How to Make a Tiled Headboard

Headboards make a decorative statement in your bedroom. Even with little to no building experience, you can make your own headboard from a variety of different materials. To make a simple tiled headboard that needs no grout, select natural slate tiles to coordinate with the colors in your bedroom décor. You can find square slate tiles in sizes ranging from 12 inches to 24 inches, or rectangular tiles that often measure 12 inches by 24 inches.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• 3/4-inch hardwood plywood
• Iron-on edge banding
• Iron
• Polyurethane topcoat finish
• Paint roller
• Construction adhesive
• Slate tiles
• Stud finder
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Screwdriver
• Screws
• Wall hangers

1. Measure the area behind your bed for your headboard. Consider the size of your slate tiles when determining the size of your headboard; adjusting the headboard's size by a few inches is easier than cutting tiles to fit.

2. Go to your local lumber yard or home improvement store and have the plywood cut to size for you. Make sure that the plywood for your headboard is cut to your precise measurements so that the tiles will fit the width and the height evenly.

3. Cut strips of iron-on edging to fit the raw edges of the perimeter of the plywood. Measure carefully to ensure that the ends of the edging will meet at the corners for a neat finish.

4. Apply the edging according to the package directions. This simple process usually consists of placing the wood veneer strip on top of the edge of the plywood and pressing it in place with an iron for a few minutes. Although somewhat time-consuming to complete the entire perimeter of your headboard, the end result is worth it.

5. Roll a coat of polyurethane topcoat finish or wood sealer on one side of your headboard for moisture protection. Although this side will be placed against the wall, sealing the wood will make your headboard more durable. Let the sealant dry.

6. Lay the plywood on a flat surface with the sealed side face down. Attach the slate tiles to the face of the plywood with construction adhesive. Do not leave space between the tiles; butt them against each other vertically and horizontally. Let the adhesive dry.

7. Locate at least one wall stud in the space behind your bed. Your slate tiled headboard is heavy and must be secured to a wall stud. Drill pilot holes for the screws and attach the wall hanger to the studs and to the back of your tiled headboard. Hang the headboard on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of using iron-on edging, you can glue decorative wood trim around the perimeter of the headboard; the edge will not be as sleek, but the trim will add design interest.

References

• About Clear Liquid Nails

Resources

• Slate Tile FAQ's