Beds stacked on top of another are called bunk beds. They are usually used when two or more people share the same sleeping area. If there is limited floor space, such as a small bedroom, a loft bed is a great solution. Space underneath can be used as storage or as a play area. Bunk beds are used in college dorm rooms where there are multiple students sharing one room and in rooms where floor space is limited, including cruise ships, military barracks and prisons.http://www.google.com/dictionary?aq=f&langpair=en%7Cen&hl=en&q=bunk%20beds

Each bed has four support posts - one at each corner - with an attached or unattached ladder used to reach the top bunk. Some bunk beds have attached stairs on the side to make getting into bed easier and safer. Beds can also be purchased with a safety rail surrounding the top bunk, to keep accidents at bay. Due to the possibility of falling out of bed, the hazards of climbing and descending the ladder, government regulations state that children under six years should not occupy the top bunk.http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5007.html

There are many different types and styles of bunk beds. Shopping for bunk beds in retail stores and on the Internet is easier when the shopper know what to look for.http://www.buyingbunkbeds.com/.htm

Keep bunk beds up to safety standards; every six months, check the support posts to make sure they remain secure, including all of the screws, nuts and bolts. Make sure the support posts are firmly secure - without bends or cracks. Jumping and bouncing on the beds can lead to broken support posts which can lead to unstable beds. Inspect wooden bunk beds more often than metal beds, wood will stretch, crack, split and break off over time. Metal bunk bed frames can bend and repair should be done by a professional.http://www.bunkbeds.net/care-and-maintenance.html

When purchasing a matress, choose a size that will fit in properly. On the top bunk, make sure that the mattress is not too big, this can cause the matress to tip over. A matress that is a few inches too small is safer than one that is too big. To keep insects and pests out of the matress, insert a few mothballs. A mattress will stay fresher longer if clean sheets are used and at least once a month, put the mattresses out in the sun for a few hours to kill mold and insects.http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5007.html

During assembly, do not use substitute parts and do not leave parts out, this could lead to weakened support as well as a weakened structure. After assembly, maintaining a bunk bed can prevent many of the several thousand injuries that occur every year, due to the lack of essential care and maintenance. Weight restrictions and warnings are posted on the bunk bed and on the bunk bed frames. Read and follow the instructions to prevent serious injuries or death.http://www.bunkbeds.net/care-and-maintenance.html

Buy bunk beds from a reputable retailer and have them properly assembled and installed. Find a retailer that will stand behind their product with a guarantee. A gold safety sticker should be visible that give instructions for safe usage. American Society of Testing and Materials have safety guidelines that each manufacturer must abide by, look for their seal of approval on the bed and on the bed frame.thehome.com/2008/06/15/how-to-buy-a-safe-bunkbed

Before you make a purchase, do a complete inspection of both beds and the framework:

• Guardrails should be on both sides of the upper bunk.

• The mattress should be supported by strong, properly fitting slats, screwed into the side of the bed.

• All edges of the bed should be smooth and rounded.

• If a ladder is used, it should be wide enough, securely attached for confident climbing.

• Make sure the top bunk is high enough for the person on the bottom to sit up without hitting their head.

• For safety reasons, children younger than six should not be allowed to use the top bunk.

• Forbid playing on the top bunk.

• There are weight restrictions for bunk beds, do not allow more than one person at a time on the top bunk.

• Check to make sure all screws and bolts are firmly in place.

• Keep the assembly booklet in case dis-assembly and reassembly is needed.thehome.com/2008/06/15/how-to-buy-a-safe-bunkbed

Bunk beds can be purchased at home furnishing stores including Walmart, NexTag, Amazon, The Bean Bag Store, Simply Bunk Beds and at Everything Furniture.