How much weight does a loft bed or top bunk hold? Examples, Tips & Tricks

Bunk beds and loft beds are classic and the most effective way to save space. They provide comfort and convenience while requiring less space than multiple platform beds. In this article we discuss loft bed safety – with a focus on how much weight a loft bed or top bunk holds. 

Typically, a loft bed holds 200 – 260 lbs of weight if it is designed for a twin mattress. The same is for a twin size bunk bed. Loft beds designed for higher weight limits can hold up to 600 lbs. Note that this weight includes the sleeper, the mattress, and any bedding. 

Background Information

Please skip the following sections if you already have enough background information about what loft beds and bunk beds are. 

What is a bunk bed?

Bunk beds are usually two beds stacked on top of each other. Bed posts on each corner support the upper bed. A ladder or stairs are attached to it easy to access the top bed. While bunk beds are available in different sizes, materials and prices,  they are usually large enough to hold two twin size mattresses (one on each level). Bunk beds that fit larger mattresses such as Queen or King sized bunk beds are rare and usually require custom work. The upper beds are generally secured with a guard rail that prevents its occupant from falling out while sleeping. Buying a bunk bed will cost you less than having to buy two full-size single beds. Some new designs also offer storage space somewhere under the bottom bed, built into the ladder, or the side of the bed. 

A simple bunk bed. Image from Apnafurniture.

What is a loft bed?

The loft bed is a close cousin of a bunk bed with only one bed on the top as compared with bunk beds that have two beds, one on the top and one on the bottom. The space below the loft bed can be used to store furniture like a study desk or a coffee table and chairs. What you can put under it is only limited by your imagination (here are some ideas to make the space below a loft bed look cooler).  

A simple loft bed. Image from IKEA. 

What does weight capacity mean for a loft bed, and how do manufacturers measure it?

Weight capacity is the amount of weight a bunk or loft bed supports. This includes the weight of the mattress, the person using the bed, and any bedding. If your mattress is heavy, only a child or teenager may be able to use the upper bed. Note that the weight limit also applies to the ladder rungs! 

While there isn’t a standard test to determine the weight limit of the top bunk or loft bed, manufacturers determine the weight limit using classical engineering methods: using proxies for the weight of a person and bedding, and putting pressure on different parts of the loft bed to measure stress and strain. Some manufacturers use a dead weight method which distributes pressure across the top of the loft bed evenly while the others actually consider a person sleeping on the bed with tossing and turning. As you might imagine, a person moving around or jumping might stress the bed more. 

What factors affect the weight capacity of a loft bed or bunk bed?

• The first and most crucial factor that contributes to the load-bearing capacity of a bunk bed or loft bed is the design of the bed and where the center of gravity is. Many sleek and modern designs offer durability, high weight capacity, and aesthetics. Here’s a great example.
• The target audience for the bed also determines the weight capacity. Junior or Child sized loft beds tend to support ~150-220 lbs while adult loft beds support 250 – 600 lbs.  
• Loft beds can be made of metal or wood. Both of these can have different weight capacities. Hollow metal tubes made of steel support less weight than cylindrical metal tubes. Pine loft beds support less weight than Rubberwood loft bed etc. We have examples below. 
• The weight of the mattress can affect how heavy a person using the loft bed can be. Do not use a waterbed, which tends to be extremely heavy, on a loft bed. Typically, twin mattresses weigh approximately 45 lbs however this is a gross estimate across all materials of mattresses. 

Does loft bed height affect weight capacity?

No, the height of a loft bed is only one factor, among many, that can affect the weight capacity. You can find tall loft beds with high weight capacity such as this one so the one and only thing you need to research is the weight capacity of the loft bed according to the manufacturer (who has extensively tested the bed already).

Related topics:

• Want to learn how to raise a loft bed safely? Take a look at our article.   

Can you buy a loft or bunk bed with a high weight capacity?

Yes, you can find bunk beds or loft beds with a high weight limit. Heavy-duty bunk beds or loft beds for adults and teens can support weights from 300 lbs. to as high as 600 lbs. Custom loft beds and bunk beds designed for queen or king mattresses have capacities reaching 1000-2000 lbs. 

Typically loft beds have weight capacities less than 250 lbs. The Camaflex has a 1,100 lb weight capacity due to its unique design and construction. Image from Amazon. 

Examples of how much weight a loft bed or top bunk bed can hold 

Type of Loft or Bunk Bed	Weight Limit (Lbs.)	Weight Limit (Kg)	Example Product from Amazon
Wood Bunk bed, twin top bunk	165 Lbs.	75 Kg (approx.)	Storkcraft Hardwood Twin Bunk Bed
Metal Bunk bed, twin top bunk	200 Lbs.	91 Kg (approx.)	DHP Twin-Over-Twin Bunk
Wood Bunk bed, full bottom bunk	400 Lbs.	181 Kg (approx.)	Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed
Metal Bunk bed, twin bottom bunk	220 Lbs.	100 Kg (approx.)	Metal Twin Over Twin Bunk with Trundle Bed
RV Camper loft bed or bunk bed, Wood	165 Lbs.	75 Kg (approx.)	Dorel Wood Twin over Twin
Twin Loft Bed, Wood	165 Lbs.	75 Kg (approx.)	Dorel Loft Bed, Twin, Espresso
Twin Loft Bed, Metal	200 Lbs.	91 Kg (approx.)	DHP Junior Loft With Ladder
Double Loft Bed, Wood	250 Lbs.	114 Kg (approx.)	Dorel Loft Bed, Full, White
Double Loft Bed, Metal	250 Lbs.	114 Kg (approx.)	WE Furniture Metal Pipe, Full/Double Size Loft
Full Loft Bed, Wood	200 Lbs.	91 Kg (approx.)	Rosebery Kids Full Wood Loft with Dresser
Full Loft Bed, Metal	300 Lbs.	136 Kg (approx.)	DHP Full Loft Bed Metal w/ Desk
High Weight Capacity Loft bed	1100 Lbs.	500 Kg (approx.)	Camaflexi Wood Loft Bed
Adult Bunk Bed	450 Lbs.	204 Kg (approx.)	DHP Miles Metal Full, Bunk Bed
Child Bunk Bed	Up to 250 Lbs.	114 Kg (approx.)	WE Furniture Wood Twin Bunk for Kids
Low Loft Bed	200 Lbs.	91 Kg (approx.)	DHP Metal Low Loft Bed with Storage Steps

Can adults sleep in a Bunk bed or Loft bed?

Yes, adults can sleep in loft beds and bunk beds. Make sure you buy a bed that is designed for adults and not for children. Typically this means that the bed has a higher weight limit and is sturdier. If you are considering sleeping multiple adults in a loft bed, buy a high weight capacity loft bed like this one. Overweight adults and/or senior citizens should think twice about sleeping in a loft bed. While there aren’t any loft bed age limits, ensure that your family member or friend can safely climb the loft bed and descend it. 

What is the weight limit of adjustable height loft beds?

The weight limit of adjustable height loft beds is typically 220 Lbs whereas standard loft beds can typically hold between 220 Lbs. to 250 Lbs. This is because the locking mechanism of an adjustable height loft bed can support less weight than a solid wood or metal bed post. 

With the adjustable height loft beds, you have the option of increasing or decreasing the space underneath the bed so you can choose to have a full computer table underneath the bed (by raising the height of the loft bed) or you can have some simple storage underneath the bed (by lowering the height of the loft bed). The adjustable height feature decreases the durability and weight-bearing capacity of the loft beds. 

Putting too much weight on the locking mechanism can make it wobbly and even fail. 

Is there a difference in weight capacity between adult bunk beds and child bunk beds?

Yes, there is a difference between the weight capacities of adult bunk beds and child bunk beds. Bunk beds designed for children are focused on preventing them from falling. They are also smaller in size and lower in height. In comparison, bunk beds for adults are larger and have a sturdy and durability design. They are designed for higher weight capacities. Here are some tips to make loft beds more sturdy. Make sure to also check out our tips on how to separate bunk beds and why you may want to.

Is there a difference in the weight capacity of the top bunk and the bottom bed?

Yes, there is a difference in the weight capacity between the top bunk of a bunk bed and the bottom bunk. The reason is quite apparent…the lower bed has more support than the top bunk.