i researched bunk beds to death. my husband and i are both tall and our kids are showing signs of following suit--- so, we wanted a bed that gave lots of head space between the two bunks, while still be reasonably priced and contemporary in its look. we also wanted a bed that would look good as two separate beds, if the kids hated bunking, and these look great side by side (watch out, some bunks are different heights when side by side, these are the same height). we bought a $149 4" foam mattress from [...] for the top, and used a comfy pillow-top 9" we already owned on the bottom. Perfect. the bottom bed feels very sturdy. and the kids know that anything other than sitting or crawling around quietly on the top is out of the question (i fear for the strength of the slats). the only down side--which we predicted--is that the wood is soft, denting easily, but that's pine for you. Best of luck! Remember, this comes only with the ladder---the side stairs/drawers are extra $. we were tempted by the side stairs thinking they'd be safer for our 5 and 3 y.o., but decided to save the $$ and were glad we did--- our 5 year old is sleeping in the top bunk and mastered the midnight climb down in the dark, to make it to the bathroom, on the first night.kd"..." Read more
- researcher in washington, DC