Powell Rustica Full Over Twin All in One Bunk Bed with Chair, Ships in 6 Cartons

Comment: For years I had searched for the ultimate all-in-one bed/living system. Finally I have found it! I disagree with the other reviewer because I found the boards' scent to be quite pleasant, but if you feel the odor is disagreeable it would be easy enough to fix (I recommend soaking the entire thing in urine, a known deodorant).

Assembling this piece was rather simple; the difficult part was applying modifications to meet my specific needs. First I coated each piece in a waterproof polyurethane finish--not wanting to meddle with the beautiful color of the original pine, I chose a clear varnish.

Next, I added some support boards to the top bunk, the better to accommodate my girth (I am 6' 1.25" tall and one hundred sixty-eight pounds, five ounces). I built a cover for the top bunk to protect me from the elements; however, I incorporated a small porthole so that I can see out--a small, but important upgrade, as it also enables me to get some of my needed Vitamin D via sunbathing.

After the varnish dried, I thoroughly wrapped each piece of wood in nuclear grade duct tape (polyken brand--the best, according to my independent testing) and affixed some wheels to the bottom to enhance portability. I have not yet installed an engine, but I foresee that happening within the next 4-7.5 months. The set did not include a mattress, but if it had I'd have thrown it away--I am uninterested in such fripperies.

I'm happy to report that this living pod contains enough drawer space for all of my uniforms, savings bonds, and collections--among my set of fingernail clippings shaped like famous people, I have TWO shaped like Jesus that I have taken responsibility for storing until such time as the Vatican returns my phone calls and informs me of the part of St. Peter's Basilica they'll actually be kept in.

I seldom used the chair at first, but now that I've turned it into an elevator of sorts (using a pulley and hemp rope) I find it to be quite functional.

All in all, I couldn't be happier with my new living space! My one small quibble is that cartons 1-5 arrived several days before carton 6. The anticipation as I waited for that final box was nigh unbearable!

Comment: Owned this over a year now, and it is a great idea. Really like the full sized bed and the desk is large enough for my two 21" flat panel computer screens. The wood is very beautiful and the cuts were accurate. The one I received was missing a few pieces, but those were exchanged at a local store for the correct parts. After some modifications, it has turned out to be a great piece. I never put the bottom bed together. The chair is doing an excellent job as a plant stand on my patio.

Cons:
*No waterproofing. Spent a week staining this with a clear polyurethane. Turned out stunning.
*Top part does not have good support. Within the second week of sleeping up there the bottom was sagging. Alarmingly. Had to go buy two 1" hardwood sheets to cut a new bottom and a 1" board to run along the bottom to support me, as well as new cross boards (they had bowed). I weigh ~150 lbs.
*The SMELL. Whowsa, this thing STUNK when it arrived. You'll definitely need to keep the windows open for several nights. It will make you lightheaded otherwise. Also, there are little holes on each piece that look like they are from a 2 x 2" meat cleaver.

Overall a decent piece for someone who is limited on space. Serves its purpose as a sleeping and working area.

Three year update:
Still in good condition and still used frequently. My plywood modifications have worked well and I use a 3" memory foam mat on top for an excellent night's sleep. I have had to reinforce it further with additional decking screws, after getting up and down for three years it was starting to wobble alarmingly, and I've since added the chair as a step stool to mitigate some of the strain on the ladder. I've also discovered if you put towels under the ends and are on hardwoods it is light enough to drag around. I still get compliments on the polyurethane job, highly recommend it for longevity, especially taking into consideration how soft pine is.