Introduction: How to Make a Reclaimed Wooden Headboard

By www.youtube.com/chippedbuilds
About: I make videos on my YouTube channel about all the projects I've made. Check it out Chipped Builds on instagram and YouTube.

My friends recently asked me to make them a headboard. Their house has more of a rustic decor to it, so they wanted the headboard to be reclaimed and represent that rustic feeling. This headboard is made out of some old fence posts.

My friends love how it came out and it didn't take too long to make. I spread the time out over a week but you could easily get it done in a weekend.

Step 1: Tools & Materials

1. Wood (any would work depending on the finished look you want)

2. Glue

3. Brad Nails

4. Thin sheet of wood to use as backer board

5. Stain

6. Spray Lacquer

7.Circular saw (optional)

Step 2: Cutting the Wood

The fence posts had a sort of rounded corner that I didnt want the headboard to have. So I just used a circular saw and free handed the cut. The imperfections would add to the rustic look in my opinion.

For the backer board I bought a 1/4 piece of plywood from home depot cut to the length I need there.

Step 3: Gluing & Nailing

This step gets repeated for as many boards as you have. I started by pouring a generous amount of glue across the board and used a small brush to spread it around. Then I would flip it over and put 5/8 inch brad nails to hold the board to the plywood. One or two of my boards were a little bowed so I used a clamp to hold them down while I nailed them in place.

If you dont have a brad nailer you could easily use regular nails and a hammer.

Step 4: Sanding

Since I wanted this thing to not be totally perfect I sanded it with 80 grit sand paper and wiped off the excess dust. I mostly wanted to remove the big dirt spots and any splinters.

Step 5: Staining & FInishing

I put one light coat of watch danish oil on the back, The kind I used was called dark walnut. (It is my favorite finish) I then proceeded to flip it over and cover the front of the headboard with two coats. This wood really soaked it up so some the knots looked a bit dry.

I hit the whole thing with a coat of spray lacquer and it made the knots in the wood look a little wetter. It really brought out the beauty in the color of the stain and the wood grain.

Step 6: Enjoy Your New Headboard!

Overall, my friends absolutely love how it came out and I did as well. It looks great in their house and should last for a really long time.

Let me know in the comments if you have a question or make one.