Update your bedroom with a beginner-friendly DIY wood slat headboard that can be built in an afternoon to add natural, warm wood tones into your space.
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I’ll occasionally get messages from friends either asking me “could I build this?” or “is this priced ridiculously?”. My answer is almost always, “Yes!”. Whenever you buy something, you’re not just paying for the materials, you’re paying the carpenter, the company, and the overhead of running a business. Which is perfectly fine and how economies work – BUT with a bit of tenacity, and guidance, if needed, you can invest in yourself and your space by just buy the materials and do-it-yourself!
So when a friend connected me with one of her friends asking “is this priced ridiculously?”, (it was priced at $300! – before tax and shipping) I almost screamed ‘YES!’ through our group chat. I knew for a quarter of the price we could produce the same thing and it’d be custom for exactly what she wanted.
My new friend, Anea, had only ever used a power drill twice before in her life and was excited to take on this project. I put the plans together and helped her get comfortable with the new tools and she took off building. Anea, my friend Carrdi, and I spent the afternoon learning new tools, laughing and telling stories, and putting this headboard together. While this is a project I could have done on my own for Anea, it was a blast having friends over and watching them learn and be confident in using power tools. It really is possible for everyone, yall! Let me show you how we did it.
Tools & Materials:
- (2) – 2x4x8
- (3) – 1x6x6
- (3) – 1x4x6
- (2) – 1x3x6
- French Cleat for 75lb
- Wood Glue
- Hammer or Nail gun
- 1in Nails
- 2 in Screws
- Power Drill
- Saw (Hand, Circular or Miter Saws would all work)
- Wood Stain/s (optional)
- Sanding Block (optional)
Steps:
1. Cut your 2x4s for the Back Support of the Headboard
Cut 2 pieces to 30″ long and 2 pieces to be 24″ long
2. Cut your 1×3, 1×4, and 1×6 boards to be 6 ft long
In case you couldn’t find 6 ft boards and had to buy 8 ft boards, which are more common and easier to find, you’ll need to cut those down to be 6 ft long with your saw.
3. Assemble Headboard and Nail to the Back Support
Lay the 30” long pieces parallel from each other 5.5 ft apart. In between them, lay the 24” pieces in the shape of a ‘T’. Run a line of wood glue on top of each piece to adhere to the 6 ft long boards.
Take your 6ft long boards and lay them on top of the support pieces in the following pattern, from top to bottom: 1×6, 1×4, 1×3, 1×6, 1×4, 1×3, 1×4,1×6
The top of the ‘T’ shape should be in the center of the top board of the headboard. It’s where you’ll attach the french cleat later on. Make sure the support pieces can’t be seen once the boards are laid. Also, make sure the edges are lined up and straight on either side.
Nail 1-2 brad nails through the front of the headboard into the support pieces using either your hammer or a nail gun. Allow glue to dry for at least 30 minutes.
4. Secure Back Support to Headboard
Carefully flip the headboard over to see the back support pieces. Using 2” screws, attach 2 screws to each of your back support pieces on either end. This will secure it to your headboard.
5. Sand & Stain the Headboard
Lightly sand your headboard with a 120 or higher grit sandpaper. With whichever wood stain you choose (Anea chose Special Walnut by Varathane), stain your headboard. If you’ve never stained wood before or are looking to perfect your staining, check out my post on how to stain wood.
There’s no need to stain the back since it won’t be visible, but if you decide to, make sure the front is completely dry before flipping your headboard over.
6. Attach your french cleat to the Headboard and your wall
Following the instructions on the french cleat, attach to your wall and the the top of the ‘T’ shape support piece on the back of your headboard. Make sure both pieces of the cleat are level. Once the cleat is attached, hang up your headboard and marvel in your achievement!
Anea had completed staining this at home by herself and the next day, I went over and we attached the cleat and hung the headboard on the wall (making sure to attach it to a stud in the wall – which was another new lesson for her).
As we stood back and looked at our newly finished headboard project, I asked her how she felt and she said, “I just can’t believe I built this – It’s so exciting!”. She then jokingly, but still genuinely, thanked her mom and we both laughed.
We’re excited for the new projects we’ll do together in the future and now Anea looks at things differently, asking herself “can I build this?”. And that, is how makers are born.
So what do you think of Anea’s new headboard? Do you think you could do this project on your own? If you do decide to, be sure to tag or DM me on Instagram or Pinterest @MelanatedMakerDIY
If you want more behind the scenes footage of this or any of the other projects, check out my Instagram @MelanatedMakerDIY