Thanks to all of you who gave assembly tips in your reviews! It helped us to avoid what could have been some big headaches.
Here is a summary of the what I learned from others as well as first hand:
Be sure to read the instructions before starting to assemble. Other reviewers are SO right, if you are using these as bunk beds, be sure the upper rails with the most holes are facing down. The extra hole is necessary to install the ladder.
Many people wrote about how difficult if was to install the little gray tabs which stabilize the bed slats. Please note the tabs are flush on one end and there is a little space above the tab on the other end. The flush end goes next to the rail. We were getting very frustrated trying to snap them in place until my husband noticed the difference. The reviewer who suggested taping or padding channel locks to press the tabs in place has a great idea! (The tape/padding is to protect the outer railing from getting scratched.
Another note: Some reviewers stated they bought the same beds from Walmart for less money. The ones Walmart has that are exactly like these are priced the same as . Walmart does offers a less expensive set that looks very similar to this one. I wonder if the reviewers who said these beds are shaky and not very stable bought the less expensive set.
This set is VERY sturdy and does not rattle at all! If you check out the Walmart site, you will notice the less expensive set is shown with different bedding than this set on . Walmarts $199.99 set is pictured with the exact same bedding but I think in a different color.
These beds are good quality, very sturdy and the finish is great. I like that the ladder can go on either end. The wrap around upper rail makes it possible to place the long side of this set away from the wall. This makes the process of putting on sheets, etc. much, much easier.
s Prime Free Shipping was wonderful and the beds arrived on the expected date. My only complaint is not with or the bed manufacturer, but with UPS. They did not bother to ring the doorbell and just left the box in our carport. (We were home all day, too. When my husband started to move the box, the bottom was open and items started falling out! Fortunately, we were able to retrieve everything without any damage to the bed itself and amingly, nothing was lost in shipping! The hardware is blister packed nicely with letters on the side of the cardboard backing that coordinate with the instructions. Initially, we thought eight of the bedpost end caps were missing because there was only a package of eight when the inventory sheet listed 16. Then, we noticed eight had been installed in the bedposts by the manufacturer.
Assembly does take time, but we tend to be a bit methodical. I would recommend these beds to a family member or friend.
They really are a great value for the money!
Very Good Value
Thanks to all of you who gave assembly tips in your reviews! It helped us to avoid what could have been some big headaches. Here is a summary of the what I learned from others as well as first hand: Be sure to read the instructions before starting to assemble. Other reviewers are SO right, if you are using these as bunk beds, be sure the upper rails with the most holes are facing down. The extra hole is necessary to install the ladder. Many people wrote about how difficult if was to install the little gray tabs which stabilize the bed slats. Please note the tabs are flush on one end and there is a little space above the tab on the other end. The flush end goes next to the rail. We were getting very frustrated trying to snap them in place until my husband noticed the difference. The reviewer who suggested taping or padding channel locks to press the tabs in place has a great idea! (The tape/padding is to protect the outer railing from getting scratched. Another note: Some reviewers stated they bought the same beds from Walmart for less money. The ones Walmart has that are exactly like these are priced the same as . Walmart does offers a less expensive set that looks very similar to this one. I wonder if the reviewers who said these beds are shaky and not very stable bought the less expensive set. This set is VERY sturdy and does not rattle at all! If you check out the Walmart site, you will notice the less expensive set is shown with different bedding than this set on . Walmarts $199.99 set is pictured with the exact same bedding but I think in a different color. These beds are good quality, very sturdy and the finish is great. I like that the ladder can go on either end. The wrap around upper rail makes it possible to place the long side of this set away from the wall. This makes the process of putting on sheets, etc. much, much easier. s Prime Free Shipping was wonderful and the beds arrived on the expected date. My only complaint is not with or the bed manufacturer, but with UPS. They did not bother to ring the doorbell and just left the box in our carport. (We were home all day, too. When my husband started to move the box, the bottom was open and items started falling out! Fortunately, we were able to retrieve everything without any damage to the bed itself and amingly, nothing was lost in shipping! The hardware is blister packed nicely with letters on the side of the cardboard backing that coordinate with the instructions. Initially, we thought eight of the bedpost end caps were missing because there was only a package of eight when the inventory sheet listed 16. Then, we noticed eight had been installed in the bedposts by the manufacturer. Assembly does take time, but we tend to be a bit methodical. I would recommend these beds to a family member or friend. They really are a great value for the money!