Power of Paint Headboard (ND0504)
This headboard project was featured in "Roll On Style," which appeared on page 53 of the November/December 2005 issue of Lowe's Creative Ideas.
How-To-Instructions
General: Set all nails, and fill all holes and voids with wood filler. Wipe away excess glue with a damp cloth. The overall dimensions of this project are 58 inches wide, 48 inches high, and 5 3/4 inches deep. It is made for a full-size bed. Dimensions will need to be altered to accommodate beds of other sizes. All pieces are joined with glue and finishing nails unless otherwise specified.
Step 1: Cut all pieces per the Cut List.
Step 2: From the scrap 1 x 6 boards, cut two blocks for spacing, each measuring 2 1/2 inches long. Clamp each block flush with the end of a crosspiece as shown in Figure 1. Set the two crosspieces on their 3/4-inch edges, with the blocks facing each other. Place a vertical spacer against the blocks and between the crosspieces. Attach it to the crosspieces using glue and nails. Remove the blocks, and repeat this process for the opposite ends of the two crosspieces. Repeat the process for the remaining pair of crosspieces.
Step 3: Clamp each block flush with the end of a side panel. Place a pair of joined crosspieces between the two side panels and against the blocks. Attach the crosspiece assembly to the side panels using glue and nails. Remove the blocks, and clamp them below the first crosspiece assembly. Position the second crosspiece assembly against the blocks, and then attach it to the side panels using glue and nails. (See Figure 2.)
vStep 4: Attach the top panel to the side panels using glue and nails. Join the bottom panel to the side panels flush with the ends using glue and nails. (See Figure 3.)
Step 5: Apply glue to the face of all of the frame assembly components, and then position the front panel onto the assembly. Attach the front panel along its perimeter to the assembly using wire brads. (See Figure 3.)
Step 6: Locate the approximate centers of the two cutouts, and then drill a 3/4-inch hole in each. Using a router with a flush trim bit, trim the cutouts. Square the corners of the cutouts with a sharp chisel. Finish securing the front panel to the frame assembly with wire brads along the perimeter of the cutouts. (See Figure 3.)
Step 7: Sand the entire assembly starting with the lowest numbered grit of sandpaper and proceeding to the highest numbered grit. Finish as desired.
Step 8: Determine the centerline of the bed, and make a mark at this point 54 inches above the floor. Use a level to draw a line 27 inches in both directions from the centerline. Using a stud finder, locate the studs along the marked line. Attach the hanging cleat below the line using fasteners appropriate for your wall material. Place the headboard on the hanging cleat, and secure it to the cleat with nails.
Illustrations
Cut List
| Part |
Material |
Size (in inches) |
Quantity |
| top panel |
(6-foot-long) |
3/4 x 5 1/2 x 58 |
1 |
| bottom panel |
(6-foot-long) 1 x 6 |
3/4 x 5 1/2 x 56 1/2 |
1 |
| crosspieces |
(6-foot-long) 1 x 6 |
3/4 x 5 1/2 x 56 1/2 |
4 |
| vertical spacers |
(6-foot-long) 1 x 6 |
3/4 x 5 1/2 x 4 |
4 |
| side panels |
(6-foot-long) 1 x 6 |
3/4 x 5 1/2 x 47 1/4 |
2 |
| front panel |
plywood |
1/4 x 48 x 58 |
1 |
| hanging cleat |
1 x 2 |
3/4 x 1 1/2 x 54 |
1 |