Cheap and Easy DIY Headboard

Learn how to make a cheap and easy DIY headboard with this tutorial.

We wanted a simple way to decorate our bedroom while keeping a minimalist vibe. Our room used to be very colorful. As a result, I wanted something light and bright. This headboard was the answer. A cheap and easy DIY is the way to go. The transformation is amazing!

This article may include affiliate links. “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” You can find my full disclosure at the bottom of this page.

Watch it here:

Step 1 – Lumber

Choose the lumber you want to use. I was able to salvage some reclaimed 2×6 foot Douglas fir for the frame. For the slats, I bought a 1x 6-foot Douglas fir. If you don’t have the tools to process wood you can buy tongue and groove from the hardware store.

Look for the best wood on the rack, it isn’t all the same. This project costs us $30. If you can’t find used wood don’t worry, it will still cost under $100, because this type of wood is very affordable.

Step 2 – Design and Build

We went for a simple clean look. The design is a frame with legs that go to the floor and horizontal slats in between. In our room, the headboard is the wall decoration. To make more of a statement we decided to have it taller than normal.

The dimensions are 64″ tall by 76″ wide x 1 1/2 ” thick. Your bed will be the deciding factor in the width.

Step 3 – Building

The framing lumber is sanded and ripped to 4″ wide. You can use the wood as it comes from the store if you don’t have a table saw. We use a DEWALT Portable table saw.
Miter the edges of the frame and glue it together.

Make a lip on the back of the frame. This is what the wood slats will be screwed into.

Make sure you screw the slats from the back into the lip. Cut the slats to the dimensions you desire. Most lumber stores will cut the wood for a small fee. Glue and screw in the wood slats.

If you are using tongue and groove wood this will be easy to join together. I used a biscuit joiner to glue my slats together.

Step 4 – Painting

We used whitewash for painting. Mix 50% water and 50% white paint. Sand the headboard with 320 grit paper before painting.

Using white wash is half the price of the painting and it allows the wood grain to show through.

Step 5 – Install

We decided to center the bed on the wall. Make sure you measure twice because you will drill the headboard to the wall.

We used toggles and one screw in each leg to secure the bed. At the top of the headboard, we used 3m command strips. I opted to not attach our bed to the headboard. It is easier for me to clean under the bed if I can roll it around.