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DIY Plywood Headboards

A strong headboard makes an impressive focal element in any bedroom. A simple piece of plywood is all you need to create a basic headboard. Purchasing a headboard can be expensive because you usually need to buy rails and a footboard as well. You can create your own headboard with basic tools and minimal woodworking skill. Take the basic headboard and kick up the design by painting a mural on it or covering it with a pretty fabric. You'll need a helper when it's time to install the finished headboard.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Plywood
  • Saw
  • Hand sander
  • Flat brackets
  • Screwdriver
  • Screws
  • Drill with bits
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and width of the mattress. Write the measurements down and determine how high you want the headboard to rise above the mattress.

    • 2

      Measure the plywood and note the measurements for the length and the height of the headboard.

    • 3

      Cut the piece with a table saw or circular saw.

    • 4

      Sand the cut edges with a hand sander.

    • 5

      Hold the cut piece against the wall where you want the finished headboard to be. Make a mark with a pencil on either side of the bed just under the headboard. Measure from the mark down to the floor for the leg height.

    • 6

      Measure on the leftover plywood two pieces that are the right height for the legs and 4 inches wide. Cut two of these pieces with the saw.

    • 7

      Sand the cut edges of the legs with a hand sander.

    • 8

      Place the front of the headboard face down and line up the legs with the bottom edges of the plywood.

    • 9

      Place two flat brackets over each of the seams and attach the brackets with one screw into each side of the seam.

    • 10

      Sand, paint or stain as desired.

    • 11

      Have someone hold the headboard in place at the designated site. Screw the headboard directly into the wall, or attach mounting brackets to the back.