Wood shims fancy up this headboard! Free DIY bed plans (king) from Ana-White.com

Preparation
1 - sheet 3/4" plywood (full 4x8 sheet, hardwood preferred)
2 - 4x4 posts, 8 feet long each
4 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
6 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
Approximately 13-15 packs wood shims (for headboard)
4 - 1x3 @ 77 1/2" (panel trim boards)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 77 1/2" x 32" (headboard panel)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 77 1/2" x 16" (footboard panel)
2 - 4x4 @ 53 1/2" (headboard legs)
2 - 4x4 @ 20" (footboard legs)
2 - 2x4 @ 88 1/2" (inner siderails)
4 - 2x4 @ 74 1/2" (frame supports - for extra support, add addtional 2x4 supports)
2 - 1x12 @ 83" long (siderails - can also use 2x12s for extra support)
2 - 1x6 @ 86 1/2" long (headers)
To cut the plywood, first cut the plywood to 77 1/2" x 48". Then cut the remaining piece into a 32" and 16" wide piece.
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Attach 1x3s to the headboard panel. You can also do the same with the footboard panel.
If you are using pocket holes, drill 3/4" pocket holes along side and top edges every 6"-8" of plywood pieces for attaching legs and headers in later step prior to attaching the 1x3s.
Rebecca also added the wood shims to the headboard at this step rather than waiting until the end - it's up to you.
From Rebecca:
"I attached my shims before the side 4x4's so I could sand the sides down and make sure they were even. I suppose you could even run a circular saw along he edge to make it easy. I did not run my 4x4's through the table saw first to make them more square and a flush to the front. So there is a little disconnect between my headboard and the legs. That is a personal decision though. My husband brought it up. "
Step 2
Step 4
Step 7
Attach headers to the footboard/headboard. If you drilled pocket holes facing upward in your panels, attach with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. I recommend screws to attach headers just because they may try to come up over time. Try trim screws - they have a tiny screw head that will be much easier to hide.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
bullitt453
Thu, 08/08/2013 - 13:01
Awesome!
Very cool. May modify this to a full size and use it in my son's room. Only I would paint the shims a mix of black, white, vintage gray, and orange (the colors used in his room).
Marie320
Thu, 08/08/2013 - 16:50
how can you modify to a queen
how can you modify to a queen size ?? what would be the cut list?? I love this one but don't know how to modify
ffsangel1
Thu, 08/08/2013 - 19:06
Love this plan!
Showed this plan to my daughter who is getting married soon. She loved it so much that this is what she asked me to make for her wedding gift from me. Will have to figure out how to modify to a queen, but she is so very excited. Thank You so much Ana and Rebecca for the plans.
darkjuan
Fri, 08/09/2013 - 13:42
wood shims
Ana,
i have a couple question regarding the wood shims, what is the length size?
11-7/8 or 7-7/8
and also, do you stain them before install them on the headboard or after?
In reply to wood shims by darkjuan
redhead_61
Fri, 08/09/2013 - 18:00
I used 7 7/8" shims on this
I used 7 7/8" shims on this headboard. I stained after I glued them on. You could use the hot glue glue idea Ana had and then you might want to stain before. Not sure what would be easier.
michelle_newbie
Mon, 08/12/2013 - 13:02
Type of Wood
This is a very newbie question. What type of wood is normally used on these projects? Cedar? Pine? Other?
Thank you. I LOVE this plan and LOVE this website.
elslap1
Sat, 12/28/2013 - 08:03
project order
after completing this project I have one major recommendation for the order of the project. It came out beautiful in the end but was a heck of a lot of work. I thought of a few changes that may help make the project easier and quicker. I highly recommend the headboard in this order
1. frame the headboard
2. Stain the headboard (if this is not done before placing shims than you spend an increcible amount of time trying to stain between the shims evenly vs a very easy coating before "shimming")
3. sand each shim on all sides except the back (I can't begin to tell how difficult it was to sand the tops and especially edges of each shim with the limited space due to surrounding shims) I found that the backs of the shims were particularly rough and wound have been much easier to have pre-sanded.
4. attach shims to headboard (I layed the headboard flat on the ground and attached the shims with glue, never even to use my pin nailer)
5. stain when you stain the rest of the project.
Hope this helps save some people some time!
Elliot
In reply to project order by elslap1
MsKirstenChute
Wed, 03/19/2014 - 20:12
Thanks for the Tip :)
Your advice will definitely be used when i start this project this weekend! Thanks again for the VERY helpful tip!
dgahunia
Sat, 03/15/2014 - 11:54
Strengh of the rails
Hey everyone,
to the people who have already built this bed.... how strong did you find the bed to be with the rails installed as shown in the plan... did the bed squeak... or could the rails split or crack over time because they are just being held up by screws.
Its definitely a beautiful looking bed
dmozer74
Thu, 12/24/2015 - 13:31
I realize I'm answering a
I realize I'm answering a rather old question here, and even then I'm not really answering...Next week I will build this bed and intend to add 2x4 blocks below the mounting point at the headboard and footboard for the side rails to rest on. I will also add 2x4s below the center support 2x4s at exactly 4 inches in height. That should keep the squeaks to a minimum. I'll report on the success in my brag upon completion.