Bunk Bed Designs

More and more Americans are choosing to stay in their own homes rather than risk entering the housing market right now. This means that families are turning to home improvements and space-saving techniques in order to make their homes more comfortable. Bunk beds and loft beds are perfect examples of how to save space in a child's room. Unfortunately, there are no universal standards for bunk beds and buyers should strive to make the most educated decision possible when choosing sleeping arrangements for their children.

For families trying to conserve space, futon bunk beds and loft beds provide the perfect solution. When used in children's rooms, they provide more space for other activities and toys. Siblings can share a bedroom or friends have a permanent sleepover solution using bunk beds. Loft beds work best for a single child stuck in a small room. By including desks, drawers, cabinets and trundles into the bed design; a loft bed can essentially eliminate all other furniture from the room!

Longevity
With so many bunk bed and loft bed design options from which to choose, it is not hard to narrow in on a few winners. Most families are making this investment with the hopes the bed will last many years, so it is important to consider the bunk bed's functionality before finalizing the purchase.

Keeping the bunk beds with desk design simple and classic also goes a long way towards the longevity of a bunk bed set. The adorable dollhouse design might be perfect for a five-year-old girl now, but will she still find it adorable as a teen? Choosing a bunk bed with a simpler design will allow the child to customize her room as she sees fit without changing the bed!

Product Recalls
Although they rarely make big news, bunk beds and loft beds are not immune to product recalls. There have been instances when models have been recalled due to faulty workmanship, guardrail safety and potential for child entrapment. Most reputable dealers keep on top of bunk bed and loft bed recalls and remove those items from their inventory promptly. Still, as with all purchases, it is best to check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and do your homework before buying.

Method of Construction
Kids abuse their furniture. They jump on it, jump off of it, hang from it and generally test all furniture to its limits. A bunk bed purchased for a kid's room will have to be able to withstand a great deal! Taking time to consider the method of construction of the bunk bed can ensure the bed will continue to provide a safe place to sleep - even after months of abuse.
Many experts say that bunk bed plans on metal bunk beds are unsafe. This is because metal beds are not as sturdy and tend to wobble, dent and bend over the years due to weak joints. Essentially, a metal bunk bed may save you money but is not a good investment in the long run.
Wood bunk beds are not without their problems. A good rule of thumb is the heavier the bed, the more likely it is to be sturdy and safe. Even with hardwood beds, screws and wing nuts can work loose over time. A properly designed bunk bed will have ample support braces to keep some of the pressure off of the bed's joints.

Cost of Shipping
Shopping online has become a national pastime. Online bunk bed shopping can be extremely convenient because the customer does not have to haul the heavy bed home. Unfortunately, the cost of shipping the bed directly to your door can also be cost prohibitive. That is why it is important when shopping online to check a dealer's shipping policy before purchasing a bed. Doing business with a company that offers free bunk bed shipping or flat rate shipping can save hundreds of dollars off the cost of a new bunk bed!