How to Make a Panel Headboard

Steps:

1. The pictured headboard is 58 inches wide and 45 inches high. To build the front framework, cut four pieces of 1-by-4 poplar to length with a miter saw. The first board is the top cross piece and measures exactly 58 inches. The two side rails measure 41½ inches. This distance combined with the width of the top rail gives the headboard a height of 45 inches. The distance between the two side rails determines the length of the bottom rail, which is 51 inches. Measure the height between the top and bottom rails to determine the length of the center support.

2. Use a biscuit joiner to assemble the headboard. With the pieces set in position, mark a line across both joints, which will give a match location for each biscuit slot. Place the joiner on the mark, and then cut a slot at each mark. Put glue inside the slot and on the biscuit with a small glue brush. Push two boards together, and then clamp the boards tight. If you don’t have a biscuit joiner, attach plate joiners to the back.

3. The back frame is made of 1-by-3 lumber and it creates the inset panels. Cut the boards to length so that they will be against the outside portion of the main frame. Place the boards in position on the back of the main frame and attach each by first drilling pilot holes and then drilling countersink holes. Secure each piece with wood glue and 1¼-inch drywall screws.

4. For the insets, use contact cement to attach window-shade material to two sheets of luan plywood cut to size. Slip the panels into the headboard insets and secure each with small screws.

5. Paint or stain the headboard as desired.