I did some substantial research looking for a bunkbed for my 5 and 7 year old girls. Reasons I purchased this one was the ability to put a regular sized mattress on the top bunk - many bunks suggest using a thinner than average mattress and we had recently purchased some nice, regular sized mattresses and did not want to add two more to this purchase. That said, we have a standard 8ish inch mattress on the top bunk and it is pretty high (i.e. close to the safety rail). My 7 year old is o.k with this, but for a younger child, I would actually say you should get the slimmer mattress for peace of mind. Building the bed was just o.k. - the instructions are not that clear and you def need two people. The 'frame' for the mattress which is ropes and wood does not fit the full length of the bed like the pictures show in the instructions. I'm not sure what that is all about, but we didn't feel this would compromise the safety or comfort of the bed (but I think poor directions or a faulty product is at play). Once constructed, the bed is not the most sturdy (wobbles when someone uses the ladder), but that's why this is a good bed for now, not forever. I like knowing that once my girls decide they want their own space, we can separate the beds and not have to go buy new twin frames...a big selling point for me. All in all, a nice looking, average quality bunk that will serve it's purpose for a few years and made two little girls very happy.
Good enough for a few years
I did some substantial research looking for a bunkbed for my 5 and 7 year old girls. Reasons I purchased this one was the ability to put a regular sized mattress on the top bunk - many bunks suggest using a thinner than average mattress and we had recently purchased some nice, regular sized mattresses and did not want to add two more to this purchase. That said, we have a standard 8ish inch mattress on the top bunk and it is pretty high (i.e. close to the safety rail). My 7 year old is o.k with this, but for a younger child, I would actually say you should get the slimmer mattress for peace of mind. Building the bed was just o.k. - the instructions are not that clear and you def need two people. The 'frame' for the mattress which is ropes and wood does not fit the full length of the bed like the pictures show in the instructions. I'm not sure what that is all about, but we didn't feel this would compromise the safety or comfort of the bed (but I think poor directions or a faulty product is at play). Once constructed, the bed is not the most sturdy (wobbles when someone uses the ladder), but that's why this is a good bed for now, not forever. I like knowing that once my girls decide they want their own space, we can separate the beds and not have to go buy new twin frames...a big selling point for me. All in all, a nice looking, average quality bunk that will serve it's purpose for a few years and made two little girls very happy.