Best Wood For Bunk Beds

Although metal bunk beds have increased in popularity over the years, wood is still the overwhelming favourite. It provides a cosier and more traditional look, which can enhance the aesthetic of your child’s room. But there are different types of wood to choose from, some of which provide more durability, and others which are prone to warping and not lasting as long. In this article, let’s take a look at which is the best wood to use for bunk beds.

What is the best wood for bunk beds?

Most types of hard wood are the best option for bunk beds, and for furniture in general. Although hardwood is more expensive than softer types, it is a lot sturdier and more durable.

Hardwood

Here are some popular types of hard wood to use for bunk beds:

Walnut

Walnut is very tough and can be either a dark brown or yellow colour (depending on whether the cut is from the centre or the edge). It is a great choice for bunk beds because you can paint it easily and it can take a heavier weight. However, like cherry (see below), it’s quite expensive.

Maple

Maple is one of toughest hardwoods you can buy, which makes it a great choice for bunk beds as it will last for many years. It’s also not quite as expensive as other hardwoods, which makes it a popular choice for many consumers, particularly in the US. The wood is sometimes stained to look like more expensive options, but it does need to be sealed first.

Cherry

Cherry is a great choice for bunk beds. It has a straight grain and the colour can range from a reddish brown to blond, and it often gets darker over time. Furthermore, it is easy for manufacturers to machine as it has a medium-strength level so it can be bent into different shapes. However, it is expensive.

Rubberwood

For a more eco-friendly option, you might want to consider rubberwood. This is because no trees have to be cut down specially, as it is taken during the rubber production process. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive.

Oak

Oak wood is tough, durable and it won’t lose its shape easily over time. Oak has a very distinctive wavy shaped grain, which provides some character to any piece of furniture, including bunk beds. It can have a light brown or white colour.

Softwood

You can buy bunk beds made out of softwood. They will be cheaper, but they are more prone to scratches and dents. Also, they won’t last as long. If you are on a budget and don’t plan on using a bunk beds for many years, softwood might be a good choice.

Pine

Pine is one of the most popular soft woods to use in bunk beds. It is lightweight, cheap, and easy to paint over. However, it will pick up marks, dents and it scratches easily. It is a good choice for younger children but as it is a low-strength wood, it might not be suitable for older children and teenagers.

Engineered wood

Another cheaper option is engineered wood. This consists of various strands of wood, which form together during the manufacturing process to form something stronger. However, it is never as strong as a piece of solid hardwood.

Can wooden bunk beds collapse?

Yes, unfortunately so. If they are not assembled properly due to a loose screw or something else, bunk beds can collapse. Make sure you read the instructions thoroughly. Also, over time bunk beds made from soft wood may lose their shape and become riskier to use.