How to Build a Standing Headboard

Place the reclaimed wooden door flat on a work surface. Brush the door lightly with a wire brush to remove any loose finish or debris from the surface. Make sure that you brush in the same direction as the wood grain to avoid scratching the door.

Clean off the door with a tack cloth. Spray an even coat of clear spray lacquer onto the door and allow it to dry for four hours. Apply a second coat of lacquer and allow it to dry 24 hours.

Position the door on the work surface so that the long sides are running horizontally. This is the main part of the headboard. Place one 2-by-3-by-48-inch post on each end -- top and bottom -- of the door. These are the legs. Orient the legs vertically. One 2-by-48-inch side of the legs should be flush with the ends of the door. The top 2-by-3-inch ends of the legs should extend 6 inches above the top long side of the door.

Center four decorative metal connector braces between the legs and the door. Evenly space them along the length of the ends of the door on each side. Drive the included screws through the mounting holes in the braces into the legs and door respectively with a screw gun. This is the back of the headboard.

Lift the headboard up and align it with the bed frame. Drive wood screws through the mounting holes in the bed frame into the standing headboard assembly with a screw gun.