My pallet headboard

Why build a Pallet Headboard?

Quick answer: BECAUSE!!

Long (but not too long) answer:  

-They are always intriguing. It doesn’t matter if you are a master craftsman, a tinker, or just good with power tools. They always look good, whether you paint them, stain them, or leave them rustic (although you may want to do a rough sand to prevent snags and splinters).

-Easy on the pocketbook. Pallets are everywhere. They can be found on craigslist, in the trash, on the curb… or if you are lucky, you may know someone (or  few) whose job always has a large quantity waiting to be rescued.  Bottom line; do not pay for any pallets, unless are paying for delivery. Pallets can be found essentially anywhere at no cost. 

My project:

• 2-4 Pallets of different width boards.
•     Sawzawll (you really want a corded sawzall it takes lots of juice to prep the boards)
• Chalk Line
•   Deck screws (1 1/4 – 1 ½ will do)
•   Circular saw

*Knowledge of basic power tool operation and safety is a must for this project. 

The beginning of laying out headboard (yes, it was dusk)

Prepping the boards is fairly tedious, but easily done. (I prepped my boards, I’m on the tiny side). Here is a great link that explains with photos how to dismantle a pallet (How I learned).

Some of the boards will need ugly sides removed and also some nails will be sticking out too far, they can be removed with a grinder (or use a hammer and/or a nail setter).  After prepping the pallets, I staggered the boards evenly with the ugly side up (Remember that everything will be opposite, so think carefully before placing them) it's like fitting a puzzle together. 

awesome hubby fastening the back side

Once the boards are laid out in the pattern you like, center and measure the desired length and width, using a chalk line.  After marking the lines, we used the ugly pieces of the pallets  the back side of the headboard to ensure that all board creases were fastened. 

The next building step, flip over the headboard , and mark the desired width with a chalk line. Using a circular saw, cut off the ends.  

First flipped over... awe how pretty!

  If you want to make the headboard look as if it goes to the floor, you will need to add some misc. scrap pieces as shown below, and remember to fasten the backsides.

My Hubby measuring a board to fasten the scrap bottom pieces.

(To attach a metal bed frame, there must be holes pre-drilled, and attached using carriage bolts.)

The lower portion of this headboard will be hidden by the bed 

I loved the headboard in its rough form, but on a whim I decided to paint it with some left over teal paint from a previous project.  I did a very light rough sand, and went to town with the paint. I just did a light single coat, to keep it rustic.

I fell in love immediately.

Voila!!

We added a simple $15 desk lamp to the headboard by taking the base of the lamp off and feeding it into a pre drilled hole.

We built the night stand as well, but that is for another time.

We have since moved the bed to the other wall so it isnt up in the corner, but we had to rearrange the bedroom before we could do that.