Materials:4x8 sheet of MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
jigsaw
1x8 poplar lumber
wood glue
brad nailer
clamps
drywall screws
miter saw
spackling compound
primer
paint: red (Tile Red 95-14B, Lowe's Signature) (Lowe's); black (Tricom SW 6258) (Sherwin-Williams)
220-grit sandpaper
Steps:
1. Determine the height of the headboard by propping pillows up against the wall (the featured headboard extends 28 inches above the pillows). Draw the desired shape for the main body of the headboard onto the MDF and cut it out using a jigsaw.
2. The first piece to add is a curved topper cut out of poplar. Attach it to the MDF using wood glue and a brad nailer, making sure the nails are short enough to avoid going through the back of the MDF.
3. For the finish trim on top, use a ½ x 3 piece of poplar cut to length with a little overhang. Run a bead of glue on top of the MDF, and then attach the board, starting at one end, with drywall screws down from the top through pre-drilled pilot holes. Work your way slowly along the curve of the MDF, which should be slight enough to bend the board into position. If necessary, use a pair of clamps to help bend the piece into position.
4. Cut all the detail trim pieces for the sides and the facing of the board, and then attach each using wood glue and a brad nailer. Fill the nail and screw holes with spackling compound and sand smooth once dry. Prime and paint the piece as desired.
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