The bed is exactly as pictured! Seems very sturdy for 2 young rambunctious boys. Didn't take very long at all to build. It was recommended from a mattress retailer that a bunkey board would be needed for slats more than 2 inches apart. Theses slats are 3 1/4 apart. Did not build as a bunk bed as my boys are still quite young. I look forward to the bed with holding their craziness to someday make into a bunk. Love it!