Bunk Bed Reccomendations Please

[newtodis]

Hey There!

I'm looking for some reccomendations for sturdy, cheap bunk beds. DS5 is begging for them and I'm thinking Santa might be bringing them (unless we cave and buy them sooner) this year. DS5 picked one out in a flyer that we got (junk mail that usually gets pitched). He likes it because it has stairs instead of the ladder to get into the top bunk. I liked the storage it had (underneath and on the ends) but the price (about $799) seemed like a bit much. DS5 is quickly outgrowing his toddler bed and bunk beds make sense since he and DS2 1/2 are sharing a room.

So, here's I guess what I'm asking:
*Where can I buy a cheap, sturdy bunk bed? (Ideally I'd like to stay around $500 for everything if possible)
*Where can I buy cheap matresses?
*What's the "best" type of bunk bed to buy? (I would prefer a twin over a full but think maybe a desk underneath as we're starting school might make more sense?)
*How long is it going to take me to put these crazy things together???

TIA for any help! I do so appreciate it!

 

[live4christp1]

http://www.simplybunkbeds.com/twin-over-twin/wood-bunk-beds/fordentwinovertwinstudentloftbed.cfm

This is what our DS has with the exception that our beds are completely enclosed around the bottom, no slats as pictured and top bunk rail is attached all the way down the side. We didn't pay that much for them though. Shop around. We have Furniture Factory Outlet here and we got them for less than $600. We thought the desk would be nice too......but he never uses it. Does homework at the kitchen table. The desk just hold trophies......knick knacks.....and things he has collected.

Almost wish we would have went with the traditional as the bottom bunk takes up a lot of floor space.

 

[java]

We are looking too. We looked at the ones with the "stair drawers" and at first thought they were cool- but then we thought about really what would fit in those tiny drawers and how soon before they were too big for those stairs? they were small. It's a big footprint with those things.

Then we were looking at a Pirates one that Rooms to go used to sell- well not anymore so that's out.

We like a potterybarn one but the color wasn't great.

So we are still looking. If we wait long enough the kids will all be out of house!

 

[Ilivetogo]

Two suggestions ...

1) Depending on where you're from (I can't tell), you can try Ikea. Their prices are WAY better than a furniture store and they have some really cool set ups.

2) Overstock. No matter WHAT you buy with them, it's only $2.95 to ship it. I have gotten some AMAZING deals on that site.

GOOD LUCK!


http://www.overstock.com/search?keywords=bunk+bed&SearchType=Header

 

[newtodis]

Thanks for the suggestions! Sorry it took so long to get back - I got caught up in the first day of school madness this week!

We're from SC so no Ikea close but I couldn't even find anything on their site that looked like it would work.

I did find this one at Walmart and it's $10 cheaper in the store than on line:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10928474

We need to find something tonight or tomorrow as I fully realized last night as I was carrying the little one back to his bed that DS5's feet were at the end of his toddler bed....The timing works since we're having a garage sale next weekend - I'll be able to get rid of the crib, toddler bed and changing table! At least it will help cover the cost of the bunk beds!

 

[AnnR]

Just be careful that it is safe. Do NOT buy a metal one, they tend to get recalled and are not that safe. Some of the beds can be converted to lofts or 2 twins (or whatever size) so they last a long time. I would be a little wary of Wal-Mart. Although this looks like a decent one. Pine is cheaper then other woods, it still is good, just shows a lot more of the knots and spots. It is a little softer so may dent depending on the type of pine, northern is better. It is often better to pay a little more and have the furniture last. Especially with bunk beds.

Also, built in ladders are harder to climb then the ones that lean against it. Take your boys with you, see how they fit and can climb that. If the bottom bunk is high make sure your younger one won't fall out.

 

[newtodis]

Just be careful that it is safe. Do NOT buy a metal one, they tend to get recalled and are not that safe. Some of the beds can be converted to lofts or 2 twins (or whatever size) so they last a long time. I would be a little wary of Wal-Mart. Although this looks like a decent one. Pine is cheaper then other woods, it still is good, just shows a lot more of the knots and spots. It is a little softer so may dent depending on the type of pine, northern is better. It is often better to pay a little more and have the furniture last. Especially with bunk beds.

Also, built in ladders are harder to climb then the ones that lean against it. Take your boys with you, see how they fit and can climb that. If the bottom bunk is high make sure your younger one won't fall out.

Good suggestions! Thank you!

 

[EdiePA]

Also, please realize that you are going to end up in a love/hate relationship with them! The top bunk is the hardest thing to make and never looks good. It drove me crazy!

Edie