Do Storage Beds Break Easily?

Storage beds have become increasingly popular in recent years for their dual functionality—providing a place to sleep as well as hidden storage. But with the mechanics involved, many wonder: do storage beds break easily?

There are a few key factors that determine the sturdiness and durability of storage beds. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of storage beds, what makes them prone to damage, and tips to keep them lasting longer.

Table of Contents

Types of Storage Beds

There are several main categories of storage beds to consider:

Platform Beds with Drawers

Platform bed with drawers for convenient bedroom storage

Platform beds have a solid, flat foundation meant to support just a mattress—no box spring needed. Some platform beds have large drawers built right into the base, providing ample storage while maintaining their streamlined look.

Potential weak points in these storage beds are the drawer slides and any moving joints. Quality wood joinery and metal drawer glides can prevent looseness and breaking over time.

Type	Description	Weak Points
Underbed drawers	Drawers under entire bed base	Drawer slides, joints
Side storage	Drawers built into headboard or side rails	Drawer slides, corner joints
Footboard storage	Drawers at foot of bed	Less common, minimal weak points

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Ottoman Beds

Ottoman bed with lift up mechanism exposing storage space inside

Ottoman beds lift up on hinges to expose a hollow interior for storage. The lifting mechanism varies – some use springs or gas struts, while cheaper models use straps.

The hinges and lift supports take the most wear and tear. Cheap plastic parts can snap quickly. Strong metal hinges and industrial-grade gas struts withstand more use.

Type	Lifting Mechanism	Potential Issues
Basic ottoman	Straps or springs	Breakage of straps, wear on springs
Hinged ottoman	Pivoting metal hinges	Hinge detachment or wearing out
Gas spring ottoman	Gas struts	Strut leakage or failure

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Captain’s Beds

Captains bed with spacious drawers for organized bedroom storage

Captain’s beds feature large drawers under the mattress base, supported by solid side panels or a center support beam.

Weight distribution is key in a captain’s bed. The side panels need to be thick and durable to prevent sagging in the middle. Enough slats must support the mattress as well.

There are other types like canopy beds or bunk beds with storage. But the main potential weak points are similar – moving joints and weight allowances.

Feature	Purpose
Side panels	Support weight of drawers and mattress
Center support	Prevent sagging of side panels
Bed slats	Distribute mattress weight

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Factors Affecting Durability

What makes a storage bed more prone to breaking? Here are key considerations:

Material

Material	Pros	Cons
Wood	Attractive, classic	Can crack or split
Metal	Very sturdy	Can squeak
Upholstered	Noise-free	Less structure

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Construction

Quality joinery like dove-tail joints lasts longer than staples or cheap glue.
Reinforced corner blocks prevent looseness.
Check weight capacity; cheaper beds often hold less.

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Mechanisms

Smooth drawer glides prevent jams. Undermount types are sturdiest.
Strong hinges rated for over 100,000 openings withstand years of use.
Gas struts evenly lift ottomans, avoiding breakage.

Assembly

Following instructions precisely keeps components in proper alignment.
Using power tools instead of hand tightening allows for tighter joints.

Common Breakage Points and Prevention

While well-made storage beds can last for years, there are a few typical trouble spots:

Drawer Issues

Sticking drawers lead to forcing and damage. Lubricating glides helps.
Dropping items in can loosen joints. Avoid overloading.
Cracked or broken drawer pulls come from pulling too hard.

Frame Damage

A sagging middle indicates insufficient slat support. Add a center beam.
Creaking or loose joints need tightening with wood glue or L-brackets.
Chipped headboards or footboards come from impacts. Install padding.

Lifting Mechanisms

Gas struts wear out over time. Replace punctually per instructions.
Hinges can detach if opened past capacity. Keep bed level when lifting.

Prevention Tips

Proper lifting technique using gas struts to maintain bed durability

Do not exceed weight limits, which average around 600 lbs total.
Open drawers smoothly and lift lids gently.
Tighten loose screws/hardware every 6 months.
Wax wood rails and lubricate metal glides annually.

Quality materials and construction often come at a higher price – but they pay off in the long run.

Conclusion

Storage beds are only as sturdy as their weakest structural points. Cheaper beds with low weight limits, plastic hardware, and thin frames tend to break easily.

Higher cost doesn’t always mean better quality. But opting for solid wood over particle board, reinforced metal over plastic, and smooth glides over sticky drawers does make a big difference in durability.

Take time assembling, follow all weight limits, and perform preventative maintenance. With proper care, a quality storage bed should serve you well for many years without breakage.

Prioritize safety and longevity when selecting a storage bed. A small initial investment in a sturdier frame and hardware goes a long way.