What Size Screws Are Used for a Queen Headboard?

About Headboards

• Headboards can be made from wood, metal and even foam and fabric. Headboards can be attached to the bed or the wall. Some faux headboards are even painted on the wall at the head of the bed. If you have the appropriate tools, it is easy to attach a headboard to the frame of the bed, or the wall.

Attaching To Frame

• Measure the depth of the hole in the base of the headboard leg. Add 1/2 inch to the length of the hole to determine the size of the screw you will need in order to screw the headboard into the bed frame. To find out the width of the screw, hold a screw-hole chart up to the hole. Position the headboard against the legs of the bed frame and line up the holes in the headboard with the holes in the bed frame. Use a screwdriver to insert the screws into the headboard, then the bed frame. Thread the nut on the threaded end of the screw and tighten it until the headboard is secure.

Floating Headboard

• Floating headboards are screwed into the wall rather than the bed frame. To find out the length of the screws you should use, measure the depth of the headboard and add 1 inch. To find the width of the screws, hold up a screw hole chart to the holes in the headboard. To attach the floating headboard to the wall, use a stud finder to locate studs in the wall. A queen-sized headboard measures approximately 50 inches across, so there should be at least three studs in the wall from one side of the headboard to the other. If you don't wish to use the studs in the wall to secure the floating headboard, purchase wall anchors to fit on the end of the screws. Drill a pilot hole in the wall and use a hammer to tap in the wall anchor as needed. Use a screwdriver to insert the screw into the headboard and the wall. Have a partner hold onto the headboard as you do this.

Wear and Tear

• Over time, the screws that hold the headboard to the frame or wall may become loose. You'll know if this happens because the headboard may start to wiggle or squeak. If the bed is attached to the bed frame, simply tighten the nuts. If the headboard is attached to the wall, you may need to remove the screws, take down the headboard, and replace the wall anchors with new wall anchors. If the headboard was screwed into the studs, fill in the holes with putty and wait for the putty to dry. Then, redrill the holes and reattach the headboard. The wood putty should make fit tighter and more secure.