Rough Sawn Headboard | Build It | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a headboard using rustic barnboard.
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Time: 3-4 hours
Cost: $80
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools:
Paintbrush
Track saw
Miter Saw
Drill
Caulking gun
Bradnailer
Air compressor
Shopping List:
_” birch plywood
2x4” framing lumber
5/4” pine
Framing screws
Rough sawn boards
Black paint
Construction adhesive
Weathered wood accelerator finish
Steps:
1. Paint a large sheet of birch plywood black to hide the gaps of the rough boards.
2. Cut the plywood to rough size using the track saw.
3. Secure the plywood to the back of some 2x4”s with wood glue and framing screws to stiffen out the plywood.
4. Lay out the rough sawn boards on top of the plywood. Cut any overhanging pieces with the miter saw and reuse them in the next course, depending on their length. Be sure the joints of the boards do not line up.
5. Secure the boards to the plywood using construction adhesive and the bradnailer.
6. Once the boards are secure, use the track saw to make a clean cut on both ends of the plywood.
7. Determine the width of the headboard. Tom suggests using the bed frame as a template. Center that on the plywood, and then divide the overhang on each side in half.
8. Using the track saw, make two opposing miter cuts on each side of the bed frame. Start with the outside cut so you have somewhere to rest the track on.
9. Use the construction adhesive and the bradnailer to secure the overhang to the top of the plywood.
10. Cut the 5/4” pine to size for the top of the headboard. Apply a weathered finish to the board to match the rest of the headboard and let that dry.
11. Attach the top to the rest of the headboard from underneath using framing screws.
Resources:
Tom and Kevin built the headboard out of 1/2” x 4” Weathered Hardwood Board, manufactured by Weaber Lumber (/ ) and available at most home centers.
The wood glue and construction adhesive Tom used to secure the boards to the plywood is manufactured by Gorilla Glue (www.gorillatough.com ).
The finish Kevin used for the top piece of the headboard is called Weathered Wood Accelerator, which is manufactured by Varathane (/ ) and available at most home centers.
All the other materials Tom and Kevin used for this project, including the plywood, brad nailer, paint, and paintbrushes, can all be found at home centers.
About Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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Rough Sawn Headboard | Build It | Ask This Old House
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