Make your own wooden headboard to add a bit of class to your bed.
Headboards can be very expensive, especially if you want a nice wooden one. You can cut the cost and have a little "do-it-yourself" enjoyment at the same time by making your own wooden headboard. There are many possible headboard designs, but one classic and easy-to-build style is a slatted headboard between two bed-leg extensions. It is worth spending a little more for high-quality lumber. If you make all the measurements beforehand, you can ask the lumber yard to cut the lumber for you. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Cut two lengths of the 2-by-4-inch lumber to the length of the bed legs, plus the desired height of headboard. For example, if you want a headboard 30 inches above the bed and the bed legs are 16 inches, then cut two 46-inch pieces of 2-by-4.
2. Cut the 1-by-3-inch lumber into four planks the length of the distance between the bed legs, plus 2 inches. For example, if the distance between the bed legs is 54 inches, then cut four planks 56 inches long. Sand all the planks.
3. Measure the exact width and height of the end of a 1-by-3 plank -- it will be close to but a little less than the stated 1-by-3 dimension. On one 2-inch side of each of the 2-by-4 planks, measure down 5 inches from the top, and mark an area the actual width and height of the 1-by-3 planks. This will be the outline of a mortise cut. Measure down 2 inches more and mark another mortise outline. Mark two more mortise outlines 2 inches apart down the side of each 2-by-4 plank.
4. Attach a drill bit that is a fraction smaller then the width of the mortise outlines and make 1-inch-deep holes along the mortise outline. Use the chisel to clean out the mortise holes, leaving rectangular mortises for the 1-by-3 planks to fit into.
5. Lay the 2-by-4 planks flat on a work surface with the mortises facing each other. Insert the ends of all the 1-by-3 planks into the mortises on one of the planks, then fit the mortises of the other plank onto the other ends of the 1-by-3 planks. Ensure the fit is snug. If need be, use the chisel to adjust the mortises to fit properly.
6. Cover each end of the 1-by-3 planks with glue, then reinsert them into the mortises. Press the two 2-by-4 planks tightly together so that the 1-by-3 planks are inserted tightly, then clamp the planks in position while the glue dries -- about two hours. Drive two finishing nails through the back of the 2-by-4 planks into the 1-by-3 plank ends glued into the mortises.
7. Unclamp the headboard and varnish it. After the varnish is dry, position the headboard at the head of the bed, with the 1-by-3 planks at the top and the 2-by-4 legs positioned over the backs of the bed's legs.
8. Drive four evenly spaced hanger bolts through the backs of the headboard legs into the bed legs to secure the headboard in place.
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