Saturday, September 5, 2009

Breakdown of Different Bunk Beds

Bunk beds these days do not just come in one shape. Traditional stackable twin over twin bunk beds are yesterday’s news! Bunk beds have developed and taken several different shapes and forms. You may find it rather surprising to find that there is such a vast selection of bunk beds to choose from. We will discuss everything from a traditional stackable bunk bed, triple bunk beds, loft beds, and futon beds and what the differences are.
Each form of bunk bed has its own special advantage. While some are capable of saving more space than others, others are made for functional value and focus more on practicality. Being able to fit a desk, dresser, bed all in the space of one bed is something that many children and adults opt for, while a stackable bunk bed is typically wanted by a family with two or more children who are in need of saving space.
First and foremost, we have all seen and are familiar with what a traditional stackable bunk bed looks like. It usually has a twin over twin, twin over full, or full over full structure. It is best used by two people as the top bunk should never be used to hold more than 250 pounds. A stackable bunk bed is the quintessential bunk bed, standard in its form and purpose.
Aside from a stackable bunk bed, a loft bed is often used by a single person in need of space. A loft bed basically lifts up the mattress, giving the user space below the bed to use for various purposes. Usually, there is a desk that occupies the space below the lofted bed but often times you will find a couch or various other household furniture items. A loft bed is very good for students who live in small crowded dorm rooms.
This is where things become more interesting. Bunk beds can take odd and unique shapes. An L shaped bunk bed pushes new limits with bunk beds. The L shape can serve many purposes. Many have a desk and a couch under each bunk bed or some have a full on dresser and wardrobe under one and a desk under the other. L shape bunk beds make it possible to fit and reshape all forms of furniture.
Furthermore, there are more unique shapes that create an entire system of furniture. Bunk beds with side desks attached, dresser, shelves, and an entertainment system attached! Seems far fetched but its all out there! Depending on what you are looking for and the purpose, you will not have a hard time finding the right one!

Building Your Own Bunk Bed

Although it may sound a little intimidating at first, building your own bunk bed is really quite simple. With good materials, an easy-to-follow set of instructions, and possibly an assistant, building your own bunk bed can be a successful venture that will likely save you a significant amount of money. Bunk beds come in many different styles, and the first thing you’ll need to do is pick the kind of bed that will best suit your space and tastes. Some bunk beds are larger than others and require a bigger area, while some are more compact and actually help save space in a room. Bunk beds also come in a few different styles: twin over twin, twin over full, L-shaped, twin over futon, or a loft bunk.
building your own bunk bed
After you’ve selected the type of bunk bed you want to build, you’ll need to find a good set of instructions to get you on your way. Look for instructions that are detailed, easy-to-read, and most importantly, make sense to you. Instructions that include pictures and other graphic examples are also helpful. Finding the instructions for building your new bunk bed is easy.
There are many websites with instructions available, and most hardware stores also carry books about how to build bunk beds. This is also a good time to read up about the safety precautions and recommendations that go with building your own bunk bed. Tips about guardrails, rail spacing, and adequate support slats are included in these safety suggestions, and these should always be followed to avoid injury.
Once you’ve armed yourself with your instructions and safety tips, it’s time to head to the hardware store and buy your materials. Wood is going to be your main purchase, and this will mostly consist of 2×6s and plywood made of spruce, fir, or pine. To hold all the wood together, you’ll need to pick up some deck screws, nuts, bolts, washers, and finishing screws, to name a few items. Your instruction manual will detail each item that you’ll need to get and the quantity of each. It’s important to buy good materials, and since you’ll be saving so much money by building your own bunk bed, there’s no reason to skimp on quality.
Now that you’ve got your materials and instructions, you’re ready to start building. Lay out your pieces, give the instruction manual another read-through, and cut your wood to size. Put all your needed tools, such as a drill, circular saw, sander, and hammer, within easy reach, and grab a willing partner if you’ll need help lifting or holding anything. Follow each step listed in your instruction manual, and keep in mind the important safety precautions. And don’t forget, building is the fun part! Think of what an accomplishment it will be when you combine all your materials to create your very own bunk bed!
There are several benefits to building your own bunk bed. You can save quite a bit of money, you have lots of options when it comes to the style of the bed and the materials that you can use, and building things can be fun. And of course, the other great thing about building your own bunk bed is getting to enjoy it afterwards!
If you’re ready to add a bunk bed in your home, then consider building your own. There are many advantages, and it’s really a lot simpler than many people think. With a decent set of instructions and quality materials, you’ll be putting together your very own bunk bed in no time.

Bunk Beds for Adults (Not just kids!!)

Too often are bunk beds associated with kids’ furniture. The truth of the matter is, when furnishing your room, bunk beds can be both practical and fashionable for both children and adults. Conserving space is an issue that many adults find themselves pondering over when furnishing an apartment or a bedroom that may be too small. When it comes to furnishing your bedroom, it always reflects the person’s personal taste. If you prefer to have much more floor space, bunk beds may be the answer for you.
We all remember the days of college dorm life. What seemed to look rather fun and exciting, bunk beds in a crowded dorm room can get fairly uncomfortable. We may all have bad memories of having to sleep on a small twin size bunk bed, climbing up and down a clumsily arranged bunk bed, but this is no reason to cross out bunk beds as an option. To many people’s surprise, the option of having a bunk bed or a loft bed comes in a large variety. In many cases, it may seem like the only option in furnishing a small bedroom or a small studio apartment.
One of the major problems when seeking a bunk bed is size. Bunk beds come in many sizes that may suffice to one’s needs. A typical adult may weigh from 100 pounds all the way up to 300 pounds and stand five feet to seven feet in height. While it can be more difficult for some to find the right bunk bed that will comfortably fit an adult, the option is still available to you.
Another setback is finding a bunk bed that may be stylish or classic and age appropriate. Luckily, modern day bunk beds come in a range of finishes from metal to wooden frames. With endless possibilities that are available to you, you may find it rather surprising how beautiful and fitting many bunk beds can be.
Note that not all bunk beds are built for adults. Size is one thing but finding a bunk bed that will hold your weight should always be considered. Safety with bunk beds is something you should consider at all times so when considering a bunk bed, make sure you check all weight limitations.