Best Heavy Duty Bunk Beds For Heavy People And Adults – (Can Hold Weight Up to 400 Ibs)

best-heavy-duty-bunk-beds-for-adult

It’s a misconception that bunk beds aren’t strong enough for adults. Granted, not all bunk beds are created equal. Some can only accommodate the weight of a kid but there several heavy-duty bunk beds too for massive dudes like me. 

You just have to up your research game a bit. Since you have stumbled upon this game, rest assured you are already quite close to what you’re looking for. 

We have curated a list of the 10 best bunk beds for adults on the market right now and reviewed them thoroughly. Bunk beds offer an incredible utilitarian value. 

If you live in a condo or college dorm room, make the most of whatever space you have by swapping your regular-size bed with a bunk bed. It will help you maximize the sleeping area without overcrowding the room. Sounds good? 

Cool. Then let’s start exploring the options: 

Images
Product Name
Weight Capacity
COASTER-Stephan-Full-over-Full-Bunk-Bed
COASTER Stephan Bunk Bed
800 Ibs
DHP-Twin-Over-Full-Bunk-Bed
DHP Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed
750 Ibs
Powell-Heavy-Metal-Bunk-Bed
Powell Heavy Metal Bunk Bed
800 Ibs
DHP-Silver-Screen-Metal-Bunk-Bed
DHP Silver Screen Metal Bunk Bed
800 Ibs
Max-&-Lily-Twin-over-Full-Bunk-Bed
Max & Lily Twin over Full Bunk Bed
800 Ibs
Walker-Edison-Metal-Bunk-Bed
Walker Edison Metal Bunk Bed
Tmosi-3-Twin-Bunk-Beds
Tmosi Triple Twin Bunk Beds
1200 Ibs
ACME-FURNITURE-Twin-Bunk-Bed
ACME FURNITURE Twin Bunk Bed
550 Ibs
Olela-Twin-Over-Full-Metal-Bunk-Beds
Olela Twin Over Full Metal Bunk Beds
800 Ibs
Dorel-Twin-Over-Full-Metal-Bunk-Bed
Dorel Twin-Over-Full Metal Bunk Bed
650 Ibs

10 Heavy Duty Bunk Beds For Adults – 2023 Guide

1. COASTER Stephan Full over Full Adult Bunk Bed – Editor Choice

Weight Capacity: 400 lbs (Each Bed)

Stephan Full over Full Bunk Bed

Sporting a quirky curved ladder design, this sturdy metal bunk bed for adults is both fun and practical. The dark gunmetal finish on the metal frame will add a nice element of contrast to your room. 

It’s strong enough to safely accommodate two heavyweight adults on both upper and lower bunks. The upper bunk has side rails to maximize safety. Ideally, you should use a 10-12” memory foam mattress on the bottom and a 6” mattress on top for a snug fit. 

The assembly work is time-consuming but not complex. There are about 100 screws to tighten, so it’s definitely a two-person job. If you are good with such stuff, it will take your anywhere between 1.5-2 hours to put together the pieces. You will have to follow the instructions very carefully or it will be a messy affair. 

Pro tip: don’t tighten the screws all the way until you assemble all the parts. This will make it easy for you to align all the holes properly, something a lot of users have struggled with. 

Thankfully, the unit isn’t that bulky. I also loved the fact that the bed doesn’t make that annoying creaking sound like most bunks. Overall, it’s a good bargain for the money. 

Pros:

  • Sturdy metal frame. 
  • Out-of-the-box design. 
  • Spacious. 
  • Wide ladder slats for easy climbing. 
  • Sensibly priced. 

Cons:

  • Could take you anywhere between 2 hours to half a day to assemble the bed. 

 

 

2. DHP Bunk Bed- Heavy Duty Twin over full Bunk Bed

Weight Capacity: 200 lbs (upper bunk) and 450 lbs (lower bunk)

 DHP Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed

The streamlined and understated design of this bunk blends wonderfully with the decor of any room, be it a dorm or an apartment bedroom. The brand DHP has been consistently delivering highly durable space-saving solutions at an affordable price for quite some time now. 

Their metal frame full bunk bed bears testimony to the brand’s dedication to their craft. The sleeping area is quite spacious for a bunk bed. There’s approx 35.5” of headroom between the bottom and top bunk, so the person on the bottom bunk can comfortably sit on it. 

You can fit a standard full-size mattress on the bottom and a twin-size mattress with a max thickness of 6” on the top bunk. The side rails on the top bunk are quite high. Even with the mattress, it remains approximately 4” above the mattress, preventing you from rolling out of the bed in sleep. 

The bed comes with metal slats to support the mattresses. And as for the build quality, the heavy-duty metal frames are not going to decay anytime soon. Given there are a lot of pieces to assemble, you should call for some help. 

The good thing is the instructions are well-illustrated and the box includes extra pieces of hardware to make the installation process smooth and hassle-free. 

However, the manual does leave out one important note. Resist the temptation to tighten all the screws until the very end. However, once you’re past the ordeal, it’s a bed of roses from thereon. It’s quite silent for a bunk bed, no creaking issues whatsoever. 

Pros:

  • Includes extra hardware for seamless installation. 
  • Comes with metal slats for extra support for the mattress. 
  • High side rails on the top bunk. 
  • No sharp edges sticking out from the sides. 
  • Long-lasting satin finish. 

Cons:

  • You might have to bend your twin mattress a bit to fit it into the top bunk. 
  • Assembly could take hours as there are many small pieces to deal with. 

 

 

3. Powell  Bunk Bed – Full Over Full Bunk Beds For Adults

Weight capacity: 400 lbs per bed

 Powell Heavy Metal Bunk Bed

There is definitely a shortage of heavy-duty bunk beds for overweight people. But this Powell bunk bed can definitely handle the weight of two grown-up and heavy people without any issues. It has a combined true weight capacity of 800 lbs which will stand the test of time.

One of the reasons why we think it’s a super sturdy adult bunk bed is because of its heavy gauge tubular steel construction. Compared to wood, steel is a lot more stable and will last longer. Usually, steel bunk beds make squeaking noises. But this bed makes none!

While most beds have a color of their own, that can also clash with the colors of your decor. Powell has a pewter powder coating which is a neutral finish and works with almost any kind of decor whether it’s modern or classic.

A unique aspect of the bed is you can separate the upper and lower bunks into two separate beds. If you ever move to a larger space and don’t need a bunk bed, you can simply take them apart. This feature makes the bed pretty versatile.

The assembling instructions are clear and one person can easily assemble it. However, some of the panels are not properly labeled. So, you need to be extra sure before you proceed as it can end up having you reassemble it.

Like most bunk beds, the stair attaches to a specific side of the bed. You can’t move it to the other side. We found the rails of the stairs to be pretty painful on the feet. You can easily solve this by covering them with cell foam tubing or pool noodle.

As far as the head clearance in the lower bunk, it is 34-in. With a think mattress, an adult could sit upright. But if you have a 10-inch mattress, you can’t sit on it upright. This shouldn’t be an issue as bunk beds are not made for multitasking and its intended purpose is to make sleeping easy in tight spaces.

Pros:

  • Heavy-duty steel construction that can handle two overweight adults.
  • Neutral finish makes it suitable for any kind of decor.
  • The top and lower bunks can be separated to make two standalone beds.
  • Durable and made to last for years without annoying noises.

Cons:

  • The rails on the stairs are thin and can hurt your feet. You can cover the rails with any sort of soft foam or pool noodle.

 

4. DHP Silver Screen Metal Bunk Bed – Futon Heavy Duty Bunk Bed

Weight Capacity: 200 lbs (upper bunk) and 600 lbs (lower futon bed)

DHP Silver Screen Metal Bunk Bed with Ladder

Up next on our list of high-quality bunk beds for adults is a sleek and stylish convertible bed bunk that can add a black accent to your bedroom. 

College students who seek the comfort of a bed and the convenience of a gaming couch rolled into one affordable unit will get a lot of use out of this convertible. 

The bottom part of the unit is a couch that effortlessly transforms into a plushy 8” queen size futon bed, helping you make the most of every square foot you have in your room. 

For optimal sleeping comfort, I’d suggest buying an 8” memory foam futon mattress for the bottom and a 6” twin mattress for the top bunk. Note that even though the top bunk is rated for 200 lbs, don’t let anyone weighing over 150 pounds crash on it for their own safety. 

The bed is fairly easy to assemble and the instructions are easy to follow. I wish the legs were a bit wider though as the bed moves a lot every time you go up the ladder. 

Speaking of the ladder, the bottom bunk/futon’s reversible side design allows you to flip the orientation of the ladder. The metal rungs of the ladder aren’t easy on the feet, something the manufacturer needs to look into. 

Pros:

  • Easy assembly. 
  • The bottom bunk can be transformed into a comfy couch. 
  • Great hardware quality for the price. 
  • Budget-friendly price tag. 

Cons:

  • The rungs on the ladder could hurt the feet. 
  • Wobbles a little when you climb up and down the ladder. 

 

 

5. Max & Lily Wood Bunk Bed 

Weight Capacity: 400 lbs (Each Bed)

Max & Lily Bunk Bed

Gorgeous to look at and highly dependable, this heavy-duty wood bunk bed would be a classy addition to your apartment bedroom. The frame of the bed frame is sculpted from soft New Zealand pine wood and by the looks of it, it can stand the test of time. 

The best part is you can separate the top and bottom into two individual beds, whenever the situation demands. If you are expecting a third family member, extend the sleeping space by adding a twin-size trundle bed to it. 

Alternatively, you could also order an extra set of drawers for stuff your bedroom doesn’t have enough space for. 

The guardrails on the top bunk are 15” high to maximize safety. Try looking for a low-profile twin-size mattress, ideally 6” thick for optimal safety. Assembly is quick if two people are at it and the instructions are totally on-point. All the hardware, including an Allen wrench, is included in the box. 

My only complaint would be that the slats on the bed are too far apart. You might have to add more slats or get a firmer mattress eventually.

Pros:

  • Add-ons like extra trundle bed or drawers can be separately purchased. 
  • You can separate the top bunk. 
  • The ladder is reversible. 
  • Huge head clearance. 
  • 15” high guardrails. 

Cons:

  • The slats sit too far apart. 
  • No screw hole covers. 

 

 

6. Walker Edison Modern Metal Pipe – Twin bunk beds for adults

Walker Edison Modern Metal Pipe Twin Bunk Bed

Up next on our list of the best bunk beds for adults has a really small footprint, making it another great tight-space solution. What’s really impressive is that the soft paint and trim lines can make tiny rooms look bigger than it actually is. 

Many interior decorators take the advantage of such optical illusions to create the impression of a bigger, more inviting space. 

The bed is big enough for six-footers like me and can be safely used with 6-8” thick memory foam mattresses. You can set it up alone under 2.5 hours if you follow the instructions on the box closely. 

The construction itself is pretty sturdy and moving up the bed closer to the wall and tightening the screws periodically can stop the little squeaking issue a lot of users have spoken about. 

My real gripe is with the design of the ladder steps. They are cylindrical shapes and don’t exactly go easy on the feet. 

Pros:

  • Unique design makes small rooms look bigger. 
  • Fuss-free assembly. 
  • Sturdy construction. 
  • Big enough for 6”+ individuals. 

Cons:

  • Light squeaking. 
  • Climbing the ladder barefoot is seriously painful. 

 

 

7. Tmosi Triple Bunk Beds  – Most high weight capacity Bunk Beds

Weight capacity: 400 lbs per bed

Tmosi Triple Bunk Beds

Can you find me a sturdy bunk bed for big and tall people? These are the sort of questions we get asked regularly. Not all bunk beds are made for tall people. Yes, you can certainly sleep on them, but the head clearance is low for sitting. This triple bunk bed is tailor crafted for tall people.

In total, there are three beds. One on top and two on the bottom. So, that’s something unique. We haven’t found a lot of beds like this one. The best thing is you can detach the beds individually and make them standalone beds. So, when you feel like the purpose of the bunk bed is done, get them apart.

Compared to other triple bunk beds which have bunks on three stories, this design is a lot more stable and practical. It can easily accommodate 3 adults without any risks as the weight capacity is also sufficient for large adults. If you have, you can also link the two beds on the bottom and make space for an extra young adult or children.

The head clearance on the lower bunk is 46” which is a lot higher than average. So, even if you lay a thick mattress like 8-inch or 10-in, there will be enough room for an adult to sit on them.

The top bunk is surrounded by full-length guard rails. So, if someone sleeps on the top, he will feel safe, especially if he is a child. Overall, this is a functional and effective metal bunk bed for adults.

Pros:

  • Space-saving design for 3 adults to sleep comfortably.
  • Easily detach all of the beds and make individual beds.
  • The design is practical and suitable to handle heavyweights.
  • High lower bunk clearance makes it possible for adults to sit and read.

Cons

  • The bars of the stair is thin and cylindrical which can hurt your feet a little while climbing.

 

8. ACME FURNITURE AC-37605 Bunk Bed

Weight capacity: Top bunk 200 lbs, lower bunk 350 lbs

 ACME FURNITURE AC-37605 Bed

The reason why we think acme is the best bunk bed for adults is because of its twin XL and queen bunk combo. This is a rare combination which you will hardly come across. 3 adults of moderate weight can easily sleep on it and that’s what you need for a small space or even a commercial rental space.

This bed is solid and made of metal. It has a bit of wiggle and that you can feel when you climb up the ladder. But it’s totally safe for adults. The ladder attaches to only a specific spot on the bed. So, read the instructions carefully. We think the instructions could have been clearer. But with some help, you can get away with it.

As far as the head clearance in the lower bunk, it is 36”. But we wouldn’t worry about that too much. As the top bunk is a twin and the lower one queen, there is some space in front of the lower bunk. You can sit on the edge wear your shoes or even read without the top bed hitting your head. There is also enough clearance under the lower bunk which you can use for storage.

Pros:

  • A unique combination of twin XL and queen bed makes it perfect for small spaces with more people.
  • Solidly built with metal frames to withstand medium to heavyweight.
  • Good head clearance at the edge of the bottom bunk which is useful for sitting and doing stuff.
  • Enough ground clearance under the bed to be used as an extra storage.

Cons:

  • It does have a little wiggle when you try to go up and down the ladder. However, that won’t affect the stability of the bed.

 

 

9. Olela Bunk Beds – Metal Bunk Beds with Trundle Bed

Weight capacity: 400 lbs per bed

 Olela Twin Over Full Metal Bunk Beds with Trundle Bed

Olela is a super value sturdy bunk bed made for adults of any age. We called it super value because it’s got 3 sleeping arrangements within a space of a normal bunk bed. If you have a small space and looking to find functional sleeping spaces, you got to get this one.

The top bunk is a twin size, so a young adult or children can fit in. The lower bunk is full size and it can accommodate a big adult. Now, this is where it gets interesting. There is also a twin-size trundle under the lower bunk and you can use this for an overnight guest. Overall, it’s one of the best adult bunk beds you can find.

If you follow the recommended guidelines for mattress thickness, there won’t be issues with head clearance. 6” for upper bunk twin, 6-8” for lower bunk full, and 6” for the twin trundle. Without the mattress, the clearance between the top and bottom bunk is 37.61” and between the bottom bunk and floor is 14.17”.

One of the convenient features this bed offers is it has two stairs on either side. This really helps a lot, especially if you haven’t figured out which way you are going to set up your bed. If one side gets blocked, there is another stair for accessing the top bunk. Moreover, you can also use the trundle as a separate bed. So, when you have a guest sleeping in another room, just detach the trundle and lay it up for the night.

The only thing that could have been improved was the corners of the bed. You can easily add corner covers and save yourself from bruises.

Pros:

  • 2 bunk beds with a trundle combo are great for small spaces.
  • You can remove the trundle and use it as a separate bed in another room.
  • High-quality steel construction can take loads without any issues.

Cons:

  • The corners are left open. But you can cover them up for safety.

 

 

10. Dorel Twin-Over-Full Metal Bunk Bed

Weight capacity: upper bunk 200 lbs, lower bunk 450 lbs

Among all the heavy-duty bunk beds made for adults, Dorel has one of the highest weight capacities. It can support a combined weight of 650 lbs which means three adults of medium size or one medium adult and a heavy adult can sleep on it.

The bed is solidly made of steel and that you can see yourself. However, the color is quite generic and a little bland to our liking. It will still work if you plan on getting this for guests and emergency purposes. With some new and glossy paint on it which you can do later, this bed can look bold and classy.

Assembling this bed will take some doing. The instructions aren’t the best and you will need some help from another person. But if you manage to build it, you will have a bed that will be functional and meets your needs.

On a high note, this bunk bed has two ladders on each side. That definitely helps as people can get on the bed from both sides. The bed has some squeaking issues but that can be solved if you install it properly.

Pros:

  • High weight limit on lower bunk is great for a large individual to sleep.
  • Dual ladder makes it easier to get up and down the ladder.
  • Metal construction ensures that the bed holds up well with time.

Cons:

  • Might squeak a bit if you don’t assemble it properly.

 

 

What to Look for When Buying Bunk Beds for Adults

Gone are the days when bunk beds used to be just meant for kids. With the growing popularity, a lot of manufacturers ventured into making extra- sturdy bunk beds for adults

It not only maximizes the vertical space but also adds an element of privacy in shared rooms. Here are some of the key aspects to pay attention to when shopping for one for yourself: 

  • Weight Capacity: Bunk beds for adults should be able to handle at least 250 pounds. Anything lesser than that won’t immediately crash the bed but will definitely increase the wear and tear over time. 
  • Material: Beds, by default, are subjected to a lot of abuse. Metal frames are well-capacitated to withstand whatever challenge you throw at it. If you are a sucker for aesthetics and don’t mind coughing up some extra bucks, a high-density wooden bed would be a nice option too. 

At any cost, avoid plastic-based materials. No matter how sturdy they are advertised to be, they aren’t strong enough to handle the weight of average build adults. 

  • Safety: Make it a point to check the ladder construction, stability, and the height of the guard rails from the base before finalizing your purchase. As a rule of thumb, the guard rails should be at least 5” above the mattress to prevent falling from the top bunk and hitting the head. 
  • Design: Twin over full bunk beds are the most commonly recommended designs for adults. Apart from looking at extra inches on the sides, also make sure the bed has enough leg room when you recline all the way and enough headroom on the low bunk to sit upright. 

Convertible models allow you to turn the lower futon into a comfy couch for those weekend game nights and movie nights. They would make a great addition to college dorms and shared apartments. 

FAQ On Adult Bunk Beds

Can a Bunk Bed Hold Two Adults?

Yes, the average weight of an American adult is 180 lbs, so it's recommended to choose a bunk bed that can hold a weight of at least 400 lbs to accommodate two adults using the bunk bed.

Can Adults Sleep on Top Bunk Bed?

Yes, adults can sleep on top bunk beds, but whether it's safe or not depends on the design and weight capacity of the specific bunk bed. Some full-size bunk beds are designed to accommodate adult sleepers and come with a weight capacity of up to 800 lbs (with 400 lbs weight capacity for the top bunk and 400 lbs for the bottom bunk). Therefore, with this kind of weight capacity, it is safe for adult sleepers to use the top bunk bed.

Conclusion and Editor’s Choice

That brings us to the end of this roundup of the best bunk beds for adults. Bunk beds are a fantastic piece of utility. And not to mention, a lot of fun. They fit in the smallest rooms and provide the much-needed privacy in shared rooms. 

While all the models featured here are built for optimal comfort and safety, if we have to pick just one, we’ll be included to vote Stephan Full over Full Bunk Bed. 

With a 400 lbs weight capacity for each bunk, it’s structural strength and dimensions make for an ideal crashing pad for adults. Moreover, the bottom bunk is quite roomy and can be easily shared by two skinny adults if needed. What else can you possibly ask for? 

About Smily Mom

Smilymom is an initiative by a group of four friends who simply wanted to help you make good decisions. We bring you the greatest and latest information about parenting, baby wellness, housekeeping, and home decoration along with expert advice and trusted product reviews. We don’t settle for misleading, half-baked information and we take pride in it.

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