There are 14 slats because I didn't buy a boxspring, thereby saving nearly $200 and
freeing up space under the bed for rolling drawer units that I'll make later. All the
slats are clear wood. I think it will be strong enough.

As to weight, I decided a couple of years ago that I don't want to watch what I eat, so I
run 20-30 miles per week all year and paddle my sea kayak (hard, long and fast) every day
in the warm weather. Dropped 25 lbs. in 6 months and am also nearly at college weight.