How to Build King Bed Headboard

Repurposing an old door you find at a salvage yard is an easy way to add elegance to your bedroom décor and save natural resources. The dimensions for a standard king-sized bed are 76 by 80 inches. Most modern doors are 80 inches tall, but older doors come in a variety of sizes. Choose a door with symmetrical patterns like four equally sized blocks, or one large center decoration. Since the door will become a headboard, find one that's not too heavy or too thick.

Things You'll Need

• Door
• Paint or paint stripper and stain
• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Level
• Drill
• 3-3/4 inch drywall screws
• Wood putty

Instructions

1. Take the hardware off the door and paint the door to match the décor in your bedroom. For a natural look, use a chemical paint stripper to remove old paint and then stain the door. Follow the links below for instructions on stripping and staining.

2. Use a stud finder to locate the studs at the head of your bed. Roll the stud finder across the wall until it beeps or lights up, depending on the type of stud finder you're using.

3. Mark the studs with a pencil.

4. Pull the bed away from the wall and set the door on its edge between the wall and the bed. Line up the door with the studs and mark the door where it will attach to the studs.

5. Remove the door and slide the bed back into place. Make a mark on the wall where you want the bottom of the headboard to be. Use a level to make sure you've made a straight line.

6. Drill three pilot holes, evenly spaced, into the studs where you'll attach the headboard and into the headboard where it will be attached to the studs. Pilot holes are shallow holes that help guide screws into place.

7. Prop the headboard into place or have someone hold it for you. Drill one drywall screw through the headboard and into the pilot hole in the stud behind it. Use your level to check that the headboard is straight. Finish attaching the door to the wall.

8. Use wood putty to conceal the screw heads. Apply a small amount and smooth it over the screw head with your finger. Once it's dried, sand it lightly.

References

• Headboard Ideas
• Standard Bed Sizes

Resources

• Headboard Ideas Slideshow
• Tips for Staining Wood
• How to Remove Old Paint