How to Make a King-Size Headboard With Little Money

Measure your bed and determine how large you'd like your king-size headboard to be. Most king beds are 76 inches wides, with California kings typically 72 inches wide. Your headboard should be a couple of inches wider than your bed. Determine the height for your headboard as well. Measure only the space above where the mattress sits if you plan to bolt the headboard to the wall, or from the floor up if you are building a complete headboard.

Draw your desired pattern onto a piece of 5-by-8-foot plywood. Use carpenter's chalk so you can easily fix errors or make adjustments. High headboards can create a dramatic or luxurious look, while simple, low headboards give a modern look. Decide if your headboard will be a simple rectangle, oval, scalloped or rounded.

Cut out the design, using a handsaw or power saw. Sand the edges for a smooth finish.

Cover the headboard with an old blanket and a large piece of fabric. The old blanket can serve as the padding, while the fabric or a nice sheet adds warmth and interest to your bedroom. Pull the fabric tightly across the headboard and staple it to the back of the plywood. Alternatively, sand and paint the headboard in any color or pattern you desire.

Hang the headboard on the wall using mirror mounts. Use bolts to connect the headboard to the bed frame if you opted for a full headboard that sits on the floor.