How To Build A Quick And Easy Handmade Rustic Headboard In One Afternoon

Follow this guide for easy plans on how to build a rustic headboard in just ONE afternoon!! Add character to your bed easily with a rustic headboard.

How To Build A Quick And Easy Handmade Rustic Headboard In One Afternoon

Before we start, we must give credit where credit is due! The plans for this rustic headboard were built by Ana White. Ana has a ton fo free and easy to follow plans over at her site here. I won’t make a list for you of the exact things you need because Ana White already did an amazing job for you at mapping everything out that you need and all the cut sizes you need 🙂

RUSTIC HEADBOARD PLANS HERE FROM ANA WHITE

Let’s build!

This headboard was a custom build for a client. My client wanted a aged finish as the base and then a white, distressed, chippy look over the top. To age this rustic headboard I used my homemade brew of apple cider vinegar and steel wool. The brew is super easy and affordable and gives you a genuine aged look!

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While following the plans you want to measure (measure twice cut once!!), mark, then cut your pieces!

Next start to line up the planks for the main part of the headboard, you will want to use your glue and nails for this part, after you assemble larger planks the 1×4’s will go horizontal across (make sure you glue and nail the 1×4’s). I really love the GluBot for projects because you can use it while it is standing up as well.

The next step is to attach the 4×4’s. you first want to use a Kreg drill bit to make pre-drilled holes. After you pre-drill the holes you want to take the long square drill bit to screw and attach the 4×4’s to the headboard.

After you have assembled the top pieces on the headboard, you will want to use the aging potion! Put this on with a chip brush and let it sit to dry and oxidize for a few hours.

After it has sat and you are happy with the look, paint, distress and seal.  For this piece I used Dixie Belle’s Cotton and sealed it with Dixie Belle’s Satin Clear Coat.

After you are done with everything it is time to put it in your room, the following is the headboard completed and in it’s new home!