Bunk Beds: Should you go with wood, or get a deal on steel?

The decision to go for steel or wooden bunks is largely about aesthetics versus practicality. However, that doesn’t make either choice less legitimate than the other…

When deciding on steel or wooden bunks, there are many factors that are considered for all different accommodation providers. Let’s deep-dive into the practicality and aesthetics of both bunk types.

Wooden Bunks

Pro’s

Timber gives a soft sense of comfort. The bunks are warm and forgiving to the touch.

The modern style and construction of wooden bunks means they are very easy to assemble and to disassemble when needed.

And, let’s face it, good quality wooden bunks simply look great. They provide a warm, inviting look that’s perfect after a hard day of work. The improved atmosphere they will create in your operation is a real factor to consider.

Con’s

In many situations, throughout any type of accommodation, wood-framed bunks are more inviting to the idea of graffiti. It seems some people can’t help themselves – and your beautiful wooden framed bunks end up with drawings, writing and marks, all over the frames. Even if your guests don’t carve into wooden beds, there will be scratches and dents that require repair.

Bed bugs, borer and other pests are known to hide in wood and cause problems for the entire operation.

Where there is insufficient ventilation, mold and mildew can greatly affect the quality of a wooden bunk.

Metal Bunks

Pro’s

Good quality metal bunks are strong, supportive, solid, and squeak-proof, providing a good night’s sleep.

Steel bunks are quick and easy to assemble, lighter to move, and tend to occupy less room than wooden bunks when kept in storage, and often have a smaller footprint when assembled.

Graffiti is harder to do on a metal framed bed as these are often powder coated and scratch proof. Hard steel will take the knocks and bumps without much to show for it.

On a steel bed there is no place for bugs to hide, eliminating the potential for a devastating bug infestation. Additionally, steel is resistant to mould and mildew.

Steel is more cost effective to purchase and easier to maintain.

Con’s

Metal can look militant or institutional. Rap your knuckles against the cold metal of a steel framed bed and you will hear a hollow echo. It’s not exactly as visually pleasing to look at it either.

What do you think?

The decision to go metal or to go wood will depend on whether the aesthetic benefit is more important than the practical points of maintenance and hardiness. Much of that will depend on the style of your accommodation and the nature of its users.

There is no getting past the fact that many people will prefer wooden bunks. For some adults, the memories of childhood camps with old fashioned, squeaky, sagging mesh bases may be enough to put them off metal bunks for life. For workers accommodation this is less important. However, for backpackers and holiday camp operators, metal bunks may look too institutional to the typical guest, whereas wooden bunks have a more home-like feel.

Want to learn more?

Take a look at all of our bunks, here.

In addition, we can help you weigh up all of the pros and cons for your bunk requirements. Get in touch to discuss budget, size, shape, design, practicality, and everything else to be considered when buying new bunks.

Reach out! Give us a call on 0800 836 335, or email us at [email protected]. Explain your accommodation type, and we will provide you with all of the best recommendations.