How to Make a Picket Fence Headboard

By Matt Fox

Without a doubt one of the most requested projects I've done over the years would be this simple picket fence headboard. Not only is it an adorable addition to any child's (or for that matter adult's) bedroom, it is probably one of the easiest projects to build without having a garage full of power tools.

When Shari and I sit down and develop a project we always keep in mind the time a project takes (maybe an hour tops for this project) and the amount of tools required (tools that most homeowners already own).

Give this easy project a try -I know that you will be satisfied with the results. Just follow these simple steps and by all means if you improve on the design let us know.

Materials and Tools:

Seven 1x6" boards cut to 5 feet
Two 1x4" boards cut to 6 feet
tape measure
circular saw
long level
jig saw
screwdriver/phillips bit
1-1/4" drywall screws
interior latex satin paint
old t-shirt or cloth rag
120-grit sandpaper

Steps:

1. A double bed measures 54" across. The design used was a replica of a picket fence front gate with a curved top. The highest point is in the center at 5 feet, gradually curving down to the end boards at 4 feet.

Cut seven 1"x6" pickets to length, with the center picket being 60", two pickets at 56", two at 52", and the final two at 48". Cut two 1"x4" support boards to 54". Use a circular saw to make your cuts. Sand all the boards smooth with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any splinters and pencil marks.

2. Lay the pickets on the floor with the back facing you. Use a long level at the bottom of the boards to represent the floor and to help keep the pickets even. Space the pickets 1-1/4" apart. Using a pencil start drawing the soft curves on the top end of the picket boards, the center picket should be rounded on the top, then each lower board should be softened as you work your way to the end board. Cut the curves using a jigsaw with a scroll blade. Sand the edges smooth.

3. Before you assemble the pickets, paint all the pieces with a painting technique called washing. Just rub the boards like you're washing your car. Use an old t-shirt dipped directly in the paint to apply the paint. To give the headboard a more translucent look, dilute the paint with a small amount of water. After the paint has dried, seal it with a water-based polyurethane.

4. Place all of the painted pickets back into position and attach the support boards to the back. The support boards should be placed 4" below the top of the end picket board. The bottom should be 14" from the floor. Make sure all the pickets are square and attach the support boards to the pickets using 1-1/4" drywall screws.

All that is left to do is attach it to the bed frame and take a photo of the finished project.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)