Popular Children’s Bunk Beds Recalled Because Support Slats Can Break

Recalled Walker Edison Furniture solid wood twin-over-twin bunk bed + storage/trundle bed in gray. Courtesy of Consumer Product Safety Commission

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall on May 4 for 121,000 twin-over-twin bunk beds sold online by Amazon.com, Walmart, Home Depot, and other retailers.

The twin bunk beds made by Walker Edison Furniture may have slats that break and pose falling and impact hazards.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bunk beds and contact Walker Edison Furniture to receive a free repair kit consisting of 12 wooden slats and new instructions,” the CPSC said in a statement. “Walker Edison is contacting known purchasers directly.”

The upgrade/repair kit enhances the safety and security of the original seven wooden slat design and provides enhanced stability, said the company.

The voluntary recall was announced after the furniture company received 14 reports of slats breaking on bunk beds, including one report of minor injuries, according to the agency.

Walker Edison said in a statement on its official recall information page that “consumers who purchased bunk beds before March 2022 are eligible for this remedy.”

“If you are unclear if your product is subject to this recall, please contact Walker Edison and we will help you determine if the bed in your possession is subject to the recall,” the company added.

The wooden bunk beds, which come in various colors and finishes with a ladder down the side, were sold on Walmart.com, HomeDepot.com, Amazon.com, Overstock.com, and Wayfair.com between February 2010 and February 2022 for between $206 and $389.

All models have a ladder down the side and include a label inside the bed rail or footboard that says Walker Edison Furniture, Made in Brazil, and the model name of the bed.

Here are the model numbers and descriptions:

• BWSTOTBL: solid wood bunk bed–black.
• BWSTOTBL-TR: solid wood twin-over-twin bunk bed + storage/trundle bed—black.
• BWSTOTCH: twin-over-twin wood bunk bed—cherry.
• BWSTOTCH-TR: solid wood twin-over-twin bunk bed + storage/trundle bed—cherry.
• BWSTOTES: twin-over-twin wood bunk bed—espresso.
• BWSTOTES-TR: solid wood twin-over-twin bunk bed + storage/trundle bed—espresso.
• BWSTOTGY: solid wood bunk bed—gray.
• BWSTOTGY-TR: solid wood twin-over-twin bunk bed + storage/trundle bed—gray.
• BWSTOTHY: twin-over-twin wood bunk bed—honey.
• BWSTOTHY-TR: solid wood twin-over-twin bunk bed + storage/trundle bed—honey.
• BWSTOTNL: twin-over-twin wood bunk bed—natural.
• BWSTOTNL-TR: solid wood twin-over-twin bunk bed + storage/trundle bed—natural.
• BWSTOTWH: twin-over-twin wood bunk bed—white.
• BWSTOTWH-TR: solid wood twin-over-twin bunk bed + storage/trundle bed—white.

Customers with questions can contact Walker Edison Furniture toll-free at 877-203-2917 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. MT Friday, or by email at [email protected], or by filling out a request form online on Walker Edison Furniture’s website.

Furniture Injuries

An estimated annual average of 19,400 Americans went to emergency rooms across the United States between 2019 and 2021 for injuries sustained when a furniture, TV, or appliance tipped over.

A report (pdf) released in February 2023 by CPSC found that there have been 592 tip-over fatalities in the United States since 2000. Eight in ten of the deaths were children.

Although the data shows an overall decline in “product instability” injuries and deaths recently, each year, thousands of people are still treated for injuries, and some die from what authorities say are preventable accidents.

Here are some steps recommended by CPSC to prevent a tip-over from happening:

• Anchor TVs and furniture, such as bookcases and dressers, securely to the wall.
• Always place TVs on a sturdy, low base, and push the TV back as far as possible, mainly if anchoring is not possible.
• Keep TV and cable cords out of reach of children.
• Store heavier items on lower shelves or in lower drawers.