"Sturdy Wood Product"???

Boy, THAT's a 'waffle word' if I ever heard one. If it were strips of wood, they'd say that. They'd probably even say if it were some variation of veneer over particle board. You could even argue that cardboard is a 'sturdy wood product.' I'd look very, very closely and DEFINITELY in person before buying anything that inexpensive with that wording.

But that said - It certainly looks nice in the photos, and Sears may have a money-back guarantee that covers you...

The wash with a damp cloth part got me suspicious about how much or what parts are wood. It looks to me to be a veneer type wood product - sortof what computer desks are made out of. If you're looking for something as a stepping stone till you can afford a quality piece, then I may consider it, but you might be better off saving the $200 towards another piece.

Have you looked at Bassett Furniture Direct stores or Ashley Furniture? Bassett has some nice pieces at a reasonable price and Ashley has things even at a lower price point.

I do think you'll have trouble finding something under $700 or $800 even at these stores.

I bought my sleighbed recently from JC Pennies and it was quite reasonable at about $500 on sale. It's made from cherry and cherry veneers--most furniture these days is made from veneers.

You can see pics of it and the matching pieces at the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: My sleigh bed (and other furniture)

My MIL bought a bunk bed for my children. It was wood, but around $300. Well, needless to say, it is a nice design but NOT quality. It is pine, so very soft-- gets scratched and dented easily. Also, there are parts where the knots are filled in with some weird gray stuff. Looks strange.

I bought a gorgeous sleigh bed (queen size) in solid oak a few months ago for $150. The catch? It's about 25 years old and with a few minor scratches. Try your local Craigslist! You may have to wait, but it might be worth it.

have you tried Craigslist?

A few years ago I bought a bed similar to that from a used furniture store. The finish didn't work for me but I thought I could paint or stain it. WRONG! I don't know what the wood product consists of, but it had a finish on it that could not be sanded and the stain just slid off & took forever to dry. Ended up virtually giving it away at a yard sale. This looks like something similar, so if you are hoping to have a lovely wood bed, I would suggest looking for something at an antique/used furniture store or holding off you are able to buy one you love.

"The wash with a damp cloth part got me suspicious about how much or what parts are wood. "
That is how Stickley told me to care for some of my pieces... and they are 100% solid wood.

That said... a $300 Sears bed can't be great quality. I'd wait and get something better.

I don't know if this is an option that would work for you, but last year when we moved to our new home I bought a metal sleigh bed. I got it at Ashleys for around $400 for a king. I have some walnut antique pieces for my bedroom furniture. I didn't want to buy a whole new suite at this time and it was hard to find a bed that somewhat matched and didn't cost a fortune. Metal was the solution for me. Good luck to you!

Mimi - love the quilt on your bed!
Is it handmade?