The bed exceeded my expectations! It’s lightweight but very sturdy. I’m not really sure how well it would separate into two beds but as bunk beds it’s wonderful! Two tall 12 & 13 year old girls love it and neither bump their heads nor have trouble with the ladder. We’ve had up to 3 kids on top without a problem. I wouldn’t use a thicker mattress then the recommended 10” +/- though. It took two guys about 2 hours to assemble with beverages.