Making a wooden headboard with a shiplap design is a great DIY project that can add a rustic and stylish touch to your bedroom. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own shiplap wooden headboard:
Materials Needed:
- Wooden boards (typically pine, cedar, or any wood of your choice)
- Measuring tape
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Wood glue
- Finishing nails or a nail gun
- Hammer
- Level
- Wood stain or paint (optional)
- Brush or rag for applying stain/paint
- Wood filler (optional for filling nail holes)
- Wood screws or screws with anchors (for mounting the headboard)
Step 1: Measure Your Bed Frame and Desired Headboard Height
Before cutting any wood, measure the width of your bed to determine the size of your headboard. A standard headboard typically matches the width of the bed frame, but you can adjust this based on your personal preference. Decide on the height you want the headboard to be. Generally, a height of 48 to 60 inches works well for most bed frames.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Boards
Once you’ve determined the measurements for your headboard, it’s time to cut the wood boards for the shiplap design.
- Cutting the Planks: Shiplap is characterized by overlapping horizontal planks. Cut your wood boards to the desired length for the width of your headboard. Standard planks are often around 6-8 inches wide.
- Cutting the Vertical Support Board: Cut one or two vertical support boards that will act as the backbone of the headboard. These should be slightly longer than the height of the headboard (if you want to extend the support into the wall or frame).
Step 3: Sand the Boards
Use a sanding block or an electric sander to smooth the wood boards and remove any rough edges. If you’re using reclaimed or rough wood for a rustic look, a light sanding will suffice, but if you want a smoother, more polished look, sand them until they’re smooth to the touch.
Step 4: Arrange the Planks in Shiplap Style
Before attaching the boards, lay them out on the ground or on a workbench in the shiplap pattern you want. For a traditional shiplap look, stagger the edges of the planks, allowing for a small gap between them. The gaps can vary based on personal preference, but they’re usually around 1/4 inch.
Step 5: Attach the Planks to the Vertical Support
Start attaching the wood planks to the vertical support board(s) using wood glue and finishing nails. For each plank, apply a thin layer of wood glue to the back, place it in position, and then secure it with a nail gun or finish nails. Make sure each plank is level as you go. If you’re using a hammer and nails, be careful not to split the wood.
- For extra stability, you can also secure the bottom edges of the boards with a few screws if needed.
- Work your way from the bottom to the top, making sure each new plank overlaps the one below it.
Step 6: Fill Nail Holes (Optional)
Once all the planks are attached and the headboard is dry, you may want to fill any visible nail holes with wood filler. Use a small putty knife to fill the holes and let the filler dry completely. Afterward, sand the filled areas for a smooth finish.
Step 7: Paint or Stain the Headboard
At this point, you can either leave the wood with its natural look or add a finish. Staining is a popular choice for giving wood a rich, deep color while still showcasing the natural grain.
- Apply wood stain with a brush or rag, following the wood grain, and allow it to dry.
- If you prefer paint, use a brush to apply your chosen color. A white or light gray can give your headboard a fresh, clean look.
For a more rustic look, you can distress the wood before staining or painting. Simply lightly sand some areas where natural wear would occur.
Step 8: Mount the Headboard to the Wall or Bed Frame
Once the finish is dry, it’s time to mount the headboard. There are two primary ways to do this:
Mounting to the Wall: If you want the headboard to sit against the wall, attach it with screws and wall anchors. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, then screw the headboard into place.
Attaching to the Bed Frame: If you’re attaching the headboard directly to the bed frame, use screws to secure the headboard to the frame’s metal or wooden brackets.
Ensure the headboard is centered behind the bed, and use a level to make sure it’s straight before securing it.
Step 9: Final Touches
Once the headboard is in place, you can add decorative touches to complete the look of your bed. Add pillows, blankets, and any other décor that complements the rustic shiplap design.
This wooden headboard with a shiplap design will add warmth and charm to your bedroom and create a stylish focal point. It’s a great way to achieve a modern farmhouse or coastal vibe without spending a fortune on store-bought options.
For more woodworking ideas and guidance on completing similar projects, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.