Shiplap Headboard

One of the most important design decisions in your bedroom is your choice of headboard.

It’s a powerful focal point that can change the ambience of a room and make it an invitation to restore, relax and reflect.

Consider waking up in style with this DIY headboard that unites MDF moulding, doorstop and shiplap to bring a sophisticated, grown up, low-key elegance.

Shiplap Headboard

Instructions and measurements are for a king headboard.

What You'll Need

• 1 @ 4’ x 8’ 1/4” mahogany underlay
• 18” x 8’ 3/4” plywood
• 12” x 8’ 1/4” plywood
• 6 @ 8’ 7” x 1/2” MDF shiplap
• 4 @ 8’ 4-1/2” x 5/8” MDF moulding
• 2 @ 8’ 2-1/2” x 5/8” MDF moulding
• 1 @ 80” MDF doorstop moulding
• Wood Filler
• Beauti-Tone Cabinet & Furniture paint​

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Here’s How

An 18-gauge stapler is preferred for this project, however finishing nails may be used.

Frame:

• Cut 1/4” mahogany underlay to 48” x 80” and lay on a flat surface.

Reinforce the frame:

• Cut 4-1/2” strips of 3/4” plywood. Glue and fasten 60” pieces flush to the sides, extending 12” below for the legs.
• Glue and fasten 71” pieces of 4-1/2” strips of 3/4” plywood across the top and bottom between the sides.
• Turn the assembled sheet over. Repeat instructions on the front side using 3 1/2” strips of 3/4” plywood.
• Cut 1/4” plywood to fill the gap in leg.

Shiplap:

• Cut shiplap to fit inside plywood strips with a 1/4” clearance (72-1/2”).
• Starting at the top, glue and fasten shiplap boards to the underlay.
• Rip the last board to fit bottom of headboard.
• To cover shiplap edges, cut 4-1/2 x 5/8” moulding to fit 60” sides and 71” top and bottom. Glue and fasten in place.

Top detail:

• Glue and fasten 2 layers of 2-1/2” x 5/8” moulding together. Attach on top of headboard with enough overhang in the front to cover doorstop moulding (next step).
• Cut MDF doorstop to fit width of headboard. Fasten under top piece.

Finish:

• Fill all nail or staple holes with Home® wood filler.
• Fill edge of plywood assembly with Minwax® high performance wood filler.
• Sand smooth.
• Prime bare wood. Paint the entire headboard with Beauti-Tone Cabinet and Furniture paint. Shown Love Letters WB002-0.​