How Much Does a Loft Bed Cost? A Quick Guide with Examples.
While a bunk bed has two beds, a raised bed above the floor-level bed, a loft bed only has a single top bunk with an open space below. A common reason why a loft bed frame is chosen is to provide extra floor space, which can be used for other functional items, like a desk, bookcase, storage, or play space. Additionally, novelty loft bed frames, complete with tree houses, playhouses and swings, can be chosen for the design aspect.
A loft bed frame costs between $150 and $2000. The price depends on the size, the material of the frame, what special or custom features it includes, whether it comes bundled with a set of mattresses, whether it has a guardrail installed, and a variety of other factors. Metal loft bed frames designed for kids are at the lower end of the price range.
Related articles:
- What are loft beds? A comprehensive guide
- How to make a loft bed taller and how to use the space below a loft bed
- What's the best age for a loft bed or bunk bed
How much does a loft bed frame cost?
Here are average prices for loft beds that you can find while shopping:
- Metal loft bed for children: $150 – $200
- Wooden loft bed for children: $300 – $500
- Metal loft bed for twin mattress: $170 – $250
- Wooden loft bed for twin mattress: $300 – $600
- Metal loft bed for full mattress: $250 - $600
- Wooden loft bed for full mattress: $400 – $800
Usually loft bed frames are available in twin or full mattress sizes. At a higher cost, custom sized loft bed frames may be found such as king or queen loft beds.
How does size affect the cost of a loft bed frame?
As the size of the loft bed increases, the cost generally increases as well. Loft bed frames are primarily available in two mattress sizes, twin or full. In general, loft bed frames that hold larger mattress sizes also have larger weight capacities. Here's our guide to loft bed weight capacities.
Here are examples of different sizes of loft beds and their costs:
| Loft Bed Frame | Size | Weight Capacity | Loft Bed Cost |
| Green Forest Metal Loft Bed for Kids | Twin for Kids / Junior | 220 lbs | ~$140 |
| YourZone Metal Twin Loft Bed for Adults | Twin, Extra Tall, for Adults and Kids | 225 lbs | ~$160 |
| WE Metal Full Loft Bed for Kids | Full for Kids, with Guardrail | 250 lbs | ~$225 |
| Black Metal Full Loft Bed | Full, for Adults and Kids | 250 lbs | ~$230 |
How does the loft bed frame’s material affect the cost?
Many loft beds are made of wood, metal or both. In general, metal frames are more affordable than wood frames.
Metal loft bed frames can be made from steel plates, metal rods, or wrought iron. Steel tubes are one of the most common materials in bunk beds, since steel tubes are lightweight and durable. Metal materials are often painted with a powder-coat finish to withstand scratching, chipping and rusting.
Wood loft beds are typically made of either single types of wood, such as pine, or composite wood, which is a made of wood fiber joined together.
Here are some examples of loft beds with different frame materials and their costs:
| Loft Bed Frame | Size | Material | Weight Capacity | Cost |
| Dorel Living Milton Loft Bed | Twin, Junior, Low Height | Engineered Wood (composite) | 165 lbs | ~$150 |
| Max & Lily Pine Loft Bed | Twin, Tall | Pine | 400 lbs | ~$460 |
| Home Accents Metal Loft Bed | Twin | Steel | 250 lbs | ~$260 |
| Walker Edison Twin Metal Loft Bed | Twin | Steel with Powder Coat Finish | 250 lbs | ~$320 |
| Safstar Metal Loft Bed | Twin, Junior/Kids | Metal, Iron | 330 lbs | ~$190 |
What other attributes affect the cost of a loft bed frame?
Loft beds come in a wide variety of styles and features. The price may increase with the more features a loft bed frame includes. This section outlines some of the most common loft bed designs. For a complete list of furniture you can put under a loft bed, take a look at the linked article.
- Classic Loft Bed: Usually the traditional loft bed features only one top bunk with an open space below.
- Loft Bed with Built-in Desk: a loft bed with its own built-in workstations that include a desk, and sometimes additional features like keyboard trays and shelves.
- Loft Beds for Young Kids: Crafted with children in mind, these loft beds come with imaginative features such as slides, nooks for reading and playhouses.
- Loft Bed with Built-In Storage: Packed with features such as shelves, side tables, and drawers, loft beds with built-in storage are ideal for saving space.
Here are some examples of loft beds with different features:
| Loft Bed Frame | Details | Options | Weight Capacity | Cost |
| DHP Junior Twin Metal Loft Bed with Slide | Metal frame with metal stairs and slide | White/White, Silver/Blue or Silver/Red; Children | 200 lbs | ~$160 |
| DHP Studio Twin Loft Integrated Desk and Shelves | Metal frame; Built-in desk with multiple shelves on each side for storage; safety rails; metal slats | Black or Silver; twin | 200 lbs | ~$380 |
| Walker Edison Metal Twin Loft Kids Bed | Steel frame with powder coat finish; ladder; slats | Mint; Children | 250 lbs | ~$330 |
| Better Homes Loft Bed with Storage Shelves | Slate color, metal frame | Twin, Slate | 250 lbs | ~$180 |
How much does it cost to build a loft bed frame?
Building a loft bed frame, instead of purchasing one, can save a lot of money, if you already have all the required tools.
The total cost to build a loft bed frame will vary depending on the raw materials (frame and connecting materials) and types of tools used to construct the bed. Generally, prices may range from $200 - $1000. The easiest type of loft bed frame to construct is from wood, unless you know how to weld metal. The wood chosen for the frame will affect the cost of the project as well as the strength of the construction. The material chosen for the frame may also impact the finishing you need on top of the frame to protect it from regular wear and tear.
Here are some great resources for building your own loft bed frame:
- HackLab DIY Loft Bed Video
- The Design Confidential has a great set of loft bed plans for a simple twin loft bed with storage space underneath. The total cost is approximately $150 - $200 for this set of plans.
- This set of plans from Renovation headquarters tries to use the lowest cost materials for a loft bed with a desk
- A great plan from Tomorrow Magazine for a Twin loft bed that costs very little in time and money