How to Build a Picket Fence Headboard
A picket fence headboard can be a nice accent in a garden or country-themed bedroom, and can add a sense of whimsy to the decor. You can make this type of headboard at home with a few basic woodworking materials and tools. Doing it yourself will be less expensive than purchasing a ready-made version from a furniture store. With some tips and know-how, you can make a picket fence headboard in no time.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape Plywood board 8 plywood strips Pencil Ruler Handsaw Sandpaper White paint Paintbrush Hammer Nails
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the width of the bed that the headboard will go behind. This determines the width of the plywood board you will purchase. Purchase a plywood board that is the same width as the bed, and is about five feet tall. Most building supply stores should be able to cut the plywood to the dimensions you provide.
-
2
Lay the plywood board on the floor in front of you. Lay eight plywood strips, which are each about 5-1/2 feet tall and 4 inches wide, vertically across the board. Use a measuring tape to make sure the strips are evenly spaced apart. Hammer each strip in place with nails. You should have about 6 inches of each strip sticking up over the plywood board.
-
-
3
Use a ruler and pencil to draw a triangle point at the top of each strip. The triangle drawing should mirror the look of the top of an old country picket fence. Cut out around these lines with a handsaw until you have the traditional picket fence shape. Sand down these newly cut lines with sandpaper.
-
4
Paint the entire headboard with white paint, taking care to cover the strips and the plywood board underneath them. Let dry.
-
5
Hammer the headboard into the wall where you want the bed to go. Push the bed flush against the headboard.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consider painting the headboard pastel colors like pink or yellow for a warm touch.
Make sure to use enough nails to keep the strips attached to the headboard.
References
- Photo Credit the hammer image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
