Learn how to build this DIY Headboard for $60 with free plans and a few basic tools! This DIY Barn Door Headboard will add character to any bedroom. I’m back to share this super cute full-sized headboard that I built for my kid’s room.
If you missed the tutorial for the platform bed frame on wheels, you can check it out HERE! You can find the bedding HERE at Pottery Barn!
Headboards can be a bit statement piece in a bedroom. This wood headboard is a very easy DIY and quick build so it’s great for beginners as well! Total cost in lumber is about $60!!! Here’s the instructions for how I built mine!
Table of Contents
How to Build a DIY Headboard
Supplies
- 2 – 2x6x8
- 7 – 1x4x8
- 3 – 2x4x8
- 1 – 1x3x8
- 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
- 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
- 1 1/4″ Brad Nails
- Wood Glue
- Tape Measure
Tools
- Miter Saw
- Kreg Jig
- Drill
- Brad Nailer
Step 1: Build the Frame of the DIY Headboard
This is one of my first projects to do in my new workshop, eeeek!!! It’s still a work in progress but it’s nice to have space for my saw and shop vac 🙂
Step 2: Adding the Headboard Planks
started by cutting 2 2×6 boards @53″. These will be the end posts of the headboard. I purchased all of my lumber hardware store.
Then, I cut 14 1×4’s at 30 1/4″.
Next, I drilled 3/4″ Kreg Jig pocket holes down the length of each board and one at each end of the boards, facing out (so they can drill into the 2×6 and 2×4 frame). I clamped the joints together and attached them with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.
Next, I cut 2 2×4’s at 49 1/2″ (cut this measurement to fit the length of your planked 1×4’s). These will the be the top and bottom trim around the planks. I started by attaching the top piece to one 2×6 board using my Kreg Jig and 1 1 1/4″ pocket holes with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Make this piece flush with the top of the 2×6.
To make the planks easy to attach to the frame, I laid scrap 1×4 boards down and placed the planks on top of them. This will help keep the planks flush with the back of the frame.
Once you attach the planks to the side and top pieces of the frame, add the bottom 2×4 and side 2×6. You can see my pocket holes above. Notice the holes around the perimeter of the planks. I should have thought ahead and drilled those holes into the planks before assembling the piece but live and learn. It’s easier to drill into 1 board than a huge planked piece 😉
Step 3: Attaching the Trim to the Wood Headboard
Now for the barn door trim 🙂 I cut 1 1×4 piece at 30 1/4″ and 2 pieces at 35 1/4″ long point to short point, not parallel and both ends cut at a 31.6 degree angle. (This is the hard stop measurement set on the miter saws for a 90 degree crown molding. To attach them, I used wood glue and Ryobi nail gun with 1 1/4″ finish nails. I placed the straight board down the center of the headboard and the other two pieces will fit corner to corner.
For the final pieces on the headboard, I cut 1 1×3″ 62 1/4″ and 1 2×4@ 64 1/4″.
I used wood glue and my Ryobi Airstrike nailer to attach the 1×3 board to the top of the headboard, leaving a 1″ overhang on both ends and flush with the back of the frame. I then added the 2×4 with 2 1/2″ wood screws and wood glue.
Step 4: Finishing the DIY Barn Door Headboard
I chose to stain my wood headboard but you an finish it anyway you want! Spray paint, gel stain and latex paint are all great finish idea!
Wahoo!!!! Time to stain 🙂
For the finish, I used Rust-Oleum Dark Walnut stain!
Just apply one coat, let it dry for about 5 minutes and wipe it with a clean cloth to even the stain throughout. I love how this stain gives the headboard an old door, weathered look.
And, here is the end result!
To attach it to the platform frame, I used 3 1/s” wood screws and drove them from the back of the headboard into the frame. Super EASY!!!
I am soooo thrilled with the way my son’s new headboard turned out 🙂 I can’t wait to get started on the rest of his bedroom furniture and decor but, I need to get busy on the other kids beds first 😉 You can find the quilt and pillow shams HERE at Pottery Barn!
What do you think? Love it? This style makes the perfect headboard for any room, it’s such a focal point! We always appreciate your social shares and Pinterest Pins when you love our pieces!
Modification Measurments
These plans are for a full headboard. To modify the dimensions to fit your mattress size, you will only need to change the measurements to fit the width of your bed. Here are the different mattress sizes. Just adjust the horizontal boards and add more planks.
- Twin Size Mattress – Subtract 15″ from the width.
- Queen Size Mattress – Add 7″ to the width and 5″ to the length
- King Size Mattress – Add 23″ to the width and 5″ to the length.
- California King Size Mattress. – Add 19″ to the width and 9″ to the length.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
~Ashley
Check Out Our Other DIY Headboard Ideas and Tutorials
Such a very well written post you share here valuable information you will be share with us, it’s really helpful for me.
Hi Ashley! Love your site! I would also like to know if you use any wood conditioner before staining? I noticed you don’t mention it before staining any of your pieces. I use pine or white wood as well, and my stain always comes out blotchy despite sanding with 3 different grits of sandpaper. Can you give any advice on this please? Thank you
Hi! Do you have the dimensions to make this exact headboard but for a king size?
Did you do any sanding? Did you use wood conditioner or a finish coat? Stain came out great.
I made the diy king size bed yall have plans for and there was a printable version that ,made it incredibly easy. Do you have that for this one?
Is there a list of supplies for this headboard?
Do you have these plans in PDF???
I made this with some modifications. It looks AMAZING, and a wonderful gift for my wife!! Wish I could add a picture of it.
Do you know what the dimension on a king size bed
Is there a link for this along with the a supply list
What kind of lumber did you use? Was it pine?
This is a great looking headboard, using your instructions to make ours out of aged 1×6 cedar fencing
Do you have a material list?
Hey Ladies – is there a PDF version of these plans available which outline exactly what supplies I need to buy in terms of lumber? Looking to make it in a queen size!