- Wood is heavier and tends to withstand the test of time better.
- Most metal bunk beds come with a powder finish that makes them more durable, while wood bunk beds are often treated with varnish or paint to protect the surface.
- Both materials are vulnerable to scratches and marks on the surface.
Full Answer
What is the difference between Wood and metal bunk beds?
Another difference between these two materials is the way the surface is treated. Most metal bunk beds are coated with a powder finish that makes them durable while wood is usually treated with either a varnish or paint to protect the surface.
What should you look for when buying a bunk bed?
The key is to look for bunk beds made with solid wood rather than particle boards or artificial woods. Wood is just heavier than metal in most cases, so it lends more stability to the bed frame. Another difference between these two materials is the way the surface is treated.
Which lasts longer – wood or metal?
While both metal and wood are long-lasting in terms of years of use, wood stands the test of time a little bit better in most cases. Metal is more vulnerable to rust damages whereas wood is one of the sturdiest options on the market today. The bottom line is that both materials have a lot to offer with a few differences between them.
Are metal bunk beds better than wooden?
Not only are metal bed frames incredibly strong, they are also safer than wooden loft and bunk beds. Metal beds are durable enough to withstand years of wear and tear without degrading.
Which material is best for bunk beds?
Wood is a prevalent choice among manufacturers, but metal bunk and loft beds do have their place in the market. Sturdiness and durability are two of the most sought after qualities in a bunk bed for kids, and both wooden and metal products, if properly built, should hold their own in this department.
Are metal bunk beds good?
Tube metal bunks are popular for being lightweight, easy to move and often convertible. Heavier metals such as wrought iron offer unmatched strength and durability to lasts a life time. Each type of metal is specially coated so that the color finish is resistant to typical wear and tear such as scratching or chipping.
Which bed is better on a bunk bed?
Some twin-size mattresses are better for bunk beds than others. To ensure safety, most top bunks require mattresses that are 8 inches high (deep) or less. The mattresses should provide good support and comfort, no matter their size or how high off the ground they are.
How long does a bunk bed last?
around 10 to 15 yearsHow long does a bunk bed last? The average lifespan of a bunk bed is around 10 to 15 years.
How long do metal loft beds last?
10 to 15 yearsHow long do metal bunk beds last? Ultimately, the lifespan of your bunk bed depends on how you treat it. Typically, though, our metal bunk beds last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
Can a metal bunk bed break?
The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises owners of children's tubular metal bunk beds to inspect the beds for metal or weld cracks which may lead to collapse and serious injury.
Can bunk beds break easily?
Can the bunk bed collapse? If it's not assembled properly, yes it can collapse. Make sure there are no missing pieces and everything is tightened sufficiently. Before allowing your child to climb in and go to sleep, push on all sides to test for sturdiness.
Is it common for bunk beds to collapse?
Bunk beds have also been known to collapse on kids, usually because of shoddy construction or defective components. Cuts are the most common bunk bed injury, followed by bumps, bruises, and broken bones. The head and neck are the most frequently injured body parts.
Which is better top bunk or bottom?
Despite the power dynamics, top bunk dwellers are more patient than their bottom counterparts. In negotiations for beds, they'll settle for anything to keep the peace. Their tolerance for BS is much higher, and they are a lot more fun in general.
Are bunk beds healthy?
Most bunk bed-related injuries occur from falls while sleeping or playing. Injuries from bunk beds are usually worse than injuries from standard beds. Cuts are the most common injury, followed by bumps, bruises and broken bones. The head and neck are injured the most.
Do bunk beds need to be against a wall?
Up Against the Wall There is no specific rule governing the positioning of a bunk bed in a room, but most people choose to have at least one side of the bed paralleling a wall. This is for both space conservation and safety concerns, with only one edge of the bed leaving sleepers vulnerable to falls.
How do you strengthen a bunk bed?
Whether you own a loft bed or a bunk bed, it is always a good idea to brace the poles of the bed. To do this, install a solid wooden or metal rail around the bed on top. This will not only brace the poles and make the structure sturdier but also protect your kids from falling down while they are asleep.
How do you make a bunk bed safer?
Bunk Bed Safety From Top to BottomLimit top bunks to kids over 6. Don't allow children younger than 6 to sleep in the top bunk. ... Ban playing on the beds. ... Get a tight fit. ... Support the slats. ... Secure a ladder to the bed. ... Install a guardrail on the top bunk. ... Place the bunk beds in a corner.
What holds bunk beds together?
The second type of connection approved for bunk beds is a fastening device, which may be metal or wood. The fastening device spans the seam between the top and bottom bunk, held in place with screws and prevents the top bunk from sliding off the bottom supports.
How do you stop a metal bunk bed from squeaking?
Oil. For metal frames, oiling the joints or springs can get rid of squeaking. A few drops of vegetable oil or a spray of WD-40 will lubricate the joints and keep them from making noise.
What is the difference between wood bunks and metal bunks?
Wood bunks offer versatility in terms of uniqueness , storage and configurations. An eye-catching, beautiful, and timeless design will always look good. Metal bunks are simple, affordable and emit a casual contemporary vibe that kids get excited for.
What is a metal bunk bed?
Metal bunk beds offer a modern look that kids adore and an affordable price adult’s love. Typically, they are crafted from steel tubes, metal rods or heavy wrought iron. Tube metal bunks are popular for being lightweight, easy to move and often convertible. Heavier metals such as wrought iron offer unmatched strength and durability ...
What kind of wood is used for bunk beds?
Composite or engineered wood offer a smooth surface and symmetry which translates into a flawless color finish every time. Other woods such as Pine wood are popular for its unique rustic look that will ensure your bunk is one of a kind. If you want a bunk bed that is environmentally friendly, Rubber or Asian hardwood is the way to go. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits however, is that wooden bunk beds are offered in every style, design, configuration and color you can think of.
What is the difference between wood and metal bunk beds?
Another difference between these two materials is the way the surface is treated. Most metal bunk beds are coated with a powder finish that makes them durable while wood is usually treated with either a varnish or paint to protect the surface.
Is wood or metal better for longevity?
The final matter is the matter of longevity. While both metal and wood are long-lasting in terms of years of use, wood stands the test of time a little bit better in most cases. Metal is more vulnerable to rust damages whereas wood is one of the sturdiest options on the market today.
Is a bunk bed made of wood or metal?
Metal tends to be less sturdy than wood when the wood is of high quality. The key is to look for bunk beds made with solid wood rather than particle boards or artificial woods. Wood is just heavier than metal in most cases, so it lends more stability to the bed frame.
What is the best material for bunk beds?
There are really two choices of materials for bunk beds; metal and wood. You can get different types of wooden bunk beds, and the choice of material can make a big difference on durability. For example, engineered wood, which is made from various strands and fibers, tends to be cheaper but not that strong.
Pros and cons of metal bunk beds
More affordable. Buying a metal frame is generally cheaper than a wooden one.
Pros and cons of wooden bunk beds
Attractive designs. There is a lot more choice of wooden bunk beds than metal ones, and they have a more traditional and cosier feel, which is popular with parents.
What are the pros and cons of metal beds?
The pros aside, there are some cons associated with metal beds. They have more safety recalls and alignment issues. Sometimes they need to be re-welded. They dent, rust and bend more easily. They can wobble and be unstable in design. They show wear and tear much quicker than wood.
Is wood a durable material?
Let’s look at both materials. Yes, wood is very durable. It can last through the years with hard use and still look beautiful or be restored to look beautiful. Sturdy, it can withstand normal use and abuse by children. It doesn’t rust, dent, or bend. It even gets loose less often than the metal counterparts.
Can you use a wood bed with multiple kids?
To use with multiple children over many years or children who tend to play and use things harder, I would lean towards a wooden bed. If you invest a bit of money in a good quality wood bed, look for one that can be separated into two beds so you have the optimum versatility over the years.
Is wood malleable?
It is expensive but, when you are considering the safety of your children, money should not be the deciding factor. Wood is not malleable or capable of being reshaped – a plus in the long term.
Why do bunk beds need to be moved?
Oftentimes, beds need to be moved and stored for many reasons; off-season storage, cleaning and/or rearranging for certain sleeping needs. When a camp has to do this on a seasonal, monthly or even weekly basis, the ease of moving and storing furniture might be a major factor in deciding whether to purchase wood or metal bunk beds. In general, wood bunk beds will be heavier than metal bunk beds because the construction is hollow. Further, metal bunk beds generally take up less space and can be stored more easily.
Is a bunk bed more durable than a metal bunk bed?
Although this might be aesthetically true, in the practical world, wooden bunk beds are not nearly as durable as metal bunk beds. Wooden beds can be subject to damage from moisture and rotting. They can also be subject to damage from termites and mice chewing on them. Lastly, wooden bunk beds can be subject to damage from guests. It is quite frequently the case that guests will carve messages into the wood and create puncture marks and scratches. And when this happens, the process of repairing the damage can be time consuming and costly.
