The loft bed frame holds a double (full) bed mattress perfectly (no box frame needed.) There's about 3 feet of clearance from the top of the mattress to the ceiling (for typical mattress thickness - no box spring is necessary. A thinner mattress would give even more head room.) We have standard 8 foot ceilings and an adult is able to sit up comfortably. All pieces/parts and IKEA's original instruction manual is included. It's in great shape, but needs to have the joints WD-40'd from time to time as it squeaks. Note: The orientation of the ladder is the same as the attached photo. According to the manual, that can be switched to the other end, if necessary.
