Metal Vs Wood Bunk Beds - A Detailed Comparison

Bunk beds allow one to hit two birds with one stone. They provide double or even triple more purpose than regular beds and take up half the space. They’re an ideal piece of furniture for anyone who lacks a large amount of space.

The two main types of core materials that bunk beds are usually made of are wood and metal. Both kinds have their pros and cons. However, there is a need for great care when you’re looking into this matter, as any choice you make will stay with you for years. This write-up discusses exactly what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of both options so you can make an easier choice according to your needs.

Metal Vs Wood Bunk Beds - A Detailed Comparison

Metal vs Wood Bunk Bed: Which is Better?

The main dilemma many people face while looking for bunk beds is to choose between wood and metal. The decision is made by your requirements as both wood and metal provide innumerable uses and incentives. Nevertheless, this debate takes a lot of things into consideration. One should always look at the following to achieve the best results:

  • Safety
  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • Price
  • Design
Metal Vs Wood Bunk Beds - A Detailed Comparison

Metal Bunk Beds

Metal bunk beds offer a modern and contemporary setting, adding a unique style to your room. Even though all bunk beds have one or another thing to offer, metal bunk beds provide incentives that are welcomed in this age. With the lightweight and portable designs, they assist anyone in the movement of their furniture. An option of converting them into two separate beds is also usually provided in recent metal designs. Bunk beds made of heavier metal provide superb durability and strength against wear and tear. They come with a powder finish that is resistant to chipping and scratching. These designs are not only limited to children, they are also extremely popular in dorms. Easy to assemble and affordable, these are the dream for people who are trying to save space and money. Also, you can kiss the worries of bed bugs goodbye while sleeping on bunk beds made of metal, as metal doesn’t retain moisture and remains safe and dry!

Metal Vs Wood Bunk Beds - A Detailed Comparison

Wooden Bunk Beds

On the contrary, many people prefer wooden bunk beds, as they also bring major advantages. Wood of various kinds provides different purposes in bunk beds. Engineered wood provides a smooth and symmetrical finish with entire perfection. However, other woods like pinewood bring about a unique and rough look to your bunk beds that makes them stand out. The biggest advantage of wooden bunk beds is that they are available in a huge variety of designs, colors, and styles. They can be shaped according to your requirements and can cater to various other incentives like storage spaces and room for mattresses as well. Wood bunk beds are best for people who have a versatile sense of interior design and require various storage options while utilizing as little space as possible.

It is highly significant to keep all these features in check. Both wood and metal provide different pros and cons according to your requirements. The list below can guide you best on what kind of bunk bed would best suit your conditions.

Metal Vs Wood Bunk Beds - A Detailed Comparison

Metal Vs Wood Bunk Beds - Comparison

Feature Wood Bunk Bed Metal Bunk Bed
Strength
The wood of good quality is as sturdy as you require. Usage of solid wood instead of artificial wood options increases its resistivity against wear and tear.
Metal tends to be a lot less sturdy than good quality wood.
Comfort
Wood is considered to be more comfortable and is warmer in comparison to its counter option.
Metal beds can be made comfy if good quality mattresses are used, however, it is less popular in terms of comfort.
Long-lasting
Wood is heavier and therefore, more long-lasting. Wood is prone to scratches though.
Metal is not heavy enough to provide comfort for a long time. Metal, although, is also subject to scratches and marks.
Affordability
Good quality wood makes a better bed; however, it is not as affordable.
Metal bunks are more budget-friendly and cost less than wooden bunks.
Aesthetics
Wooden bunks offer more options to innovate the design. Also, wood provides a more comfortable and warm aesthetic.
Metal bunks are available in more modern designs. However, they portray a less homey look as compared to wood.
Sleeping Space
Even though wooden bunks provide ample space, they lack options for maximizing the area according to need.
The metal bunks provide the option to increase sleeping space, as one can utilize the room both vertically and horizontally.
Easy to Assemble
Wooden bunks are tougher to assemble as wood is heavier and more difficult to handle.
Metal bunks are easier to assemble rather than wooden bunks. They take up to an hour or more maximum.
Safe
Wood is not as safe an option as metal.
Metal bunks can hold more weight in comparison to wood and are a safer option.
Suitable for Young Children
Wooden bunks are more suitable for young children as they provide better hold and sturdiness.
Metal bunks have a slicker hold for ladders and are more accident-prone, hence, they are better for adults.
Weight they Withstand
Wood does not withstand as much weight as metal.
Metal bunks can withstand greater weight, which is why they are used more for elders.
Paint Finish
Wooden beds have a paint finish, which is more prone to chipping.
Instead of paint, metal beds have a powder coat finish, which lasts longer and doesn’t scratch easily.
Rusting
Wood characteristically cannot rust, so that’s not an issue in wooden bunks.
Metal rusts quickly and easily, therefore, it causes a problem in its performance.
Reshaping
Wood is less subjected to bending and reshaping.
Metal can have dents and reshape because it is malleable.
Probability of Bed Bugs
Wood can absorb moisture, also ruining its quality and increasing the probability of bed bugs.
Metal does not absorb moisture; its dry nature reduces the risk of bed bugs.
Reaction to UV Rays
Wood is not resistant to UV rays and it can cause decolorization.
Metal has no chances of being decolorized under UV Rays.
Easy to Move
Wood is heavier in comparison to metal; hence it is not very easily movable.
A lot slicker and lighter than wood, it is easier to move around.
Storage Space
Wood is easier to carve and makeshift into unique designs, therefore it can provide greater storage space.
Metal is not as prone to increased space for storage.

Key Takeaways

There are many things to keep in mind when investing in a bunk bed. The main issue in the right choice between metal and wood is the core material of the bed. It is highly important to have an overview of all the aspects of both options. The following summarizes the issue at hand:

  • If the bunk beds are to be used by children, it is advised to purchase a wooden bunk bed because it provides a better grip.
  •  
  • If the bunk beds are for adults, metal options provide better performance, as they can hold more weight. They’re more suitable for teens in dorms.
  • The durability of a wooden bunk bed depends entirely on the type of wood one uses. If one uses pure and authentic wood, there’s no doubt the bunk bed is strong and durable.
  • Poor quality wood is weaker than metal.
  • Any bunk bed that has a good quality mattress becomes comfortable, but wood provides better comfort and contentment as compared to metal. It also has a homier aesthetic as compared to metal.
  • For people that value affordability, it is best to go for a metal bunk bed.
  • Good quality wood does not go easy on your pocket and costs you a lot more than a metal bunk bed would.
  • Another main issue that metal bunk bed users face is rusting.
  • Metal bunk beds have a powder finish that increases resistance against aesthetic damage.
  • Wooden bunk beds are often treated with varnish or paint, which chips faster.
  • Wooden bunk beds are tougher to move around because they are heavier while metal ones can be moved easily because they are light and slick.
  • Wood bunk beds are not easy to assemble, whereas metal usually only takes up to an hour.

FAQs

What type of wood is best for making bunk beds?

The wood used to make furniture is categorized into three types: hardwoods, softwoods, and engineered wood. All these types are used to form various pieces of furniture; however, according to the requirements of a bunk bed, hardwoods are best. This is because it allows greater strength and is sturdier.

What are important points to be considered while selecting wood for bunks?

Mainly, the price range of the wood speaks a lot about its quality, hence it is important to keep that in mind. Apart from that, the type of wood that is more durable and is longer lasting also gives a better result for wood bunks. A wood that is resistant to fire also has greater value. Hardwood is the best type of wood that ticks all these boxes.

What weight can a metal bunk bed withstand?

A metal bunk bed is usually popular as it can withstand greater weight than a traditional wooden bunk bed. However, this range varies in metal bunk beds, particularly in the top bunk. On average, a twin-sized metal bunk bed can hold up to 200-260 lbs. However, loft beds designed to hold more weight can now endure up to 600 lbs.

What are things to consider when purchasing a metal bunk bed?

There is a lot to consider when purchasing a metal bunk bed. It is better to ask for a bunk that is made of heavier metal, as it provides greater resistance to vandalism and will be sturdier. Also, it is significant to choose a bed that can makeshift into a bunk or two individual beds according to requirement. Also, for the sake of your ease, ask for a bed that is assembled beforehand. No one wants to spend hours surrounded by nuts and screws!

So, what’s the verdict?

Both metal and wood provide various incentives according to everyone’s requirements. The question arises, which one is better? The best answer is that the option changes according to the need. If someone values comfort and prefers an aesthetic that is warm and pleasing, they should go for the wooden option. Apart from that, its added benefits include a tougher and sturdier build, to add to your traditional-looking furniture.

However, someone who expects a rougher behavior to the bunk and wants it to be resistant to moisture and vandalism should pick metal. Along with that, it helps keep away bed bugs and caters to all age groups, ranging from young children to adults.

It is highly significant to make the right choice regarding your bed. No one wants to spend loads on a precious piece of furniture and end up dissatisfied by its performance. If one keeps all the aforementioned pointers in mind, it will be very easy for them to decide according to their requirement. There is no need to rush! The market has an overwhelming variety of options that you can sift through, but you should take your time to make sure all your needs will be fulfilled within your desired price range.

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