The futon bunk bed is a common variation on the normal bunk bed which contains one single bed suspended over another. In contrast, the futon style bunk bed consists of an upper bed and a lower portion which is a futon style couch which can be converted into a bed. They are frequently used where space is at a premium in smaller rooms, the futon being converted to a bed at night and then back into a couch during the day.
The futon name is derived from the Japanese word for bedding and in that country the futon is the actual mattress on which people sleep. The basic design was adopted in the early 1970’s in America and a thicker mattress added to the basic Japanese design together with a stronger frame to support the bed. From this initial design, it was any easy step to adapt the basic futon bed into the bottom part of a bunk bed and the futon bunk bed was born.
The frames on a futon bed are normally either wooden or metal and you should examine the basic quality, irrespective of what material is used. If you go for the metal variety then check the welds on the frame – they should be smooth and without sharp edges and also continuous and not have a lumpy appearance. The wood style should ideally have joints which connect the frame pieces rather than screws since these add strength to the basic design.
Consider also the mattress. Although you might think that the thicker the better, it will also need fold easily from one form into another as the couch is converted into the bed. Most mattresses are foam covered with cotton and the covers are designed to be removed for easy cleaning. Check carefully the method of doing this and also that it does not require a degree in engineering to complete. The quality of the mattress may be sub-standard when compared with the general frame quality since some manufacturers sub-contract the manufacture of the mattress to suppliers who have lower standards of quality.
Choose the best that you can afford. Although the futon bunk bed can be bought as a flat pack which you assemble yourself, they can be time consuming and the operation of converting the futon from couch to bed and back again can be difficult to set up correctly. Another option is to buy a ready made unit which is unfinished. This means you can choose the finish and color of the unit. Although this means more work, the unfinished unit is considerably cheaper than the finished unit.
If you can afford it, choose a hardwood such as mahogany or oak since these types of wood are virtually indestructible and will withstand the continuous attack of even small children.
Finally consider the safety features of a futon bunk bed. It should have a guard rail around the entire perimeter of the upper bed together with a ladder that fastens securely and which is robust to enquiring minds of children.