Manufactured Bunk Beds Compared to Free Bunk Bed Plans

Bunk Bed Plans versus Buying Bunks

When you choose the right furniture for your child, you want options that meet certain standards. A bunk bed is a fun way to maximize sleeping space while giving them a fun, iconic bedding option. There is a growing trend on the scene today of taking a DIY approach to creating a bunk bed. While this may seem like a good way to save some money or have a fun side project you can take pride in, there are a few things you need to know about manufactured bunk beds vs. free bunk bed plans. Here are the things you need to consider before you break out the hammer and wood planks.

Safety

The main difference between manufactured bunk beds vs. free bunk bed plans is the matter of safety. Manufactured bunk beds pass through rigorous safety tests to ensure they meet the consumer safety guidelines. A DIY bunk bed plan undergoes no safety testing at all. Why does this matter? A bunk bed can pose several important risks for children. For starters, entrapment between the headboard or footboard can lead to death, as well as the potential for falls from the top bunk leading to a host of accidents and even death. This is to say nothing of the potential for death or serious injury from a poorly made bed collapsing onto your child. With a manufactured bunk bed, these matters are all tested, and you will find elements such as proper spacing between the bed frame and mattress to eliminate entrapment, sturdy weight tests performed to ensure the frame can withstand the expected weight without collapsing, and more. When it comes to the safety and possibly the life of your child, this isn’t a risk most parents would be willing to take.  A manufactured bed is safer than a DIY bunk bed where errors are bound to happen.

Ease

There is no denying that one of the main elements to consider with manufactured bunk beds vs. free bunk bed plans is the matter of ease. It is much easier to simply purchase the bed and have it delivered as opposed to having to figure out the plan yourself. While you may think you are pretty handy with a hammer, building a bed from scratch is a lot of work. If you do it wrong, you run the aforementioned safety risks for your child.

Longevity

Another matter to consider is the matter of longevity. A bed that is made by hand by an unskilled person will most likely have a few design flaws which will contribute to a shakier, less sturdy bed. This will lead to uneven distribution of weight and tension causing the bed not to last as long as a professionally crafted bed which take this into consideration and uses professional tools and skills.