I love this bed!  it's very sturdy and doesn't squeak ;) It looks stunning with my Pottery Barn bedding on it and the fabric is really nice quality.  Ive had it over a year now and with a golden retriever (that sleeps with us nightly) and two wild boys, it's still in perfect condition. You definitely need a bedskirt though. It's essentially a standard metal bed frame that the headboard and footboards attach to. I got my bedskirt at Target for about $30 and it's perfect. You won't regret this bed!