Q: Our bed frame is in great shape, but the headboard is another story. It doesn't match the new style of our bedroom. How difficult is it to build a new headboard?A: Headboards allow you to create the style you want in your bedroom without buying a new bed. Creating a headboard allows you to tie in artwork, your wall colors and favorite linens. It's a simple DIY project that requires a minimum of tools.
Materials:
3/4" plywood
1"-thick Dacron? foam
Fabric
Staple gun and staples
Spray adhesive
Scissors
Tip: To save yourself some time and hassle, have the plywood cut to order at the home store -- the pros who work there can do it a lot faster than you can, and you'll avoid a bit of mess too! It should be the width of your bed, and you seep the height below 50" to spare yourself having to seam the fabric.
1. After the wood has been cut, brush off any sawdust from the surface.
2. Cut a piece of foam to fit the plywood.
3. Working in a ventilated area, spray the surface of the wood and the back of the foam with adhesive and attach. Don't worry if the edges aren't perfect -- the fabric will cover any flaws.
Tip: Choose a heavy, opaque fabric: linen, twill, canvas, raffia and chenille are all good options. Check the upholstery department of fabric stores for great deals on large remnants.
4. Cut the fabric to cover the board and foam, leaving a generous border for wrapping and stapling.
5. Place the fabric (right side down) on the work surface and center the board on it (foam side down).
6. Begin stapling the fabric to the board, leaving the corners until last. Leave enough space at each corner to give yourself room to work.
7. Carefully fold each corner to give a neat right angle and staple. Cut off any excess.
8. Use packaged cleats to attach the headboard to the wall. One cleat mounts on the board and the other on the wall; simply follow the manufacturer's instructions.
