Things You'll Need:
- Measuring tape
- 1/2-inch thick hardwood boards
- Medium- and light-grade sandpaper
- Orbital sander
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Wood stains
- Paint sponges
- Rags
- Polyurethane
- Stud finder
- Drill and drill bit
- Screwdriver
- 2-inch wood screws
- Construction adhesive
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Step 1
Remove any crown moulding and baseboards from the wall where you plan to place your headboard. Measure the dimensions of the wall.
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Step 2
Purchase 8-foot long, 1/2-inch thick hardwood boards. The width of the boards is up to you: The wider the boards, the fewer you will need to make a full wall headboard. Narrow boards will give you a completely different look than the wide boards, so consider your options carefully. If your bedroom ceilings are more than 8 feet high, purchase longer boards, and have them cut down to the appropriate length at the lumberyard.
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Step 3
Select two or more water-based wood stain colors for your headboard. You could also make a monochromatic full wall headboard for a more muted bedroom design.
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Step 4
Sand the face of each board with medium-grade followed by light-grade sandpaper. Fill in any imperfections with wood filler. Follow the manufacturer's directions for drying times before staining.
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Step 5
Stain the boards. Apply a thick layer of stain, and then wipe it off with a rag. This will allow you to control the amount of color left on the wood. The longer the stain sits, the darker the color will be. You might need more than one stain application to achieve the desired results. Follow the manufacturer's directions for drying times.
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Step 6
Cover the front, back and edges of the wood boards with a coat of polyurethane. The polyurethane will protect the wood, but the boards will bow if you only apply it to one side. Let the polyurethane dry.
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Step 7
Attach the boards to the wall with 2-inch wood screws, wall anchors and construction adhesive. Locate the studs, and attach the boards to a stud whenever possible. If there is no stud available, use a wall anchor to attach the boards to the wall. Run a bead of adhesive along the back of the board, and brace it in place against one corner of the wall. Attach the wood screws or the wall anchors as needed. Drill pilot holes before you try to insert the wood screws or the anchors. Place the screws and the anchors at the top and at the bottom of the board so they will be less visible.
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Step 8
Work your way along the width of the wall, installing the boards side by side so there is no space between them. Alternate the colors for a dramatic effect.
