I like that this bed is very solid. Didn't realize I needed a different bottom for a foam mattress--we just had plywood pieces cut at Lowe's to rest on top and that worked great. I wouldn't recommend a boxspring because the details of the headboard would be covered up. I bought this bed for my son's room (he is 7) and it will be a bed our guests can stay in when they visit as well. I wish it was a little bit higher off the ground, but I think it is a fine height (like sitting down on a couch), just not what I'm used to.