I consider it such a joy to build a furniture piece for my nieces, nephews, and eventually my own kiddos as a wedding gift on their special day. So, when my nephew and his new wife wanted a headboard for their hip, downtown apartment, I jumped on the idea!
And of course, couldn’t wait to share it with you all! Another easy build coming your way!
EASY HOW TO BUILD A HEADBOARD WITH NIGHTSTANDS
(Dimensions: 9′ long X 5′ wide–Perfect for a King size bed)
Note: these instructions are for building headboard in two sections-easier to maneuver around corners and into the room where it will reside). ** denotes instructions, if not building in two sections.
Materials Needed:
6- 1X10X10 pine boards
1- 2X4 plywood sheet (3/4″ thick)
1X2X8 boards
2″ Spax Screws (to attach headboard to wall)
2″ nail gun nails
60 & 120-grit sandpaper
Stain or paint
(Affiliate Links Included)
Tools Needed:
Miter saw (or circular saw)
(Affiliate Links Included)
HEADBOARD:
Step One: Cut 1X10’s
Cut all 6 1X10’s @ 54″ each
**If not building in two sections, cut boards to 9′ each
Step Two: Drill pocket holes
Drill 3/4″ pocket holes, using Kreg Jig, along the long edge of each board and one end of 6 of the boards. (The reason for p.h’s in the ends of 6 of the boards is to attach both sections together, once you have it in the space you want it).
**If not building in two sections, no need to drill pocket holes on the ends of 6 boards.
Step Three: Attach with pocket hole screws
Attach all 6 boards horizontally with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws….
I like to use clamps to hold my boards together straight and tight while I’m drilling in my pocket hole screws. The clamps I have are from my grandpa’s workshop (probably 30+ years old). They still have the price tag on a few of them. $8.88 back in the day. Here’s some similar ones from DeWalt. Sad to say, the $8.88 special is over. 🙂
Step Four: Attach 1X2’s
Turn your 6 boards, now pocket holed together, over. Using a nail gun, attach three 1X2’s. This is to strengthen the headboard and keep it straight….
Step Five: Sand
Sand the entire surface and edges, using a 60-grit then 220-grit sanding pad. Fill holes with wood filler. Let dry and sand again with 220-grit paper.
Step Six: Finish
Now ready for stain or paint. I like to Pre-Stain (MinWax) and then stain. For this piece, I used MinWax Dark Walnut and then added a quick coat of Varathane Satin Poly.
If building the headboard in two sections, like I did, build the second section following the same steps as above.
Note: you won’t need to drill pocket holes on the ends of your six boards this time.
NIGHTSTANDS:
Step One: Cut plywood
Cut 2X4 sheet of plywood into two boards…each measuring 12″X13″, using a table saw or circular saw…
Step Two: Sand
Sand top and edges of each board with 60-grit then 220-grit.
Step Three: Drill pocket holes
Drill 1 1/4″ pocket holes on one short end of each board….
Step Four: Stain
Once again pre-stain and then stain (or paint)…
INSTALL
Now you’re ready to move your headboard to it’s spot. Once you have it in the room you want it, drill both sections together, using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. (This is where those pocket holes on the ends of 6 of your boards come into play).
Attach to the wall with screws. (Be sure to drill your screws into studs).
ATTACH NIGHTSTANDS
Measure where you want your nightstands and attach to headboard using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.
For extra support, add two 3″ (or larger) brackets underneath each nightstand.
Lastly, step back and admire your work. Because you just built that statement piece! And it looks amazing!
Quick picture of my nephew and his lovely wife…
Until next time,
Happy Building, Friend!!
Be sure to join my VIP List below for many more great tutorials.
Other popular posts:
Modern Teen Bedroom Makeover–What to tackle First
Three Easy Steps to a Fixer Upper Worthy Fireplace
Easy How to Build Floating Shelves
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sign up for the RL Newsletter

Never miss a RepurposeLife post and valuable emails containing: DIY Projects, Full Tutorials and Interior Design Tips.
Share this:


Leave a Reply