Triple bunk beds are not all made equal. There are various When shopping for triple bunk beds there are a number of factors that deserve some very careful consideration before making your final selection.
The following are guidelines as to the differences that exist and a brief outline of the advantages/disadvantages of each.
* Can the triple bunk beds be used as separate beds?
The purpose of buying triple bunk beds is first and foremost to save floor space. If you are thinking of buying these bunk beds for children then their current ages will determine whether it is better to buy bunk beds that are separable. It is not recommended that children under the age of 6 years old be allowed to sleep on any lofted bed. If your children are still too young to sleep on the top bunk of a bunk bed then separating the beds in the interim may be an excellent idea. This will mean that you will offer them safe stand alone beds until they are a little older. As they grow up children need more space to play. School children will need an area in their room where they can comfortably sit and do their homework. When you find that your children have reached these stages the beds can be assembled as triple bunk beds and this will offer them the required space.
This option will appeal to parents whose lack of sufficient space is believed to be temporary and plan on moving the children to their own rooms in the future. The triple bunk beds can then be separated and moved to different rooms when the time is right.
Some triple bunk beds may not require additional mattress support whilst assembled as bunk beds but could require bunkie boards or box springs when used separately. Make sure that you buy the appropriate bunkie boards if you are planning to separate the beds.
* Do the triple bunk beds provide any extra storage capabilities?
There are triple bunk beds that provide storage boxes situated underneath the bottom bunk. This is not a standard feature of all triple bunk beds and if you require storage space look for triple bunk beds that either feature trundle storage boxes or offer matching storage options that can be bought separately.
* Is the ladder permanently fixed or is is movable?
The fact that children under 6 years of age should not be allowed to climb onto the top bunk bed may pose a problem if any of the children using the triple bunk beds are younger than the recommended age. Having a movable ladder may help to solve this problem as the ladder can then be removed when not in use. Bunk bed ladders that are movable are however less sturdy than permanent ladders and must be checked regularly for any weaknesses. Movable ladders also allow more freedom when planning the design or redecorating a room.
* Can the height of the top bunk be adjusted?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSA) recommends that there be a 2 foot gap between the top bunk and the ceilings, ceiling fans or light fixtures. If you have low profile ceilings or any fittings in the ceiling near to where you wish to place the triple bunk beds then this feature is an absolute necessity. Check whether you can adjust the height of the top bunk if you feel that you may be required to lower the height and comply with CPSA a recommendations.
* What is the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk?
The carrying capacity of top bunks varies from around 150 pounds to as much as 300 pounds. If the bunk bed is to be used for young children then this should not pose any problems. Its just nice to know that the bed your youngster is sleeping on is capable of supporting far heavier weight than what it is being subjected to.
* Is there a choice in whether the triple bunk beds have left or right facing orientation?
If your room layout is such that you can only accommodate triple bunk beds that have either left or right orientation then it is imperative that you choose bunk beds either with the correct orientation of those that you are able to change the orientation.
* Can the ladder be used on either side of the triple bunk beds?
If you have the space and are fond of rearranging the furniture in a room then obviously you would prefer it if the ladder can be used on either side of the bunk beds. Not all triple bunk beds offer the ability to change the side on which the ladder is located and if the ability to move the ladder to either side is one of your requirements then make sure that this is possible with the triple bunks beds you select to purchase.
* Can guard rails be added to the bottom bunk?
This may be one of the criteria used in searching for suitable triple bunk beds. If you plan on using the bottom bunk bed as a first bed for a small child then you will want to be able to put rails on the bed to reduce the likelihood of the child falling from the bed. These rails can then be removed when the child gets older and more confident.
Author Resource:
Laura du Toit has researched all aspects of Triple Bunk Beds and recommends you read more about Buying a Bunk Bed Mattress. Triple Bunk Beds: http://www.triple-bunk-beds.com Buying a Bunk Bed Mattress: http://www.triple-bunk-beds.com/bunk-bed-mattress/buying-a-bunk-bed-mattress
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