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Coaster Stephan Full Over Full Metal Bunk Bed
Basic Facts
- Constructed with steel
- Weight capacity for top bunk: 400 lbs
- Dimensions: 82.25” L x 60.75” W x 65.25” H
- Guardrail height: 13.5”
- Maximum mattress thickness for top bunk: 6”
- Space between bottom and top bunk: ~38”
- Clearance — floor to bottom: 10”
- Space between mattress slats: 3”
- Available in gunmetal finish
- Weight: 189.2 lbs
Introduction
Reviewing bunk beds entails having to deal with pretty much one and the same basic configuration pretty much all of the time: four posts bound by a mattress support panel stacked upon another four posts bound by another mattress support panel.
It’s refreshing, therefore, to every once in a while bump into something completely different. Such as Coaster’s Stephan full over full bunk bed, a small marvel of contemporary design that wouldn’t be out of place in any modern, posh architectural setting. Those heavy duty curved elements coated in sleek gunmetal finish not only look great, but are also used to good effect, having the ladders built in on both sides. Form and function.
The bed is just over 65 inches high, an average for a bunk bed of this type. It’s not so high as to induce any claustrophobic feelings for the person residing on the top bunk — unless you have, like, really low ceiling — yet it’s high enough to offer a decent amount of comfort to the person dwelling on the bottom bunk. There are 38 inches of space between the two mattress support panels, btw, which is reduced to 30 inches when you add an 8 inch mattress. Plenty enough for a pleasant sleeping (and getting up) experience, down there, unless of course you are Shaquille O’Neal or something.
The guardrail height is specified at 13.5 inches, which is a very decent guardrail that in theory should accommodate up to an 8 inch mattress; there should be at least 5 inches of space between the top edge of the guardrail and the mattress surface. That said, the manufacturer recommends up to a 6 inch mattress to be used on the top bunk, which I guess is a sensible recommendation. More free guardrail is always a good thing.
Note that the guardrails are full-length on all sides, there is no opening to allow an easier access to the top bunk.
The ladders here are built into those curved side panels, and for once the steps seem to actually have some width. Not much, but enough so that the climbing doesn’t resemble being tortured with a medieval device. If you don’t know what I’m talking about: metal bunk beds are usually equipped with ladders with very thin rungs that can be quite uncomfortable on the feet.
The static weight limit for the Stephan full over full bunk bed is specified at 400 lbs for both the top and bottom bunk. This is a very solid number. The mattress support consist of 20 metal slats and what looks like four vertical posts on the bottom bunk. On the top bunk there are also 4 additional support props that are attached to the those hefty main rails.
What Users Say
Up to the time of this writing I have come across dozens of ratings on this metal bunk bed throughout various shopping sites. The average rating ranges from 4.0 to 4.9 stars, depending on the site.
Quality Of Build: There are very few reviewers out there who do not agree this is one very sturdy and strong bunk bed. Built like a tank, as one user put it. Plenty of others attested it doesn’t squeak or wobble. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen a single complaint about wobbling. Which has to be a first. Even the ladder rungs received praise for being wide enough to not be hurtful to the feet.
Negative opinions about quality have mostly to do with scratches. Some users feel the finish scratches easily, and some received parts already scratched This likely happened during transport, as I’ve also noticed some complaints about the quality of packaging.
I’ve seen two reports about incorrect welding. This is a more serious issue, as it might involve replacing defective parts and we all know how frustrating such situations can be. Luckily, it doesn’t look like this is a widespread problem.
Ease Of Assembly: Well, it seems a lot of buyers have had some difficulties putting the Stephan bunk bed together. Certainly there aren’t many claiming it was easy. Some say it’s a three-person job. And a bit of an ordeal. Some complain about missing hardware, others about holes not lining up. Some implore their readers to follow the instructions strictly. Do not tighten the screws as you assemble, wait until all parts are together, then do it. (I’ve seen that advice repeated many times, and it says the same in the assembly instructions). Some users advise to get your own, better quality bolts, as those included apparently strip easily.
All that said, pretty much everyone agrees the bed looks great and is very sturdy once the job of putting it together is done.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a strong well made bunk this is it.
I took the liberty of quoting a buyer as these words sum up what this bunk bed seems to be about quite well. I would just add, do not forget about the appearance. This is one of the rare bunk beds where some effort has gone into making it look unique. And it shows.