Bunk beds are commonly associated with children as they are a great space saving solution when children share a small room. For most people who purchase this type of bed, the biggest concern is making sure the person on the top bunk does not roll off in the middle of the night. It is assumed when buying a new product at a retail store that the bed will support the weight of the average person and will not collapse or in any way cause a serious injury. Unfortunately this is not always the case.

Around 180 loft bunk beds and twin bunk beds have been recalled after two reports of the support rails and mattresses collapsing. Cracked guard rails appear to be the catalyst to the collapses. Though to date no injuries have been reported, anyone lying in the bed at the time of the collapse is at risk of falling.

The beds were manufactured in Indonesia and imported by a High Point, N.C., firm named American Woodcrafters. Sold as a part of the 1800 Heartland collection, the beds were distributed throughout the U.S. between October 2010 and June of this year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that the beds not be used until the guard rails to the upper bunk are replaced.

American Woodcrafters reports that 42 replacement guard rails have been sent to owners of the beds so far. 18 additional guard rails are in the process of being sent as well.

Priced between $600 and $1,000, the relevant SKU numbers are 1800-977 and 1800-969. The PO numbers are 103276, 103432 and 300038.

While product liability lawsuits are a course of action that can be taken when one is injured due to a defective product, it is fortunate that thus far no injuries have been reported in connection with the beds.

Source: Furniture Today, "American Woodcrafters recalls 180 bunk beds to replace rails," Thomas Russell, Sept. 20, 2011