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Triple Bunk Bed Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

Children Corner Tripple Sleeper Bed

Triple bunk beds are becoming increasingly popular in UK homes due to their design to accommodate multiple sleepers within the footprint of one. They are an ideal solution for growing families seeking easy ways to maximise floor space in shared bedrooms or urban homes with limited floor area. Whether you need extra sleeping arrangements for your children, temporary guests, or own a vacation rental home, triple bunk beds offer a versatile and efficient sleeping option. Triple bunk beds are practical, modern, stylish, and versatile, offering comfort without compromising on the aesthetics of your home. Their growing popularity is driven by their space-saving ability and suitability for children, teenagers, as well as grown-ups. The triple bunk bed is a functional and smart choice for occasional sleepovers or everyday use. In this blog, we will discuss the concept of triple bunk beds, their versatility, practicality, and considerations before buying it. 

What Is a Triple Bunk Bed and How Does It Work?

A triple bunk bed is a space-saving sleeping arrangnment that accommodates three sleepers in one bed frame. The traditional triple bunk bed design features three beds stacked vertically to optimise limited floor space. Alternative layouts such as L-Shaped with two upper bunks positioned above the ground forming the longer arm of the L and the lower bunk placed on the ground level forming the shorter arm, perfectly executing the L-shape. The standard vertical model consists of three tiers, typically layered one above another and accessed via ladders or stairs. 

Triple bunk beds are typically made from indestructible and sturdy materials like metal and wood to ensure long-term durability and safety. They are designed to provide a convenient, secure and separate sleeping space for three individuals within the footprint of a single bed. The layout is engineered to support the weight of the mattresses as well as occupants, along with safety features like guardrails on all bunks to prevent slips and falls. They are a practical and secure solution for families with multiple children needing to share a room.     

Why Should You Consider Buying a Triple Bunk Bed?

If you have multiple children or a growing family living in a small or compact apartments or urban homes, you should consider buying a triple bunk bed. They are excellent space-saving solution that utilise vertical space, freeing up floor area for additional furniture and storage area. Likewise, they offer a cost-effective way to accommodate three sleepers in one bed frame, which is less expensive than buying three individual beds. This design can be useful for families who frequently host guests, rental homes, or dorm rooms. 

The versatile layout is designed to suit different room layouts with safety in mind. Safety features like guardrails help prevent potential accidents and falls, whereas a standard mattress offers quality sleep and improves the overall well-being of children. It can be personalised according to your preference and needs for storage, workplace, or a play area for additional functionality. Nonetheless, the sturdy and heavy-duty materials provide stability and durability over time, making it a cost-efficient solution for small apartments and homes with limited floor space.     

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Triple Bunk Bed?

Before purchasing a triple bunk bed, you should consider a few things like the size and layout of your room, safety features, weight capacity, material and durability, storage capacity, and any additional features you might require. Considering these things ensures that the bed will fit comfortably without overcrowding your room and allowing safe movement around it. Likewise, safety features are crucial, hence, you should go for sturdy beds with secure guardrails and a stable ladder. Moreover, you should consider the age and mobility of the user to ensure safety and suitability for everyone. 

Room Size and Ceiling Height

Triple bunk beds need enough space between each bunk and adequate ceiling height for optimal comfort and safety of the users. You should measure your room for size references before purchasing. The room should have at least 60 cm (2 feet) of clearance above the top bunk and have ample space for stair access. Also, you should keep in mind obstructions such as ceiling fans or low-hanging lights.  

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is another crucial factor for durability, stability, and the safety of the users. You should ensure the upper bunk doesn’t exceed a 70 to 100 kg weight limit, however, the lower or middle bunk may support more weight if it’s a double bed design. You should choose a strong and sturdy model as heavier users or growning teens may require reinforced beds. Nonetheless, you should check the manufacturer’s specifications on the weight limit before purchasing them. 

Material and Durability

When considering and durability of a triple bunk bed for your home, the key choice boils down to metal or wood. Wood triple bunk beds made from solid pine or hardwoods are sturdy, warm, aesthetic, and durable if well-maintained. However, it can be on the heavier side and require more maintenance. Whereas, metal beds made from steel are strong, lightweight, resistant to pests, and prone to damage from everyday use. However, it can be prone to squeaking over time if not well-constructed.    

Bed Configuration

Another crucial aspect to consider while getting a triple bunk bed is bed configuration, as it directly impacts how the sleeping spaces are arranged. Hence, understanding the different layouts and access requirements can help you choose the right design that suits your needs. Common configurations include the traditional stacked design where one bed is stacked directly above the other, forming a vertical structure. Likewise, vertical, L-shaped, corner, and triple sleeper bunks all suit different needs and room layouts. At the end of the day, the choice of configuration influences the overall footprint of the bed, additional features or under-bed space, and accessibility of each bunk. 

Is the Standard Triple Decker Right for You?

The standard triple decker or vertically stacked triple bunk bed is the best choice for you if you have rooms with high ceiling and limited floor space. However, this design may not be suitable for children below six years due to the height. 

Should You Choose an L-Shaped or Corner Triple Bunk?

An L-shaped or corner triple bunk bed consist of two lower beds placed at a right angle with one bed above, and both make the most of the room corners. This allows you to have extra space for storage, or desk, and drawers. You should choose between the two according to your preference. 

Is a Triple Bunk Bed with Trundle a Good Fit?

Yes, a triple bunk bed with a trundle can be a good fit as it is flexible and a convenient choice without taking up permanent space. The hidden third bed can be easily pulled out when needed and tucked away when not in use, making it ideal for sleepovers, occasional use, and guests.  

Safety Features

Safety is paramount when selecting a triple bunk bed, especially for children and older people. You should always look for sturdy designs and essential safety components like secure ladders that allow safe and easy climbing and descending, and guardrails to prevent accidental falls. These features are designed to minimise the risk associated with elevated sleeping platforms. Likewise, the overall construction of the bed should be sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of the mattresses as well as occupants without any risk of collapse. Furthermore, the weight limit should not be overlooked for longevity and durability. 

Are the Guardrails and Ladder Safe and Accessible?

When considering a triple bunk bed, the safety and accessibility of the guardrails and ladder are foremost. The guardrails on the middle and top bunks should be 13 cm or five inches above the mattress and sturdy. Ladders or stairs should be securely attached and easy to climb, and the edges should be rounded for child safety. 

  • Guardrails should be at least 5 inches above the mattress.
  • Stairs should be securely attached to the bed and safe and easy to access. 
  • The rungs on the ladder should be wide enough to provide a good foothold with a non-slip surface.
  • Avoid beds without full and secure guardrails on all upper bunks. 

Does the Bed Meet Safety Standards for Children?

While purchasing a triple bunk bed, always ensure the bed complies with recognised certifications like ASTM International standards, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) in the UK. You can also look for indications that the bed conforms to BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015, which is regulated to specifically address the safety requirements for bunk beds for children and young people. This is to ensure that the materials, construction, and finishes are safe for children.  

Storage and Additional Features

Modern triple bunk beds incorporate built-in drawers or shelves and extra features to enhance it’s overall functionality. These additional features can significantly enhance the practicality of the bed and help you make the most of limited space, especially in shared rooms. Shelves integrated into the side of the bunk frame, trundles, and desk or study areas help create a multi-functional piece of furniture perfect for smaller rooms and hostels. These additional designs provide convenient solutions for keeping bedrooms organised and tidy. 

Can Built-In Storage Maximize Space Further?

Yes, built-in storage-friendly designs help maximise space and free up more space in a compact room. You can use under-bed drawers for clothes or toys, shelves for books and gadgets, and pull-out units for seasonal storage. 

Do You Need a Themed Design or Play Area for Kids?

Child-focused themed design or beds with a play area make bedtime fun and functional for children. You can get castle, spaceship, or jungle-themed beds with built-in slides or climbing elements and enhance their sleep schedule. 

Mattress Requirements

Selecting the right mattress for a triple bunk bed is essential for safety and comfortable sleep. When a mattress is too thick, it reduces the height of the safety rails and increases the risk of falls. Each bunk has a specific thickness and mattress size requirement to ensure proper fit and maintain the effectiveness of guardrails. Hence, choosing the correct mattress ensures a safe and pleasant sleeping experience. 

How Thick Should the Mattress Be for Each Bunk?

The ideal thickness of the upper bunk mattress is 5 to 8 inches to ensure both comfort and safety, where guardrails must remain effective. According to guidance from trusted bedding sources like the Sleep Council UK and safety standards like BS EN 747, the top and middle bunks should have 6 6-inch or 15 cm thick mattresses to ensure guardrails remain above the mattress surface. Likewise, the bottom bunk should be up to 8 inches, as a too-thick mattress can make guardrails ineffective. 

What Bedding Accessories Improve Comfort and Safety?

You can improve the safety and comfort of your triple bunk bed with bedding accessories like waterproof mattress protectors, fitted sheets designed solely for bunk beds, bedding straps to keep the sheets in place, and padded headboards or bumpers for safety and comfort. 

Assembly and Installation

Depending on your confidence with furniture assembly, triple bunk beds can be set up as a DIY project or installed by professionals. While self-assembly is possible with clear instructions and all necessary hardware, the height and complexity of triple bunks make professional installation recommended to ensure safety and stability. The same approach applies to high sleeper beds and all other beds at MK Furnishings. This guarantees every bed is securely and comfortably set up for long-term use.

What Are the Steps for Safe Assembly?

The steps for safely assembling triple bunk beds are easy to follow when it is done correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide for safe assembly:

Step 1: Unpack and organise all parts, tools, and hardware.

Step 2:  Read the manufacturer’s instructions and carefully follow the guide step-by-step. 

Step 3: Lay out the bed frame components and begin assembling the base structure on a flat surface. 

Step 4: Follow the manual and securely attach side panels, support slats, and guardrails. 

Step 5: Install the ladder or staircase at the right place with extra attention and cross-check stability. 

Step 6: Recheck all the bolts and joints are tightened and secure using appropriate tools such as a drill or screwdriver (as required).

Step 7: Perform a final inspection for loose screws, gaps, instability, and sharp edges. 

Step 8: Finally, test the stability of the overall structure by applying weight to key joints and gently shaking the bed.

How Can You Maintain the Bed for Long-Term Use?

Regular maintenance is key to ensure your triple bunk bed lasts for years to come. Simple and consistent cleaning helps prevent dust and grime build-up and ensures longevity, safety, durability, and overall appearance of the bed. Likewise, it is crucial to periodically check all screws and bolts to maintain the stability of the bed. 

  • Check and tighten bolts and screws from time-to-time to maintain stability. 
  • While cleaning the frame, avoid hard chemicals to prevent any surface damage. 
  • Check ladders and guardrails for any signs of wear and looseness. 
  • To ensure slats and support structures remain strong and secure, conduct a monthly thorough inspection.
  • Address or take care of any damages immediately to prevent further issues. 

Why Should You Choose MK Furnishings for Your Triple Bunk Bed?

MK Furnishings is one of the trusted and reliable businesses known for its quality, innovation, and family-friendly beds designed from quality materials, ensuring longevity and durability at all times. We prioritise safety and quality, and our beds are designed to meet the strict safety compliance standards. We offer a wide variety of designs in our collection and stand by the durability of our furniture, offering you peace of mind. 

  • Crafted with durable and high-quality materials to last in any conditions. 
  • Fully compliant with EU and UK safety standards. 
  • Offer a wide range of practical, functional, and stylish designs. 
  • Solid warranties and satisfying guarantees, assuring your investment. 
  • Excellent customer service and aftercare at any given time. 

With MK Furnishings, you’re investing in safety, comfort, and aesthetic designs for years to come and not just a simple three-tiered bed.   

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