4 minute read
SB Living
from The HOME ISSUE
by SB Magazine
BECKYCUNNINGHAM
Reclaimed WOOD Headboard
Have you been inspired by the latest modern farmhouse style that is trending throughout the home design world?
One of the easiest ways to lean into this popular home décor style is by adding reclaimed wood pieces into your existing furniture. Reclaimed wood makes such a grand statement and focal point in any room.
With a few gathered boards and a free Saturday, you can create a custom headboard of your own!
Reclaimed wood is simply wood that is no longer needed or used, and still in a good condition to be repurposed into a different project.
On our family land, we happened upon an old, dilapidated shack made of tongue and groove boards. made of tongue and groove boards.
By hand, we took apart each board- By hand, we took apart each board- removing nails and screws as we went. Through the years the boards went. Through the years the boards became weathered into a beautiful gray, and the paint was distressed.
This provided the perfect patina for an interesting headboard.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR BUILDING YOUR FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR BUILDING YOUR OWN RECLAIMED WOOD HEADBOARD: OWN RECLAIMED WOOD HEADBOARD:
Choose boards that are at least six to eight feet in height to allow plenty of space to cut out a unique design. Visit local architectural salvage retailers or reclaimed lumber dealers to find wood available for purchase. Online sites such as Etsy, eBay and Craigslist will ship reclaimed lumber if needed. Be aware that reclaimed wood that was painted before 1978 may potentially contain lead-based paint. Purchase a paint testing kit to ensure there are no lead toxins in the old boards. If so, a paint sealant may be used to protect from the hazardous dust or paint chips. Measure the width of the mattress that the headboard will accompany. Place the boards side by side, with the front side of each board facing up, until the width is equal to or a bit wider than the bed. A large concrete space, such as a garage or driveway, is best suited for this project. Once all the boards are in place, measure and cut two 2’ x 4’ boards equal to the horizontal length of the headboard. Two people are needed for placement of these support boards. Slide one 2’ x 4’ under the boards horizontally approximately 10-12 inches from the bottom. Slide the second 2’ x 4’ under the boards horizontally approximately 30-34 inches from the bottom. Use wood screws to attach each reclaimed wood slat to both 2’ x 4’ boards. Browse through Pinterest or magazines to find an inspiration photo of the design you want to create. Options are endless! Create a simple, sleek style, or fancy and elegant. Then use a poster board to draw the design shape and cut it out. Trace the design shape onto the reclaimed wood slats with a pencil. Prop the entire headboard on sawhorses, then use a circular saw to cut out the design. Two people are needed to complete this step, to hold the wood steady and cut. Use a cleaning brush to remove all sawdust and particles. Seal the headboard if needed. At this point, you can choose to paint the headboard, or leave as raw wood. Place the headboard behind the bed. Attach to the mattress frame to the wood headboard.
Stand back and admire a DIY project that will certainly be rewarding and enjoyed for years to come!
ers to find wood available for purchase. Online sites such before 1978 may potentially contain lead-based paint. Pur chase a paint testing kit to ensure there are no lead toxins Measure the width of the mattress that the headboard front side of each board facing up, until the width is equal to or a bit wider than the bed. A large concrete space, such ond 2’ x 4’ under the boards horizontally approximately each reclaimed wood slat to both 2’ x 4’ boards. ration photo of the design you want to create. Options are endless! Create a simple, sleek style, or fancy and elegant. Then use a poster board to draw the design shape and cut it out. Trace the design shape onto the reclaimed wood slats with a pencil. Prop the entire headboard on sawhorses, then use a circular saw to cut out the design. Two people are needed to complete this step, to hold the wood steady and cut. Use a cleaning brush to remove all sawdust and particles. Seal the headboard if needed. At this point, you can choose to paint the headboard, or leave as raw wood. Place the headboard behind the bed. Attach to the mattress frame to the wood headboard.
Stand back and admire a DIY project that will certainly be rewarding and enjoyed for years to come!
