can make any size you want. A lot of college students who looking to build an inexpensive loft bed might find an Amish loft bunk bed to be just the ticket, and some of them come with futons under them, too.

There are federal regulations regarding bunk beds, so you’ll want to make sure that whatever bed you choose meets the regulations. We’re talking safety here, and things do happen. But you certainly wouldn’t want a bed that doesn’t meet the regulations, so make sure that the one you buy, does. Most accidents with bunk beds happen to children under the age of three. Many of these accidents can be avoided by having safety rails on both sides of the top bed. If one side of the bed is against the wall, that can be sufficient--but it must be against the wall. There are also regulations regarding headboards. There is a link to a page with the regulations at the bottom of this article for those who wish to read further.

Bunk beds built to those regulations are generally built to hold an adult weighing up to 250 pounds. If you are pushing the limits, try cedar instead of pine. In the beds we sell, the cedar logs are 5 ½ to 6 inches in diameter, while the pine is about 3 ½ inches in diameter. They are both built to federal specifications, and the pine bunk beds are very solid and strong, but if there is a question in your mind, go for the bigger logs. And of course, you can always put the big fella on the bottom, too.

Some log bunk beds come with a metal frame to hold the mattress, but some of the Amish build them with a wood frame to hold both the box spring and the mattress. You don’t have to put a box spring in those beds, but you certainly can.

The other alternative to hold the mattress up is called a Bunkie board. A Bunkie board is basically ¾ inch plywood cut to the size of the box spring. It sits inside either the metal bed frame, or the wood bed frame, and supports the mattress. If you have a box spring you don’t need a Bunkie board, but if there is not a box spring, the Bunkie board is what supports the middle of the mattress. We sell Bunkie boards if people want them, but a lot of people just cut their own. It’s up to the buyer.

Another option to consider is the type of ladder you want with your log bunk bed. Some of the Amish beds have the ladders built right into the end of the bed, so you don’t have a ladder leaning out from the bed. Others have a moveable ladder that can hook on the end or the side. In many cases, the amount of space available determines the type of bunk bed you buy. If you have a small room, the larger cedar logs may seem too massive. If you don’t have room for a slanted ladder, however, you may opt for the cedar bunk bed anyway that has the ladder built in. If you have a larger room or larger people, you may opt for the larger cedar logs.

If you get a pine bunk bed with metal frame, there is a way to give the metal frame that log look when the covers are thrown back. These are decorative half logs or rails, not to be confused with the safety rails that go around the top of the bunk bed. The top safety rails are always included with the log bunk bed, but the decorative half rails are optional and just for looks.

Last but not least, be sure to measure before you buy. Last year we sold a couple of log bunk beds to somebody in Montana. They absolutely loved the beds, but had bought two for the room and soon found out that only one could comfortably fit. Since we are in Michigan and they in Montana, it would have cost quite a bit to ship it back. They ended up selling the extra bed on ebay, but the problem could have been avoided with a bit of careful measuring up front.

Is a Bunk Bed the Ideal Choice for my Children's Room?

Not only is getting bunk beds something that children will simply love to do, it is also something that can be helpful to improving your home’s function. Many times, they can be the solution to having enough room in your home for movement, for playing and just for comfort. If you try to lay two single beds next to each other, they will take up a considerable amount of space. On the other hand, if you install bunk beds into the room, you can transform the room into a space saving fun room that virtually every child will love.

How Do Bunk Beds Fit?

There are several ways that bunk beds can be laid out. Each of them has their own, unique set up and they can be changed to fit your needs. Most commonly, bunk beds lay one on top of the other going in the same direction. But, in more modern set ups, you can change that to include one bunk bed running horizontally and the other running vertical in the room. This is really a decision based on the space that you have as well as the needs that you have. You may choose one style or function over the other just because, too!

But, when you do install bunk beds, you conveniently free up half of the space that you would have had to use if you were to lay two beds side by side in a room. That gives you additional space for dressers, bookshelves and plenty of other things that need to be in the area, including open space. Because bunk beds can be built with extra storage in them as well, they can often give you additional space to enjoy. One very unique situation is using bunk beds that are facing opposite directions to allow for space on either side of the bottom bunk for a desk, allowing each of your children a convenient place for homework.

Is It Really Safe?

One of the most worrisome conditions of a bunk bed to a parent is if their child will fall out. After all, they are at a much higher point in the room then they would have been if they were laid side by side. But, it is also quite important to realize that bunk beds can have railings and sides to help prevent a small child from falling. Most children that get older don’t role off their bed, just as you don’t role off your own while you are sleeping. Still, for smaller children, purchasing a bed system that has these extra railings can be quite important.

One of the best ways to see if you will enjoy the space that a bunk bed can give you is to rearrange the room using only one single bed and seeing the difference. You may find that they are easy to use in this way and that they are ideally positioned to give you a room with lots and lots of fun in it!

Amy Johnson has worked for many years in the furniture industry, at a senior level, and now she has written amazing articles on bunk beds that explains how to find a good bed, which is the right mattress for you, how to find right frames for your bed, and a lot more.

Bunk Bed Ladder Safety

It seems that bunk beds are a staple furnishing in any home. They can do wonders in maximizing the floor space of a very small bedroom. The problem is, if you don't choose the right bunk bed, you may be putting your child's safety at risk. There have been a lot of reports of accidents resulting from improper set up or manufacturing of bunk beds and it always pays to be very careful in selecting one for your children.

Bunk bed ladders can hurt your child

One area of concern that we should take into consideration is in choosing bunk bed ladders. Normally, bunk beds already come with ladders. Make sure that the ladder is sturdy enough to hold your weight. A good bunk bed ladder shouldn't move around, especially if it's a permanent attachment.

Removable ladders?

The good thing about bunk beds is that you can replace the ladder for sturdier and safer ones, as in the case of movable ladders. The fact that they are detachable makes them less sturdy than the permanent ladders, but many manufacturers incorporated bolts and screws to help their ladders stay in position.

How to install

Ideally, your bunk bed ladder should be made of the same material as your bunk bed. The ladder should be installed in a position that is readily accessible. As a safety precaution, it should also be pulled out when it's not in use.

You also have to make sure that the ladder is properly attached before letting anyone climb on it. All the bolts and hooks should be in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

What weight should your ladder be able to hold?

Choose a bunk bed ladder with a weight capacity of 200 pounds or more to carry the weight of a teenager or an adult.

Bunk Beds & Decoration in Dorm Rooms!

The small size of the living area is the major issue for the dorm room decorator. When working with such a compact space, including pieces of furniture that double up in purpose and function increases the room’s usable space. This way, you can use all the space of the room, from the floor (for storage) to the ceiling (for sleeping.) For example, you can pair a desk and a bed by using a loft bed. You can increase the storage space with a bunk bed. All these combinations offer tons of creative solutions for a smart student decorator.

A loft bed takes advantage of the room space under and above your bed. With a loft bed, you can use the space underneath to place a desk or even a futon; with a bunk bed, you get a roomy storage that can replace a chest of drawers. The available space can be used for useful shelves to house books, magazines or other items.

Loft and bunk bed units can be purchased in a store or built from scratch by a handy do-it-yourselfer. The space under the loft bed can be used in many ways. For example, you can arrange a secluded study area simply by adding an armchair, a bookcase and a lighting fixture. Bunk beds help save space doubling as storage, so you can get rid of your large chest of drawers. You can “find” some space in bunk chairs that can hold extra clothes, linens, and bedding. Additional options that increase storage under a loft or bunk bed include adjustable pole shelving and filing modules available at IKEA.

If you don’t want your dorm look like military quarters choose a favorite color scheme and introduce small elements of color throughout the dorm space. You can visibly eliminate clutter by storing your belongings in bank boxes or baskets which you can decorate with matching fabric or wallpaper.

If you're feeling more adventurous, inject some color into the room with paint. Choose a statement shade and create a focal point by painting one wall. Alternatively, if you have a small room, make the available space appear larger by choosing softer shades that coordinate with the existing room décor. One of the easiest ways to make a dorm appear relaxed and inviting is with lighting. Choose your lights appropriately depending on whether you want a soft glow or a bright, light space.

To liven up your loft bed you can use washable slipcovers in bright colors and easy to wash fabrics such as cotton-polyester mix. You can buy a matching set of covers for the extra seating space under your loft bed. You can buy a great throw to decorate your loft bed in a novelty store such as Pier 1 or even on a flea market.

When designing your dorm space around a bunk or loft bed, remember that even on a budget it is possible to create a tidy and uncluttered room where everything has a suitable place. No matter if you will be sharing a dorm room with a relative or friend, you still can maximize creativity, minimize clutter and help to create a one-of-a-kind dorm décor.

The Advantages of Metal Bunk Beds

Metal bunks beds are very popular, particularly since they are typically less expensive than wood bunk beds. Most metal bunk beds are manufactured in Taiwan, Malaysia and Mexico and are sold in the U.S. by importers and retailers. Tubular metal is used to construct these beds and they are often painted with high gloss black, white, red or blue paint. These metal bunk beds typically sell for between $150 and $250 each.

With metal bunk beds, both the frame and the ladder are constructed of metal. Metal bunk beds can be a twin bed over a twin bed, a twin bed over a full-sized bed, or simply a twin bed over empty space where you can put a couch, desk, dresser or other items.

Metal bunk beds are generally much lighter than wood bunk beds. This makes them more flexible, allowing you to change the format of the bedroom much more easily. The lesser weight also makes them a more viable online purchase. Specifically, shipping costs are less due to weight and due to the fact that the metal tubes are much thinner than the wood used in wooden bunk beds.

Metal bunk beds are often easy to self-assemble with basic tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. Connections and welds should be checked regularly to ensure that continued stability of the metal bunk bed.

Using & Developing Bunk Bed Plans

Using bunk beds is a good way to maximize space, especially if your floor area is very limited. This type of furniture is actually very popular and commonly found in the rooms of children, residence halls of colleges and universities, ships and trains.

If you are interested in creating your own bunk bed, you need to get sturdy materials together. Wood, plywood, deck screws, carriage bolts, nuts, washers, wood plugs, finishing nails, lag bolts and lock washers are often used in building such beds. The number and size of the materials depend on the size of the furniture that you will be making.

Here are some reminders before you start building your bunk bed.

1. Evaluate the room where you want your new bed to be. Plot the space that the bed will occupy and make allowances for the rest of the furniture in the room. Now get accurate measurements of the space where you plan to put your bed. Visit different hardware stores and acquire the needed materials before you start on your project. Make sure you shop around for the best possible deals.

2. In building your bunk bed, make sure that you will be able to get standard-sized mattresses for it. Before you start cutting through the wood you have purchased to build your bed frame, make sure that you have made allowances for your mattresses. It would be unwise to have a large frame for your bunk bed when your mattress is a lot smaller, or have too small a bed frame that causes the mattress to spill out at the sides. Make sure that you construct the lower of the two bed platforms at least twelve inches off the floor. As for the upper bed box, it could be any height.

Fun with Triple Bunk Beds!

Ideally, your child’s bedroom offers an environment which stimulates his or her creativity and imagination, and has the ability to change over time. In achieving the latter, triple bunks beds are often helpful as they certainly reduce the square footage needed for three children to sleep.

Triple bunk beds are available with three twin-sized beds. Any other sized beds would need to be custom-made. When shopping for triple bunk beds, consider who the beds are for, your options and your budget.

Parents should be aware of the safety issues that accompany triple bunk beds. A child sleeping on the top bunk may be at least six feet in the air. Clearly, if your kids are terribly rambunctious, these beds may not be your best bet as monkey-play and bunk beds do not go together.

With regards to budget, when selecting a bunk bed, your budget needs to be high enough to ensure that the bed meets minimum safety standards put out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Triple bunk beds are clearly a show-piece to any bedroom. They are not terribly common, and thus stand out. Kids love them since they are unique and exciting. However, parents must be sure not to let the excitement around these beds overshadow the potential safety risk, and as such, must choose a quality bed.

Purchasing a Used Bunk Bed

Used bunk beds can be purchased at many locations beyond the classified ads you see in the paper. The most popular locations are flea markets, consignment shops and estate sales. Another possible place is to purchase from rental companies. Many of these companies operate clearance centers or regional stores where the public can get significant discounts off used items. Finally, government or traditional online auctions are good locations to find used bunk beds.

Buying a used bunk bed is similar to buying other used items. You should start by researching the prices of both new and used bunk beds. You should then set a budget for the purchase and look within that price range.

Knowing the reputation of the seller is also important, particularly if you buy the bunk bed online. Make sure they have a history of good customer service and will promptly send the item to your home. Look at pictures of the used bunk bed so that you can visually inspect the quality to make sure there are no welding issues (if a metal bed). Also, visually inspect it to ensure that the guard rails go along all four sides on the top bunk.

A bunk bed can be an exciting addition to any home. Buying used will give you a price break, and can open up many more possibilities than buying new.

The Benefits of Loft Bunk Beds

A loft bunk bed is technically defined as a bunk bed in which the top of the mattress is more than three feet from the floor. As such, virtually all bunk beds are actually loft bunk beds under this definition.

In use, however, loft bunk beds often have simply one twin bed on top with nothing underneath. In addition, they are typically more self-contained in that they include many other features and/or furniture items that typically reside in a bedroom. For instance, loft bunk beds can include both a desk and drawers underneath the twin bed on top.

Loft bunk beds, like other bunks, save space and add a creative element to a bedroom. Choices of ladders typically exist, from straight-up ladders to angled ladders. The angled ladders are generally safer, but take up more floor space.

In addition to loft bunk beds, futon bunk beds are convenient because they have the dual functionality of serving as a couch. As such, futon bunk beds represent the ultimate in space savings. They allow you to have two beds and a couch all within just a few square feet of floor space.

Loft beds are a viable alternative to traditional beds and other bunk beds. These beds can be purchased both online and offline and many options are available with regards to styles and colors. The beds are typically available in both wood and metal construction.

All About Twin Bunk Beds

After a hard day filled with numerous and stressful activities, most people will opt to go directly to bed. Some will take a quick nap or simply sleep their tension away. Taking the time to relax in bed is enough to rejuvenate a person and allow him to continue his daily routine with renewed energy.

It is no surprise that the bed is one of the most functional furniture in the house. There are different types of beds to suit a person's preferences. One type of bed is the twin bunk bed.

What is a twin bunk bed?

A twin bunk bed is just like any ordinary bunk bed, made up of two beds positioned one top of the other. To reach the top bed, the person will have to use a ladder mounted on the bed frame itself. A bunk bed is often used to maximize a limited floor area. Instead of having only one person sleep on a certain floor area, two people can share the same space. This is why a bunk bed can save so much space.

What makes the twin bunk bed so special is that each bed mounted on the bed frame can actually be separated to create two twin beds, thus its name.

If you try searching the Internet for twin bunk beds, you will be surprised to see just how many different variations of this kind of furniture are available. Twin bunk beds come in different colors and sizes. The materials used for the beds also vary. Though the most commonly used material for such furniture is wood, a lot of companies have come out with alternatives using metal or aluminum.

If you can't wait to own a twin bunk bed, you could try building one for yourself. Or you could order from one of many furniture companies online. Such companies even offer you customized furniture, based on your personal specifications and design requirements.

Ensuring the Bunk Bed is Safe for Your Children

Parenting is never an easy duty. One of the most important aspects of this job includes keeping your children safe from harm. Even sleeping at night can pose both serious and non-serious threats. Every year, thousands of children experience accidents involving bunk beds. Most are minor injuries; however it is not rare to see serious injuries from accidents such as falling off the top bunk, or suffocation on guard railings (although the latter is rare).

The next part of this article will look at some of most common sources of injuries from bunk beds, and things you can do to prevent them; thus keeping your child safe at night while they sleep.

Guardrail Spacing:

One of the most common threats to child safety in regards to bunk beds is the guardrails. They are of so much concern because if not properly installed they can pose opportunities for serious injury. For example, if the guard rail is too low, there is a chance your child can fall off the top bunk during sleep (especially if he or she constantly rolls while sleeping). Also, if the spacing between the guardrails and the bunk bed are too wide, then there are chances that a child’s head can get stuck in between the two, which in some rare cases, can cause suffocation. Thankfully, all bunk beds that are manufactured now must pass a US Safety Inspection. If accepted, they will receive a certificate that says the bunk bed meets the highest of safety standards. This greatly increases guardrail safety which will reduce the number of accidents caused by bunk beds.

Upper Bunk Support:

Another common threat is the upper bunk coming down. This is usually caused when there is not enough support holding up the upper bunk’s bed frame, mattress, and of course the child. But as with the note above on guardrails, when a bunk bed passes the US Safety Inspection, you can be certain that the build quality of the bunk bed meets the highest of standards. Therefore, accidents such as these are very unlikely.

The Mattress Size:

Probably the most obvious, but heavily overlooked aspect of child safety in regards to bunk beds is the mattress size. It is important to get the right sized mattress for the bunk bed because wrong-sized mattresses can cause falls, or increase the gap between safety rails and frame.

These threats and more can be prevented however. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has given out the following tips to safely selecting, using, and maintaining your bunk beds. They suggest that you make sure:

• That your bunk bed has guard rails on all four sides.
• The gap between the bed frame and the bottom of the guard rail does not exceed 3.5 inches (89 mm).
• Guardrails extend at least 5 inches (127 mm) above the mattress surface to prevent the child from falling off.
• To include cross ties under the mattress foundation, which can be securely attached.
• That the ladder is securely attached to the bunk bed. Replace any broken ladder rungs immediately.
• Select a bunk bed that has the feature of easily and safely separating itself into two single-sized beds.
• That the mattress fits tightly against all four sides of the bed frame.
• Do not permit children under the age of 6 to use or occupy the upper bunk
• That you emphasize to the children to always use the ladder to get on the upper bunk. Never use chairs or other furniture.
• To teach children that horseplay can be dangerous.
• Consider using a nightlight so that children can see the ladder if they need to use it if they wake up during the night or when it’s dark.
• Constantly check that bunk bed is sturdy.

Other tips include:

• Replace or repair any broken parts immediately.
• If the gap between the guard rail and bed frame is larger than 3.5 inches (as per above), nail or screw in another rail to prevent a child’s head from fitting in between the gap.
• Always check to make sure that the bunk bed contains safety labels. Ask before you make your purchase.
• Add extra slats underneath the bed frames for added support.

Those are some general tips to keeping your child safe as they sleep in their bunk beds. Now your bunk bed should be a wonderland once again where your children can play, sleep, and dream without a care in the world. Your children will b e safe, and you, as a parent, can achieve peace of mind and can sleep soundly yourself. With that, you can look forward to ensuring that your children can sleep well at night and are safe when they wake up in the morning.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Bunk Bed

Discount bunk beds can be a great way to help you save money and space at the same time. Very simply, you don't have to break the bank in order to buy a good bunk bed. Whether you want Futon Bunk Beds, kids bunk beds, theme bunk beds, etc, here are some simple yet important tips and information to help you find the best quality bunk beds without breaking the bank in the process.

Bunk beds are awesome inventions, because by putting one bed on top of another, you save a lot of room in your room, due to the fact that the beds go vertically instead of horizontally, and they are also very fun for kids. Usually, the kids fight over who gets the top, because they are so fun to sleep in.

Of course, they can also be quite expensive, sometimes negating the advantages they offer. If you want to save money on bunk beds, you should first become aware of what you get when you buy a cheap bunk bed. Just like any other product you are considering purchasing, when you buy cheap you often times get what you pay for. Therefore, if you don't pay a lot of money, you often times won't allow bunk bed in return.

Keep in mind, no matter how much you spend for your bunk bed, you must absolutely be sure that it is safer your kids to sleep in. Remember, if you buy a cheap bunk bed, you can often times expect flimsy rails and therefore not a very safe bet.

If the kids are playing on it, and someone falls against the rail and it breaks, they could very easily b injured when they hit the ground. Unfortunately, this can be the case when you purchase cheap discount bunk beds, as they will often be made of shoddy craftsmanship.

However, remember that you don't have to pay a lot of money to get good bunk beds; when you know what to look for, very simply you can often times find bunk beds for cheap prices but still get good quality. For instance, when you shop on the Internet, you can often times find many online retailers that sell these bunkers very cheaply but still offering good quality. You can do this on eBay or other discount websites; however, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you can find these very cheaply but still get good quality.

Also, you might want to try looking at use bunk bed markets for discount bunk beds. Here, if you do your research and know what to look for come you can often find great beds that are sold at a huge discount.

Finally, you might want to consider building the cheap bunk beds yourself. For this, simply do a quick internet search for bunk bed plans, and find out what comes up. This way, if you build it on your own, and you know what you're doing, you can be sure that it is made of good quality.

In order to find these, and to know what to look for, you must do your research on the Internet and read reviews about the different have bunk bed offerings, so that you know which ones are best. Once you've found these, then either buy these on the Internet or at bed markets, and you'll save a lot of money in the process. Hopefully these discount bunk bed tips will help you to find a great quality bunk bed a very affordable price.

What Makes Futon Bunk Beds So Popular?

Futon bunk beds are great for people that want to save space and add versatility to their room. The bed can function as a couch during the day and then turn in a bed at night. They look great and are surprisingly affordable.

There are many different frames to choose from when deciding on a futon bunk bed. There are metal frames, which have a distinct, unique look to them, as well as a wide variety of color choices. There are thousands of wooden framed choices available as well. It's just a matter of preference. Although, some people consider the wooden frames to be the best because the slat supports tend to be wider and closer together. This supports the mattress better and is more comfortable. If you just can't decide on metal or wood, keep that last tip in mind.

Since the bottom futon actually folds out and becomes a bed, check for one that can be place up against a wall and still allow the futon to be laid flat. They are often called wall-huggers. There are some beds that have to be placed five or six inches away from the wall to allow for some movement when folding the futon flat. So if you must have your bunk bed up against a wall, look for a "wall-hugger", this will make the conversion to a bed easy, especially if you are doing this daily.

If you plan on using the futon as an actual bed and sleeping on it every night, you need to think about spending a little more to get one that is really comfortable. An all cotton mattress or futon can be heavy some people prefer a poly-cotton blend which is lighter and easier to move around while still providing comfort. One that actually has an inner spring mattress will provide the best support but will also cost more.

There are many different covers that can be used on a futon mattress. Remember the bottom of the bunk is a regular futon, you can use any futon cover and almost all futon bunk beds already come with a durable cover that can double as bed covering. So there are options if you need a specific color or pattern to your new futon bed.

A futon bunk bed is a great choice for a family whose living space is small. They are perfect for teenagers and for college students. The option to turn the couch into a bed can serve a lot of different lifestyles. They make an impressive and functional variation from the traditional style bunk bed.

The futon originated in Japan, where it placed directly on the floor. It has become very popular in the United States where cramped living conditions exist. Taking that futon and placing it up on a metal or a wooden frame, having the versatility of either a couch or a bed, and then placing another bed on top of this set-up, it's no wonder this style has become very popular so quickly. It just makes sense.