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How to Make a Blackboard Headboard

Contributor
By Katherine Kally
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Consider a headboard for your children's room that inspires creativity and cleans up easily. You can customize a blackboard headboard to fit any size bed with a few supplies from your local home improvement store. Your kids will love the accessibility and you'll love the convenience. A blackboard headboard is also a constructive way to channel a young child's fascination with drawing on the wall.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Measuring tape
  • Plywood
  • Polyurethane
  • Chalkboard primer
  • Chalkboard paint
  • Paint rollers
  • Decorative wood trim
  • Wood stain or primer and paint
  • Construction adhesive
  • Stud finder
  • Wall hangers
  1. Step 1

    Measure the wall behind the bed to determine the size to make the blackboard headboard. You can create a headboard that fits behind the mattress only, or one that encompasses the side tables. Take the overall dimensions to your local lumber supply store and have them cut a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood to fit.

  2. Step 2

    Select wood trim and have it cut to fit the perimeter of your headboard. If possible, have the clerk miter the corners. You can also butt the trim together at the corners.

  3. Step 3

    Roll a coat of polyurethane on the back side of your plywood. Let the polyurethane dry completely, then roll on another coat. Let the second coat dry. The polyurethane will help seal and protect the wood.

  4. Step 4

    Flip the plywood over and roll a coat of chalkboard primer onto the front of the board. Let the primer dry. Apply a coat of chalkboard paint to the primed surface and let it dry. Apply a second coat of chalkboard paint. Let it dry.

  5. Step 5

    Stain or prime and paint the wood trim pieces. Let each coat dry before you add another. Finish the trim completely with a coat of polyurethane. Let it dry.

  6. Step 6

    Attach the decorative trim to the perimeter of your blackboard headboard with construction adhesive. This will avoid the appearance of nail heads on the trim. Let the adhesive dry.

  7. Step 7

    Locate wall studs behind the bed. You need at least one stud to anchor your headboard, but two is better. Attach the headboard to the wall with wall hangers inserted into the studs and onto the back of the headboard.

Tips & Warnings
  • Select a color of chalkboard paint to coordinate with your child's room.
  • Paint the entire wall behind your child's bed with chalkboard paint to create a headboard and a play space.
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