As many have mentioned before, if you are using it freestanding like I do, the bed is definitely shaking A LOT when you're climbing on its ladder. It is, overall, a very light (yet still sturdy) frame that's easy to lift and reposition alone, even once it has been assembled.
The ladder is straight, and the bars are small, round, and it does hurt the feet if you try to use the ladder barefooted. So, adding pool noodles, or those foam pipe insulation sleeves to the bars (that I personally keep firmly in place with some black "vetrap" self-sticking tape), is a must!
Although you can see it from the pictures of the product iself, it is rather important to note that there is no opening at the top for the ladder for you to get on the bed, too. Meaning that once you get to the top, you need to also sort of lift you legs over the railings to get on it.
Kids might enjoy the extra challenge and climbing activity. Adults? Maybe they'd rather have a model where you can simply sit on the mattress once you've climbed high enough rather than awkwardly move sideways (a bit like on a trapeze ladder) to then pass one leg over the railings, then the other.
In terms of space saving design (what I was going for), it is hard to do better, or be any smaller!
In terms of comfort / practicality, and even safety (depending on your physical fitness and ability to maintain your balance on a moving structure while climbing a straight narrow ladder and going over railings), however, there are probably other better options out there.
The upper bed frame is also quite a bit on the narrow side, and my standard double size mattress did manage to fit, but VERY tightly. Let's say that I'm glad that I plan on using the upper surface mostly as a couch / lounging area, added storage surface for sewing projects, and occasional guest bed.
Because I must admit that regularly having to change the sheets on this thing would have been a nightmare! I really can't stress just how tightly it fits (at least, for the double bed).
Had it been a pricier model, I may have put 2 or 3 stars, instead of 4.
But I knew what I was buying when I purchased that bed, and fully expected it to be shaky, uncomfortable / awkward to climb, etc.
It earns those 4 stars, mostly because the quality of the product itself is quite fair for something I bought on sale around 450$ (taxes included), and that is not meant to be used as a main bed.
I also really appreciate the way the bars underneath are spaced (very useful to suspend parrot toys), it's sturdy enough to hold a hammock chair, and doesn't shake or move at all, even when I swing back and forth a bit with the hammock.
It really is only when you're halfway through climbing to the top that it starts shaking.
I might eventually add a few stairs if it really becomes a problem.
