Pardon the mess! I love the style and it took me about 2 hours to build by myself. It was a struggle, but if a sleep deprived  52 (53 on a good day) can manage to do it, you can too! I would follow the instructions and keep the bolts loose. The only part i would have loved help with were putting up the canopy bars. It took a bit of maneuvering and curses, but eventually it all worked out. I did buy a box spring to give my bed some height. Sadly, this means the pretty headboard is covered. I also bought a skirt, curtains, and lights to make this bed complete!
As for the sturdiness of the bed...only time will tell. It seems solid and quite sturdy! Im happy i built it so i know where to look should anything need tightening later on. 
My cats love it, my roommate loves it and wants to get one for herself, and i love it!