HOW TO BUY
AND USE
A BUNK BED
Bedroom Furniture & Decorating Accessories for Baby, Child & Teen
 
A bunk bed can be a safe sleeping and space-saving solution to your needs.  You should select a bed that conforms to current safety standards, buy from a reputable dealer, have it installed correctly and supervise the usage. Look for a dealer you can trust, one that sells a quality product and that will stand behind the product for the lifetime of the bunk bed. Look for an attached gold safety sticker outlining safe usage.  Ask whether the bunk beds meet the voluntary safety standards set by the ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials).
 
LOOK FOR THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES:

Guardrails should run a minimum of 80% the length of the bed on both sides of the upper bunk, even if the bed will be used against a wall. 

The mattress selected must be the proper size for a snug fit. No more than one inch at any point from the bed frame. The mattress should be supported by strong slats and a bunkie board, screwed into the side rails of the bed. 

The mattress height should be such that no more than an inch of space exists between the top of the mattress and the bottom of the guard rail. 

The bed should be made of strong, durable materials with edges that are smooth and rounded. Shake the bed vigorously to be sure that it is firm and stable. 

The side rails should be attached to the end panels by bolts that either go completely through the ends or have lag bolts that are secured directly into the end panels.  Hook-on rails are not acceptable. 

The openings in the end panels should be spaced so that your child's head can not slip through the openings. 

The ladder should be generous in width and securely attached at a comfortable climbing angle. 

Check for spaciousness on the bottom bunk. Check to see if you can sit up without bumping your head. 

LOOK FOR THESE STYLE FEATURES:
 
Look for beds made of solid woods.  The use of veneers over particle board or plywoods are not as structurally strong, are less expensive to construct and are not as pleasing to own.
 
Hardwoods offer a stronger bed and are considered to be a better value than beds made of softwoods and/or metal. 
 
The mounting hardware on higher quality beds is often totally concealed from view. 

 GOOD ADVICE:

When comparatively shopping for a bed make sure you are comparing equal product.  Some beds are priced with bunkie boards or posture boards while others are not.  These items are needed to support the mattress and should be included with your purchase. 

Ask the dealer about his delivery policy.  Does the price of the bed include delivery?  Does delivery include the setup of the product in place where you direct in your home?  Does the delivery include removal of the shipping boxes?  Does the dealer deliver using in-house employees or does he subcontract his deliveries to outside people?  Does the delivery include follow-up services if needed at no additional charge?  Can the delivery be made at a time that is convient to your schedule?  Can the delivery be scheduled for a specificant time not just a certain day? 


 
SUPERVISE SAFE USE OF YOUR BUNK BED:

Children younger than six should not use the top bunk, although it is safe for them to sleep in the lower bunk. 

NEVER allow unsupervised horseplay on the top bunk. 

Always use the ladder, securely attached, to climb into and out of the top bunk. 

Do not allow more than one person at a time on the upper bunk. 

Do not remove the warning sticker which provides important safety information. 

Use a night-light as an added precaution for children sleeping on the top bunk. 

Periodically check to be sure all screws and lag bolts are securly and firmly in place. Never substitute parts if anything is lost. 

Keep all written assembly guidelines for the life of the bunk bed in case you must move it to another room or house. 

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