Twin Bookcase Headboard Directions

A very elegant bookcase headboard.

One of the advantages of bookcase headboards is the extra storage it provides. Not only can you put books in it, but it is also a great place to put trophies and other items of value. Construct yours from wood to make adding a lamp or other reading aid, a snap. Once built, it secures easily to the bed frame with a drill and some bolts. This makes it easy to move because it is separate from the bed frame.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 1 inch x 8 inch x 45 inch lumber
• Framing square
• 2 pieces of 1 inch x 8 inch x 38 1/2 inch lumber
• Wood glue
• 4-penny finish nails
• Damp cloth
• 1 piece of 1 inch x 8 inch x 15 inch lumber
• 1 piece of 40 inch x 16 1/2 inch x 1/4 inch plywood
• 2-penny box nails
• 1 piece of 38 1/2 inch x 28 1/2 inch x 3/4 inch plywood
• 1 piece of 1 inch x 10 inch x 44 inch lumber
• Variable speed drill
• Phillips head screw tip
• Drywall screws, 1 1/4 inch thick

Instructions

1. For each of the 45-inch long pieces of lumber, measure from one end and make marks at 15 3/4 and 16 1/2 inches. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the width of the pieces. These are the sides to the twin bookcase headboard.

2. Make marks on the two 38 1/2-inch pieces (top and bottom shelves) at 18 7/8 and 19 5/8 inches. Draw lines across the width of these two pieces just like the sides. This marks the center of the top and bottom shelves of the bookcase.

3. Apply glue to the ends of the 15-inch piece (divider). Secure this between the top and bottom shelves on the lines indicating its location with the finish nails. Clean up the excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

4. Run a bead of glue on the ends of the top and bottom shelves. Place them between the sides. Set the shelves of the bookcase on the end of the sides with the lines indicating the location of the bottom shelf. Secure the pieces with the finish nails.

5. Next, glue the edges of the shelves, divider and sides between the shelves. Place the piece of 1/4-inch thick plywood on it, aligning the edges. Secure it to the bookcase with the box nails.

6. Stand the bookcase headboard on one side. Put some glue on three edges of the 3/4-inch plywood and place under the bottom shelf of the bookcase and between the sides. Secure it with the finish nails. Clean up the glue.

7. Set the 44-inch piece (top of the headboard) of lumber on the work table. Turn the bookcase headboard upside down and place it on the lumber. Slide the back of the headboard until it is even with the long edge of the lumber. Center it from side to side. Secure it with 1-and-1/4-inch drywall screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Set the nail heads with a nail set and fill the holes with putty.

• Sand the entire headboard before applying a finish.

• Do not leave power tools within reach of children.

• Do not apply a finish to the headboard without proper ventilation.

References

• Instant Plans.com: Twin Bed Bookcase Headboard Plans

Resources

• Workbench Magazine.com: Headboard Size Options