Bunk beds: Keeping them safe and stable in daily use

In holiday parks, group lodges, and big families, stapelbedden are a favourite way to save space. Two, sometimes even three sleepers, can share the footprint of a single bed  a smart solution when square metres are limited. But the weight load and the height also bring special safety challenges. As an owner, manager, or parent you want to be sure every sleeper child or adult  can climb, turn, and rest without risk of frames sagging or falls from the top bunk.

Solid construction comes first

A safe bunk bed starts with a strong frame. Bremafa builds beds in solid beech or powder-coated steel. Beech is hard, splinter-free, and less likely to warp in humid conditions. In coastal hostels or other damp settings, epoxy-coated steel is the better choice: high load capacity and rust resistance. Pay attention to corner joints. Dovetail joints or welded plates prevent the frame from pulling out of square. Also check how the slats are supported: ideally on an in-grooved rail or steel U-profile, not just screws. That way the weight is spread and sagging is avoided.

Choosing the right mattress

A thin foam mattress may look light, but for adults it makes the slats noticeable. Bremafa advises cold foam HR mattresses at least 14 cm thick with a density of 40 kg/m³. For heavy use in hostels, a pocket spring core works well: more airflow, less sagging. Important: the mattress must never be higher than the guard rail. Otherwise, a sleeper might roll over it in their sleep. On modern bunk beds the max height is usually 17 cm enough for comfort, still safe.

Safety standards and certificates

Dutch law follows European norm EN 747 for bunk beds. It sets rules like: guard rails at least 16 cm above the mattress, slat openings no wider than 7.5 cm, and non-slip steps on ladders. Bremafa supplies every frame with a test report: drop test (60 kg falling weight), side stability test, and trap analysis. Keep that certificate ready for inspections, because insurers increasingly ask for it.

Think beyond the bed itself

A good bunk is only safe if the surroundings are smart too. Check regularly that nightstands or luggage racks aren’t pressing against the frame  this can cause rubbing, squeaks, or stress on the joints. A simple floor plan for housekeeping helps: when furniture gets moved, staff can put it back without blocking the ladder or escape route.

Feedback as an early warning

Place a discreet QR code on the inside of the ladder and invite guests to report issues. Comments about creaks, slippery steps, or loose slats will reach you while problems are still small. Then you can fix things quickly replace a cap, roughen a step, or tighten a screw. Proactive maintenance saves repair cost and keeps guest ratings high.

Ladder design and climbing comfort

A slanted ladder is easier to climb but takes more space. A straight ladder saves floor area, provided steps are deep enough (25 mm or more) and anti-slip. For daily use, choose a ladder that hooks securely into metal brackets  it won’t slide while someone is climbing. For younger children, integrated side panels with cut-outs are safer. They give more grip and prevent toys getting stuck between rungs.

Ventilation and hygiene

Two sleepers stacked means double the moisture. Always use open slat bases. Solid MDF panels may look neat but block airflow. Bremafa adds vent holes in wooden backs and mesh grills in steel models. Combine that with a breathable polyester mattress cover: sweat escapes, dust mites struggle. Rotate mattresses at least every three months  it extends lifespan and helps prevent mould.

Maintenance checklist for long-term safety

Many accidents happen due to skipped inspections. A fixed routine is key.

• Monthly: check ladder hooks and all bolt/nut joints.
• Quarterly: inspect slats for cracks, replace if damaged.
• Half-yearly: rotate mattresses, check guard rail height after any replacement.
• Yearly: push sideways with 20 kg force; frame must not deflect more than 25 mm.

A well-kept log strengthens your position with inspectors and insurers.

Noise and user comfort

A squeaky bed ruins sleep. The sound often comes from screw threads rubbing in wood. Use self-locking nuts or Teflon-coated bolts. On steel frames, a neoprene washer between frame and slats dampens resonance. If you want more than silence, add semi-open side panels at the head or side: sleepers enjoy privacy while air still circulates. More beds in one room increase fire load. Choose fire-retardant coatings (B s2 d0 class) on wooden parts, and Trevira CS covers for mattresses. Bremafa ladders use plastic non-slip parts that only melt above 200 °C and don’t drip. Fit smoke detectors above bunk clusters and make sure emergency lighting keeps the path to the exit clear. Beds must never block it.

Real case: Scouting camp in Drenthe

A centre replaced ten old bunks with Bremafa frames. Result: each unit 20 cm narrower thanks to slimmer panels, creating wider escape routes. Sleep comfort improved too: noise complaints dropped 80%, mattresses stayed drier, and the logbook caught issues sooner. They expect 15% lower replacement costs long term. Proof that thoughtful bunk design balances safety, comfort, and cost. After ten to twelve years of heavy use, or when damage is beyond repair, Bremafa takes frames back. Wood is shredded into board material; steel goes to the mill for new profiles. Life-cycle data shows recycling saves about 35 kg of CO₂ per bed compared to incineration. You’ll receive a certificate, useful in ESG reporting or when applying for circular investment subsidies.

Conclusion: Safe climbing, peaceful sleep

Bunk beds save valuable floor space, but only if they’re built strong, maintained regularly, and set up to code. With solid materials, certified design, proper ventilation, and a clear inspection routine, you guarantee years of safe and stable sleep. Bremafa supports you from design to recycling  so you can offer multi-level sleeping comfort without compromises on safety, hygiene, or lifespan.