You’ve been there. It’s 3 AM, your kid is crying because they had a nightmare, and you’re trying to navigate a vertical metal ladder in the dark. It’s brutal on the arches of your feet. Honestly, those thin rungs feel like LEGO bricks specifically designed for maximum pain. This is exactly why the obsession with IKEA bunk bed steps has exploded across parenting forums and DIY subreddits. People are tired of the ladder. They want something sturdy, something that doesn't feel like a circus act, and something that actually offers a bit of storage.
IKEA doesn't technically sell a "bolt-on" staircase for their bunk beds. If you walk into the blue-and-yellow warehouse looking for a specific box labeled "Bunk Bed Steps," you’re going to be disappointed. Instead, the design world has collectively pointed toward the TROFAST storage system. It's become the unofficial gold standard. It’s basically a set of pine or particleboard stairs designed for bins, but it happens to be the perfect height for most loft setups.
But here’s the thing: just shoving a storage unit next to a bed isn't always a "solution." There are safety gaps, height mismatches, and the very real risk of the whole thing sliding across a hardwood floor while a six-year-old is halfway up.
The Reality of Using TROFAST as IKEA Bunk Bed Steps
Let’s get into the weeds. Most people look at the TROFAST frames—specifically the stepped version—and think, "Perfect, a staircase." It’s built to hold weight, sure. It’s made of solid pine in many versions, which is sturdier than the honeycomb paper filling found in the LACK series. However, the depth of the steps is actually quite shallow for an adult foot, though it’s a dream for kids.
When you use these as IKEA bunk bed steps, you’re making a trade-off. You gain massive amounts of storage for stuffed animals and rogue socks, but you lose floor space. A standard ladder takes up zero extra footprint. A staircase takes up about three to four feet of length along the side of the bed. It’s a commitment. You’re essentially turning a sleeping area into a piece of architecture.
Safety experts, like those you’ll find contributing to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), often emphasize that modifications to bunk beds can be tricky. If the steps aren't flush, a child can slip between the bed and the stairs. That’s why the "hack" isn't just about placement; it's about anchoring. You have to bolt that TROFAST unit directly to the bed frame or the wall. No exceptions.
Why the MYDAL and TUFFING Ladders Often Fail
The MYDAL is a classic. Solid pine, cheap, reliable. But the ladder is vertical. Have you ever tried to climb a vertical ladder while holding a fresh set of sheets? It’s a nightmare. The TUFFING is even more polarizing because of its centered ladder design.
This is where the demand for better IKEA bunk bed steps comes from. It’s about accessibility.
- Foot Comfort: Rounded or flat wooden steps beat thin metal tubes every time.
- Confidence: Toddlers transitioning to a "big kid bed" are often terrified of the height. A staircase with a wide landing feels like a floor, not a cliff.
- The Midnight Descent: If a kid needs the bathroom at 2 AM, steps are statistically safer than a ladder they might miss a rung on in their sleep-deprived state.
Interestingly, IKEA's own KURA reversible bed is low enough that it doesn't really need a staircase, yet people still add them. It’s an aesthetic. It’s that "Pinterest-perfect" look that makes a small bedroom feel like a custom-built treehouse. But if you're working with the taller VITVAL or SMÅSTAD, the DIY staircase becomes more of a structural engineering project than a simple furniture assembly.
How to Actually Secure Your IKEA Bunk Bed Steps
If you’re going the TROFAST route, don't just "set it and forget it." I’ve seen way too many setups where the stairs are just floating.
First, look at the material. The solid pine TROFAST is much better for weight-bearing than the white foil-finish particleboard version. If you’re a parent who might need to climb up there to read a story, the pine is your only real choice. Even then, you’re pushing the weight limit.
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- L-Brackets are your best friend. Use heavy-duty metal brackets to join the frame of the bed to the frame of the steps.
- Anti-slip tape. The finish on IKEA wood is slick. Adding clear grip tape to the top of each step prevents "sock-slip," which is the leading cause of "stair-related-oopsies" in bedrooms.
- The Handrail Dilemma. The biggest missing piece in the IKEA bunk bed steps hack is a handrail. Most people leave it off for the "look," but adding a wall-mounted rail on the side opposite the bed is a game-changer for safety.
The SMÅSTAD Exception
Now, the SMÅSTAD is a different beast. It’s a loft bed with a desk and storage built-in. Its ladder is integrated. Trying to add steps to this is harder because the structure is so integrated. In these cases, people often ditch the built-in ladder entirely and place a storage staircase at the foot of the bed. It changes the entry point, but it works.
Beyond the TROFAST: Other Ways to Get Up There
Not everyone wants the "bin look." Some people have moved toward using the KALLAX units, but honestly? Don't. KALLAX is made of particleboard and paper. It is not designed to support the lateral force of someone climbing it. It will wobble, the joints will fail, and you’ll end up with a collapsed shelf and a bruised kid.
If you want something more "high-end" while staying in the ecosystem, some folks have started using the STUVA (now mostly replaced by SMÅSTAD components) frames configured in a staggered way. It's more expensive but looks more like "real" furniture.
Then there’s the custom route. If you’re handy with a miter saw, you can build a wooden frame and use IKEA's STUVA drawer fronts as the "face" of the steps so they match the bed perfectly. It’s a lot of work. But the result is a seamless look that makes people ask, "Wait, did IKEA actually sell it like that?"
The Cost Factor: Is It Worth the Bulk?
A TROFAST frame will set you back anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on the size and material. Add in another $30 for bins and $20 for hardware. You’re looking at a $150 upgrade to a bed that might have only cost $200.
Is it worth it?
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If you have a small room, probably not. You’ll lose all your floor space. But if the room is decent-sized, the "storage-as-steps" combo is basically a two-for-one. You get rid of a dresser and a ladder at the same time.
There's also the resale value. Parents search specifically for "IKEA bed with stairs" on Facebook Marketplace. A well-executed IKEA bunk bed steps modification can actually make your used bed sell faster than a stock one. People want the work done for them. They want the safety already figured out.
Practical Steps for Your Weekend Project
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on this, start by measuring the exact height from your floor to the top of the bed frame's side rail. You want the top step to be as flush as possible. If there’s a six-inch jump from the top step to the mattress, that’s a tripping hazard.
Go to the store and physically stand on the TROFAST. Feel the flex. If you're a bigger person and you plan on climbing up there, you might need to reinforce the underside of the steps with 2x4 cleats.
- Step 1: Buy the solid pine TROFAST.
- Step 2: Assemble it, but use wood glue in the dowel holes. This stops the "IKEA squeak" later on.
- Step 3: Anchor it to at least two wall studs.
- Step 4: Use through-bolts (not just wood screws) to attach it to the bunk bed's vertical posts.
At the end of the day, it's about making the room work for you. IKEA is a kit of parts. The ladder is just a suggestion. If your feet hurt and your kids are scared of the climb, building your own IKEA bunk bed steps is a legitimate home improvement that solves both problems. Just don't skip the brackets. Seriously. Bolt it down.
To get started, measure the distance from the floor to the top of your bunk bed's side rail. Compare this to the 37-inch height of the large TROFAST unit to see if the transition will be level. Once you have your measurements, check your local IKEA's stock for the "Solid Pine" version of the storage frames rather than the "White" or "Grey" particleboard options to ensure the stairs can handle the weight of an adult. Finally, pick up a pack of heavy-duty L-brackets and some felt padding for the bottom of the unit to protect your floors before you begin the assembly.