Have you been looking for the perfect headboard but have something in mind you just can’t find in the store? Consider building it yourself using materials form your local Co-op Home Centre.

Inspiration can come from many different things such has your travels or a simple online search. The key is to take your inspiration and turn it into something functional.

Size and structure

A headboard can be the same width as your mattress or wider and as high as you want it. The headboard we designed is as wide as a queen mattress (64 inches) – but would also work well with a double mattress – and is 60 inches tall. This allows the design to be seen above the mattress and also to continue down to the floor to accommodate various mattress heights.

Building a headboard requires a main structural piece such as a piece of plywood. Because our headboard was larger than a standard sheet, we added a 12-inch piece using a frame built with 1 x 4-inch boards around the edges and across the seam.

Headboards can be attached to the wall, attached to the bed or floor standing. Due to its size, a hanging system was needed to attach our headboard to the wall. We cut the length of a two-by-four end to end at a 45 degree angle. Known as a French cleat, one piece is installed on the back of the headboard and the other is attached to the wall studs. The headboard then slides into the wall cleat, securely resting in place.

Design

The pattern we used has contrasting slats radiating out from a central point and was inspired by geometric forms. Draw the design on the plywood and ensure all measurements are exact.

We used Gorman #2 Craftsman 1 x 4-inch lumber for all the slats. Since our headboard isn’t a perfect square, we cut the 1 x 4-inch slats at two different angles using a mitre saw. Once a piece was cut, it was labelled and set into position. Slats were then sanded to prepare the wood for stain.

Since we were using two contrasting stain colours, we applied one coat before installing them on the structure. We used CO-OP^® IMAGINE PREMIUM Solid Stain in Deep Charcoal (043) and Semi-Transparent Stain in Storm (906) for the contrasting colour.

To fasten the slats to the structure, we used PL 400 adhesive and 18-gauge brad nails. The glue gives it strength while the nails hold the board in place. First, install the four intersecting centre pieces. It is vital that these pieces fit tightly and accurately, as all the other parts will follow the centre pieces. Continue to fill each quadrant, matching the seams of slats in the adjacent quadrant.

Finishing touches

Use wood filler in the small pin holes from the nails, sand off excess if necessary. Then apply a second coat of stain to each individual slat.

Install side and top framing pieces for two reasons: they add to the design and provide a clean view from the side. After this, all that is left is to finish the headboard with a clear sealant. 

Design and build a headboard that suits your style. Your local Co-op Home Centre has everything you need to get creative.