How to Build a Queen Headboard and Footboard

Draw the shape of the headboard on two pieces of 3/4-by-48-by-31-inch plywood. Place the two pieces of plywood side-by-side to create a 3/4-by-48-by-62-inch rectangle. Use as much of the plywood as possible when drawing the shape, using the 48-inch side as the height and the 31-inch sides combined to create the width. Choose any design you wish, such as a scroll-shaped top, a heart or a basic rectangle.

Cut the shape out using a jigsaw. For tight corners, use a rotary tool. Sand the edges of the plywood with medium-grit sandpaper.

Place the two pieces of the headboard together, face down, on your work surface. Ensure that the edges are flush. Place four strips of 1/2-by-4-by-18-inch plywood over the seam where the two pieces meet. Space the pieces evenly over the length of the seam so that the center of the strip is over it and 9 inches of plywood strip extend on either side. Attach the plywood strips to the headboard using six 1-inch wood screws. Place one screw every 3 inches on each of the plywood strips.

Draw the shape of the footboard on two pieces of 3/4-by-32-by-31-inch plywood. Set them together to create a ¾-by-32-by-62-inch piece of plywood. Draw the footboard shape on the plywood, as you did the headboard, using as much space as possible, with the 32-inch side as the height.

Cut out the footboard and sand the edges the same way you did the headboard. Connect the two pieces of the footboard together using four more plywood strips.

Turn the headboard and footboard over so the right side is up. Paint or stain the wood. Choose an indoor flat wall paint or outdoor deck stain. Apply one to two coats, fully covering the plywood. Let it dry three to five hours between applications. Turn the footboard over and paint the back side as well.

Position the headboard against the headboard brackets on the bed frame with the painted side against the bed frame. Drill one 2-inch screw through each of the bracket holes, using four screws for each bracket. Secure the headboard to the bed frame by placing a washer and nut on each screw. Twist the nuts as tight as possible.

Repeat Step 7 with the footboard. This time, place the side of the plywood with the plywood braces against the bed frame.

Set your bed up as usual.