Choosing Between Metal and Wooden Bunk Beds: What’s Best?

Bunk beds are a fantastic space-saving solution for families — but when it’s time to choose one, the question often comes up:
Should I go for a metal or wooden bunk bed?

Each material has its pros and cons, but the right choice depends on your priorities: safety, durability, style, comfort, or sustainability. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences between metal vs wooden bunk beds, and help you decide what’s best for your child’s room.

🔩 Metal Bunk Beds: The Basics

Metal bunk beds are popular for being lightweight and affordable. They’re often used in dorms, guest rooms, or short-term setups.

Pros:

• Generally cheaper than wooden options
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Can have a sleek, modern appearance
• Often available in bold colours or painted finishes

Cons:

• Can wobble or squeak over time
• Metal bars may feel cold or uncomfortable
• Less weight capacity than solid wood
• Harder to match with natural or cosy decor
• May lack the sturdiness that growing kids need

🌿 Wooden Bunk Beds: The Natural Choice

Wooden bunk beds, especially those made from solid pine, offer a warm, timeless look and reliable strength. They’re ideal for long-term use in growing families.

Pros:

• Stronger and more durable than metal
• Warm, cosy appearance that fits any style
• Feels more solid and secure
• Often quieter (no squeaks or rattling)
• Eco-friendly if made from sustainable wood
• Easier to repair or repaint if needed

Cons:

• Usually heavier to move
• Slightly more expensive than lightweight metal options
• Quality can vary — solid wood is best; avoid MDF or particle board

🛏️ What About Safety?

Safety is the top concern when buying a bunk bed for kids. Both metal and wooden beds can be safe — if they meet the right standards. That’s where wooden options often pull ahead.

• EN747 certified wooden bunk beds like the Junio meet strict UK and EU regulations for guardrails, ladder safety, and durability.
• Metal beds sometimes skip these certifications, especially at the lower end of the price range.
• Wooden guardrails and slats tend to feel more secure and comfortable — especially for younger children.

🎨 Style, Comfort, and Room Vibe

A wooden bunk bed gives you more flexibility in styling your child’s room. The natural grain, especially in a honey-coloured finish like the Junio bunk bed, adds warmth and character that metal can’t match.

Wood is easy to pair with:

• Nature-inspired rooms (greens, neutrals, textures)
• Scandinavian decor
• Cosy, minimalist layouts
• Earthy, gender-neutral tones

Metal bunk beds often look more industrial or temporary — which may not suit every home or age group.

🌱 Sustainability & Longevity

If you're thinking long-term, solid pine wood is the more sustainable option. It's renewable, biodegradable, and far more eco-friendly than powder-coated steel.

Plus, a good-quality wooden bunk bed can last for years — or even be passed down to younger siblings. With occasional care (like tightening bolts or wiping with a soft cloth), wood ages beautifully.

🧡 Why We Chose Solid Pine for the Junio Bunk Bed

At Junio, we focused on creating just one perfect bunk bed — made from solid pine wood, with a warm honey-toned finish, and built to strict EN747 safety standards.

Our goal? A bunk bed that’s:

✅ Safe, quiet, and solid

✅ Beautiful in any room

✅ Compact and space-saving

✅ Easy to care for

✅ Long-lasting and eco-conscious

While metal beds may suit short-term needs or tight budgets, we believe wooden beds offer the best combination of functionality, comfort, and timeless style — especially for families who value quality.

Final Verdict: What’s Best for You

Looking for a solid, stylish, and safe bunk bed?

Explore the Junio bunk bed — the natural choice for families who want a bed that’s as beautiful as it is reliable.