Ask yourself, what is the weight and ability of the person getting to the top bunk? Seriously, we feel that one must be lightweight for the ladder and for the stability of the bed. I suggest no one under 40 lbs  and no one over 80 pounds so of limited use. We just pull off the mattress that we got for the top and use it on the floor because we do not want anyone larger using the ladder nor having their weight opposite the frame.  NEXT, ask yourself, how much time do I want to spend assembling this bed that basically is a double with a top level for mattress storage only? My husband can do ANYTHING. He is brilliant and a good problem solver. He spent several hours on this bed. Tedious and do-able but not worth it for what the top level turned out to be for us. I'd say a kid could use the top bunk as a bed for a friend sleeping over for a couple years and then only if the kids are pretty laid back and not rambunctious.