beds for kids

The Pros and Cons of Staircases and Ladders for Bunk and Loft Beds

The Pros and Cons of Staircases and Ladders for Bunk and Loft Beds

Key Takeaways:

  • Choose your child's climbing method based on their bedroom space, age, and comfort.
  • Maxtrix offers three types of climbing methods: straight ladders, angled ladders, and staircases.
  • Straight ladders save the most bedroom space, angled ladders are great in-between for growing sleepers, and staircases are best for younger kids.

Choosing Your Child's Climbing Method

How do you want your child to get up to the top bunk? If you've been researching loft beds or bunk beds, you know there are quite a few climbing options. Let's start with some facts about beds with straight ladders, angled ladders, and stairs.

For ladders, the most commonly used version is a straight ladder, which usually connects directly to the bed. An angled ladder sticks out into the room and should be sold with a safety rail. Staircases are usually attached next to the bed, in effect making the bed longer, and enabling access through the footboard of the bed. 


White wooden twin-over-full bunk bed in a bright modern children's bedroom with green bedding, ladder, safety rails, built-in shelf and cozy pillows
Light natural wood loft bed frame with built-in ladder, slatted guardrails and open under-bed space — space-saving kids' elevated bed
Solid pine quadruple bunk beds with built-in storage drawers and center ladder, twin mattresses with gray bedding in bright modern kids' bedroom

Three Tips for Selecting a Ladder or Staircase

Now that you are considering both beds with ladders and beds with stairs, here are three tips that will help you make your selection for your kid's bedroom.

1. Space

Possibly the most important consideration... A straight ladder bed is usually the most space-saving option, and a staircase can take up the most room. 

But it all depends. If you have a long and narrow room, a staircase can be a great idea, as it usually does not protrude at all from the bed. An angled ladder will protrude further into the room, but in many cases, you can decide where to attach the ladder to the bed in order to minimize any impact on space utilization.

Our newest design option allows you to move the straight ladder to the bed end. This is a minimalistic look designed with tweens in mind.

Storage Stairs

But don’t forget that a staircase offers extra storage, which can save space elsewhere. Maxtrix steps double as easily accessible storage drawers. So you can eliminate an additional piece of furniture, like a dresser, and use the staircase steps instead. 

 

White wooden bunk bed with stairs and ladder in a bright, modern bedroom with wooden flooring.
Natural wood children's loft bed with built-in storage stairs above open play area in bright kids' bedroom with blue plaid rug and floor cushion
White wooden twin-over-full bunk bed with ladder and under-bed storage drawer in bright kids' bedroom with green bedding and pink accents

Ladder Placement

In the case of Maxtrix®, all of our ladders can be attached pretty much anywhere you would like to have them – on the left, on the right, or even coming out from the head or footboards. And, you can always change your mind and change the configuration later! Here's a good visual of the different entry options for two of our best-selling Maxtrix twin-over-full bunk beds.

2. Safety

While getting to the top bunk may not seem like a particularly dangerous undertaking, slips and falls can happen and should be avoided at all costs.

Young boy climbing a wooden kids' loft bed in a bright children's bedroom with a study desk, blue backpack and striped rug

Safe Staircases

The safest option out there is a staircase, as it not only provides the largest surface to step on, but it also has a built-in sturdy handrail. Since it is connected to the end of the bed, your child will literally be covered on both sides while entering the bed. Shop beds with stairs. 

Safe Ladders

The angled ladder is another good option if you are concerned about safety – the angle makes climbing up easier and less treacherous, especially for younger children. And, the added safety rail on one side usually gives enough support to avoid any major accidents. Be sure to look for wide steps in the ladders, grooves on the steps to avoid slippage, and a sturdy handrail that is comfortable to hold on to.

Straight ladders are the most affordable option. To ensure you choose a safe one, be careful that the steps are wide enough to provide a good hold and are grooved to prevent slippage.

Solid wood bunk bed with staircase storage in a modern kids' bedroom with blue paneled wall, dresser and natural jute rug.
Natural pine wooden bunk bed with trundle drawer and angled ladder in bright modern kids bedroom, white bedding and decorative pillows
Children's wooden loft bed with slide and ladder — natural pine kids' bunk bed with purple and blue playhouse curtains in a bright bedroom with large window and pastel wall art

3. Comfort

If you have ever tried to climb a rope-ladder with bare feet, you know how uncomfortable it can be not to have enough support for the soles of your feet while climbing! As it’s highly likely your child will be climbing into bed with bare feet at least some of the time, the size of the ladder steps really do make a difference. 

White wooden loft bed with built-in desk and ladder in a modern kids' bedroom, featuring a chair, desk lamp, globe, books and green tree wall decals — space-saving study area

Easy Climbing For Kids and Adults

For adults, often overlooked is the need for YOU to climb up there to change the sheets or read a bedtime story.

So, while your child may be perfectly fine with thin ladder steps, you may find the weekly trip up there is a little more challenging than you imagined. Again, the most comfortable option for everybody involved is the bunk bed with stairs, as the added space and support make climbing up on the top bunk easy and super-safe.

 

Design Your Bunk Bed or Loft Bed with Stairs or Ladders

Did this help you make your selection? If you have questions about ladders or stairs, please ask away in the comment section or contact our staff. We're happy to help!

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