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.

As most parents know, kids absolutely love bunk beds and a quality bunk bed can add tremendous flexibility to a child’s bedroom. In addition to providing bed space for more kids in a single room, bunk beds can spur imagination, easily transforming through imagination into a fortress, a space station, a pirate ship, or just about anything your children can dream up. Of course, bunk beds can easily be more expensive than simple single beds, leading many parents to wonder how they can find cheap bunk beds and enjoy the flexibility that they provide.

Of course, when parents are looking for cheap bunk beds, cheap is meant to be about the price and not the quality. Bunk beds can have safety issues, and no one wants to have a poorly constructed bunk bed made from inferior materials or craftsmanship. The good news is that cheap bunk beds can be found at very inexpensive prices without sacrificing quality or safety. You just need to know where and how to look.

One of the best sources for finding cheap bunk beds is online. Direct kids discount furniture stores can supply quality bunk beds for kids at affordable prices because they do not carry nearly the amount of overhead costs as retail stores. There is the disadvantage of not being able to inspect the bunk bed in person, but many online stores offer plenty of photographs and detailed specifications on the materials used and the relative ease or difficulty of performing the installation once the bed arrives at your home.

Another option is to purchase a used bunk bed. Again, looking online for local classifieds can be a great option. Kids outgrow their fascination with bunk beds as they grow older, and obtaining a well-built bunk bed at a low price can be possible. It’s critically important to examine a used bed for wear and tear in addition to overall construction and quality of materials. Pay close attention to how the bed joints and hardware have held up over the years. It may be necessary to replace any parts that have suffered significant wear and tear over the years. This approach requires significantly more time and patience, as well as flexibility in schedule since you’ll need to travel to seller’s homes to inspect the beds prior to purchase. But if you’re looking for cheap bunk beds without sacrificing on overall quality, this can easily be the best option available to you.

Finally, a great alternative to online and used is good old-fashioned bargain shopping. The advantage here is that by physically going to stores, you’ll be able to inspect the floor models firsthand. If you include specialty bedding stores in your shopping circuit, you may be able to speak with knowledgeable salespeople about what specifically you should be looking for in a bunk bed for your children. Keep an eye out for store sales and liquidation events, when you’re likely to find the best prices. And try to stay away from the larger department stores, which typically don’t compete very well on price, even with discount bunk beds.

Remember that finding a good deal on cheap bunk beds isn’t always just about price. It’s best to approach the effort by finding the best bargain possible–one that provides you with a lasting, quality-built bunk bed for your kids without breaking the bank.