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Brookstone Queen Headboard

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A rustic headboard that looks like an old barn door.

Collections
Brookstone Collection

A while back I posted plans for the Brookstone Bed in a twin size.


Photo from Devin

So many of you asked for different sized plans, but time just flies by, and before I knew it, months had passed and still, I hadn't found the time to publish more plans in the collection.

But after seeing these stunning photos from The Picky Apple, I knew I HAD to prioritize adding at least the queen size.

We'll start with the headboard.  Isn't it beautiful?  For lots more photos and details about the finish, make sure you visit The Picky Apple. You can also see all the plans in the Brookstone Collection here.

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

8 1×4, 8’ Long
2 1x2s, 8’ Length
3 1×3, 8’ Length
1 1/4” Finish Nails
2” Finish Na

Common Materials
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

18- 1×4 @ 31” Panel Boards
2 – 1×2 @ 49 1/2 “ Side Legs
2 – 1×3 @ 49 1/2” Front Legs
2 – 1×3 @ 38 1/2” Back Supports
2 – 1×4 @ 38 1/2” Front Trim
1 – 1×4 @ 26” Center Trim
1 – 1×3 @ 44” Top Trim
1 – 1×4 @ 45” Top Trim
2 – 1×4 @ 30” Ends cut at 30 degrees off square, parallel, see last step

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Headboard Panel

Start by lining all the 1×4 panel boards up, rotating the grain so the bark side is up, then down. Adjust for square. Then if you have a nailer, glue and nail the top and bottom trim in place. Otherwise, screw from the back to hide your screw holes. Shown above back side up, so you would just screw through the trim into the back side of the panel boards.

Step 2

Legs

Now screw the legs on with glue and 2″ screws.

Step 3

Leg Fronts

Nailer would be handy here, but if you don’t have one, you can screw the leg fronts to the legs. Use glue and 2″ screws or nails.

Step 4

Front Trim

I highly recommend measuring and cutting these to fit. Nails would hide best, and even if you don’t have a nailer, if you plan to stain, I suggest using a hammer and finish nails to hide any holes. If you plan to paint, go ahead with the screws and glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Top Trim

Now add the top trim with screws or nails and glue. Center on the top.

Step 7

Header

Use finish nails and glue to attach the top to the top trim. Center on the top.

Step 8

Cross Supports

Start by cutting 2 1x4s 36 3/4″ long, with both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, parallel to each other. Then on the top end, measure in 2″ and mark a line square with the top edge (see above diagram). Cut this line. Attach the cross supports to the headboard with 1 1/4″ finish nails and glue, nailing into all of the panel boards.

Room
Bedroom
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Cara (not verified)

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 03:30

Ana,

Thank you SO MUCH for featuring my son's bed today, and for the blog shout out. As I mentioned in my blog post, this was my husband's first building project, and I'm not quite sure how he managed to convert your twin plan to a queen on his own, but he did. How awesome that you've shared plans for a queen headboard now!! Looking forward to seeing the plans for the queen so we can compare!

Thanks again for the amazing inspiration for this bed in the first place. We never could have built this without you! And now that we've (okay, HE's) started building things, we can't stop! I've already got a list of things I want my hubby to build: bookshelves, toy storage cabinets, media console, and more! :)

Stephanie (not verified)

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 06:56

Yes yes yes!!! Thank you for posting this! I had determined to do the Farmhouse bed for my husband and I, but when you posted the Brookstone bed, I fell in love! I'm so glad you're posting this bed in queen size, it's soooo beautiful.

Nan Tovar (not verified)

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 08:05

Wow, that is gorgeous! Do you think I could make that work with the bed my hubs built for us?
It's a platform bed, with no headboard, might jazz it up a bit. Sorry, Ana, he built it before I found your website :( So that explains the squeaks :)

Ana White (not verified)

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 08:34

Thank you thank you for sharing your amazing photo and inspiring todays post. I saw your bed on Facebook and fell in love. The entire room is just so beautiful! Thank you again, and I just can't wait to see more projects from you!

Piera Romeo (not verified)

Sat, 11/27/2010 - 05:46

Hi there. First of all i love your website!! I haven't started any projects yet but i will very soon. I love this bed and want to make the headboard in a queen size. But I noticed that the cut list has all measurements for a twin size!!! PLEASE HELP!!!! Is there somewhere esle on the website that has the shopping list and cutting list I need for a queen size????

Anybody out there know where I can find this?

Thank you and happy building!!!

Judith Ann Edens (not verified)

Sun, 11/28/2010 - 18:53

I am going to make the bed for my 9 year old who is looking over my shoulder saying "Now that's cool!" We will make it together as we homeschool and this will be something we can build form his own for real work bench.
I would need the help though of the size for the base. Only rough if neccessary as I can figure it out once I know how long high and wide it must be..
Next my 2 daughters are wanting to look at all the neat things they can help make.
Thanks for doing all the ground work you do I know how much time you must be putting in for us. Thanks Keep it up. Judy

Judith Ann Edens (not verified)

Sun, 11/28/2010 - 18:55

What more I need to do I do not understand. I am new to using this kind of input. Judy

Debi (not verified)

Sun, 12/26/2010 - 06:58

Any chance you'll make king-size plans available for this or the platform bed? I love your work, and your work ethic!

Kristi Hosterman (not verified)

Tue, 12/28/2010 - 10:06

I loved this bed! Hubby and I have been trying to decide on the right bed for our room. The mattresses sitting on a metal frame is boring us to death. Can you post the storage bed plans in queen size? Thanks!!

Sarah (not verified)

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 13:21

What a completely awesome bed!! I'm keeping my hopes up that measurements for the storage part of the bed in queen might be posted too. My husband agreed that we could make this bed as a project together, only I was thinking the twin size for our daughter and he was thinking queen size for us!

Leah (not verified)

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 14:29

This bed looks aweesome, but you only have the headboard plans =(. I looked all over the bed section and could not find plans for a queen sized in this style. Would you mind adding them?

Ric (not verified)

Sat, 01/15/2011 - 00:34

You have great plans. The furniture looks easy to build. I noticed the cut list to be incorrect. The back supports have to be cut to 63" not 38 1/2". The front supports have to be cut to 59 1/2". The 1x3 top trim has be cut to 65" and the 1x4 top trim has be cut to 66". The diagrams show the correct dimensions. Don't mean to be critical, just want to help anyone building this. I purchased 2 - 1x2x6, 5 - 1x3x6,
3 - 1x4x6, and 7 - 1x4x8. I precut the lumber to the diagram dimensions and this went together quickly. My wife loves it. Thank You

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 03/03/2012 - 18:31

Can you please do the queen size plans. Thank you!

NJS Design Company

Fri, 03/18/2016 - 08:09

It looks like it might be a dark "mahogany" type stain, it has some red in there for sure. It could also be a gel stain, it looks to have covered really well especially for pine, and those cover really well. 

Court_neynickel (not verified)

Tue, 09/18/2012 - 14:24

Okay, now I can't find the plans for a twin!! Am I crazy!?

Louisa+3 (not verified)

Sun, 09/23/2012 - 15:07

Any chance of getting a plan for a king?
I love this bed and it would be perfect if only it was a king :(

nicholasrad98

Fri, 10/16/2015 - 08:44

I'm planning on building this sometime. Would it be alright to use SPF lumber? I know it's not high quality for woodworking but I don't want to sink too much money into this project. My only concern is that it will look ok after staining it.

Thanks

Ana White Admin

Sat, 10/17/2015 - 11:17

Yes, most of the headboards shown are spruce, pine or fur.  This type of wood actually is preferred for it's rustic beauty, ease of working with, and low cost.

Tabatron

Thu, 03/17/2016 - 20:43

I used the shopping list, then made the cut list. I am trying to figure out how the front trim pieces are coming no where near the right size, along with the cross cut pieces. Says to cut at 30" but then in the steps it says 36" I hope I didn't just waste a bunch of wood :( help!

HeatM1ser

Thu, 04/07/2016 - 03:52

I know this is probably a simple answer for most of you, but this is my first project and I'm making it for a full-sized bed and not a queen. Could someone help with what the cut list dimensions would be for a full sized bed instead of the queen that this tutorial is for? I just dont want to screw up because I only have 1 chance to make this with my budget ...thanks!

ShyAnne

Mon, 04/18/2016 - 05:15

This is a website with hundreds of plans and probably thousands of users. She also seems to have her own tv show, as well as a family to take care of. So its no surprise to me that she doesnt answer each question personally. Measure the dimensions of your bed, and change the length of the plans. A queen bed is typically 60x80, but a full is 54x74. So go over the steps and write out the adjustments. Make little pictures to help you to make sure everything is right.

sjaustin

Tue, 04/19/2016 - 08:00

How much did you pay for these plans? And you're mad because you haven't gotten the new plans you wanted personally modified for free? This site has tons of amazing plans FOR FREE, and no, you won't get all of your questions answered instantaneously, but you can get some help, and you're certainly getting a lot more than you're paying for. That said, although these plans are great for novices, they're not appropriate for total beginners who don't know how to calculate dimensions. Even if you have the exact cut list, you may need to make changes on the fly due to things like variations in board widths, and if you don't have the ability to do that then you're going to make a huge mess. If you really want to do this project then find someone to help you in person.

BrooklynTeach

Mon, 04/18/2016 - 09:55

1) Measure the mattress, figure it out. You can also use the Internet to find a multitude of measurements for full-size beds. If you don't have enough experience to figure this out, you should not be building this on your own. You need assistance. You will waste materials and then be angry about it.

2) Get over yourself. I doubt that not replying to your question says so much about her, but your response certainly says a lot about you.

ChaseBoyd

Sun, 09/17/2017 - 10:56

If i wanted to make this a floating headboard, what would you reccomend as the best/easiest method of doing so?? Thanks in advance anybody. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!