Buying any new piece of furniture can be a nail-biting experience, but there is a special aura of mystery reserved for purchasing bunk beds. Buying from a discount bunk bed retailer is a good idea when you need to save space—and money. In other words, you don’t have to splurge to get a good, solid product. Regardless of the type of bunk bed you need, we have come up with some tips to help save you time and money, and more importantly, the way to find the best quality beds for your buck.

Is there any better, more efficient way to use the space you have in your children’s room than by using bunk beds? Today’s bunk beds are contemporary, modular, sculptural creations that take an old unsafe concept (i.e., your father’s bunk beds) and transform the notion into something that is completely aesthetic and safe for all but the very youngest of children. Safety is, of course, the primary concern when buying bunk beds; today, many bunk beds offer safety features to prevent your children from tumbling from the upper bunk. Specifically, improved safety ladders and guard rails will offer more peace of mind for parents.

Bunk beds can be pricey, however. But if you do your homework, you can save money on your purchase, and still bring home a safe, quality sleeping area for your children.

It’s important to note that regardless of how much money you have to spend on your children’s bunk beds; cost should not be the deciding factor. It should always be SAFETY first. Sturdy guardrails and ladders. Snug-fitting mattresses. No sharp corners or edges. These are things you probably already know, but it doesn’t hurt to reinforce the concepts.

Because of the nature of bunk bed pricing, cheaper bunk beds typically skimp on important details, like sturdy guard rails and safety ladders. Sometimes, because this is what kids do, a child will play on the bunk bed, fall across the rail and break it. He could be easily injured. Our advice: test the bunk bed before you buy it. If it feels flimsy to you, don’t buy it.

Just like anything else, shopping for the best bargain is an art, and it takes time. Good bunk beds will not necessarily be out of reach for you; you just may need to visit several retailers, and maybe ask if they can match a competitor’s price. You’re reading this article, so you already know that the Internet is a valuable resource for finding out anything you need to know about anything. eBay and other discount Websites can steer you to other online retailers.

Are you handy with a hammer? Skilled with a saw? Maybe you’re looking for a way to get more space into your children’s bedroom without spending a lot of money. Bunk beds are your answer. Children love them, and today, there are just so many options available that will make everybody happy. Surf the Internet for some reputable plans, and get started on building your own heirloom on the cheap for your children.

We hope that you don’t lose a good night’s sleep over trying to find the right bunk bed at the right price for you and your family. Research, research, research! Visit message boards, call a friend, and even ask a retailer if they know anyone who can beat their price. Maybe your area has a furniture shop that specializes in pieces that have slight imperfections; nothing seriously wrong structurally, but maybe a small scratch that prevents it from being sold at full price. Read reviews of bunk beds and talk to other parents who’ve invested in bunk beds. The right bunk bed is waiting for you right now.