Bunk Bed Price Guide for Hostels: Bunker Cots & Double Decker Beds (2026)

Whether you call it a bunk bed, a bunker cot or a double decker bed, it is the single biggest lever a hostel owner has on capacity. Here is what drives the price in 2026 and what to check before you order in bulk.

Bunk bed, bunker cot, double decker bed — the same thing?

Yes. "Bunk bed" is the international term. Across India, and especially in Kerala, you will also hear "bunker cot", "double decker bed" or "double decker cot". They all mean two sleeping decks stacked on one frame.

How much does a steel bunk bed cost in India?

In 2026, a standard steel bunk bed for hostel use commonly sells for roughly ₹7,000 to ₹15,000 per unit (two beds), before mattresses. Heavy-duty frames, galvanised steel and thicker bases sit toward the top of that range; lighter painted frames sit toward the bottom. Bulk orders placed directly with a manufacturer usually cost less per unit than retail. Treat these as market ranges, not quotes.

What drives the price

• Steel type. Galvanised steel resists rust even where the paint chips. Painted mild steel is cheaper but starts rusting once the coating is damaged — a real problem in humid, coastal climates.
• Tube size and wall thickness. Heavier square tubes cost more and flex less. Ask for the tube size and thickness in writing.
• The base. A solid plywood base spreads load evenly. 12mm plywood holds up far better over the years than an 8mm sheet or widely spaced strips.
• Finish. A coating such as epoxy protects the steel and stays presentable for longer than ordinary paint. Bunkworks beds are epoxy coated over galvanised steel.
• Joints. Bolted joints let you dismantle, move and repair beds. Fully welded frames are hard to transport and cannot be flat-packed.
• Quantity and delivery. Per-unit prices usually drop with volume. Delivery distance and whether the bed ships flat-packed affect the final number.

Safety checklist before you buy

• A guard rail on the open side of the top deck that sits well above the mattress — check it with the mattress thickness you will actually use.
• A ladder or rungs that stay rigid under an adult's weight.
• Enough gap between decks for the lower sleeper to sit up.
• A stated load rating for each deck.
• Rounded edges, end caps on every tube, and anti-skid feet that protect the floor.

Why hostels choose bunk beds

A room that fits four single cots can often sleep eight with bunk beds, as long as the ceiling leaves comfortable headroom above the top deck. That halves the floor area — and the rent — you pay per bed. See how that plays out in a full budget in our guide to the cost of starting a hostel.

Questions to ask a supplier

• What steel, tube size and thickness is the frame made from?
• Is it galvanised, and what is the finish?
• How thick is the base?
• What is the load rating per deck?
• Is it bolted and flat-packed for delivery?
• What is the per-unit price at my quantity, including delivery?