Journal

How To Make a Rustic Hardwood Bedhead

Cindy Frost

February 20, 2020

  • Allow 2 hours
  • 1-2
  • $200

Products You'll Need

  • Recycled Timber
  • Lime Wash or Stain
  • Rags
  • Screws (we've used 50mm bugal screws)

Tools You'll Need

  • Wire Brush
  • Drill
  • Circular Saw
  • Paint Brush
  • Sandpaper
  • Personal Protective Equipment

Step 1 : Determine The Size of Your Bedhead

Determine the overall size of your bedhead (length and height) and if you would like to incorporate bedside tables into your design.  Our bedhead has been designed for a double bed with one bedside table (2100 x 1300).

Step 2 : Choose Your Perimeter Frame Pieces

Choose your pieces for the perimeter frame.  Cut each piece with a 45-degree angled cut so that your frame is mitred all the way around.

Step 3 : Screw Frame Together

Screw the frame together at each corner.  It’s a good idea to pre-drill and counter-sink these screws.

 

 

Step 4 : Cut the Two Rails for the Back of Your Bedhead

Cut the two rails for the back of your bedhead.  These are what your timbers will be fixed to.  Screw these rails into place from the side of your frame.  It’s important to set your rails back to allow enough room for your feature timber to sit inside the frame.

 

 

Step 5 : Cut Pieces to Length

Cut all your feature pieces to length.  Ready for fixing to the rails.

 

Step 6 : Stand Your Frame Upright

Stand your frame upright.  Insert all your feature timber pieces.  We’ve varying lengths and thicknesses to create a rustic, staggered look.

 

 

Step 7 : Have Your Drill and Screws Ready

Have your drill and screws ready to go.  With someone at the front of the bedhead holding each timber in place, screw through the back of your rail into the feature timber.  We’ve countersunk our screws into the rail.  Be careful that your screws don’t protrude through the face of your feature timber.

 

 

Step 8 : Prepare Your Bedhead

Prepare your bedhead ready for a stain or lime wash by sanding any rough edges and cleaning with a wire brush.  Be sure to blow or sweep off any loose dust and dirt.

 

 

Step 9 : Apply Your Stain or Lime Wash

Apply your stain or lime wash using a brush – and depending on the look you’re after – wipe off with a clean, white rag as you go.  If you’re hoping to create a more ‘washed’ look, be sure to only apply lime wash to one or two timber boards at a time to ensure the stain doesn’t dry before you’re ready to wipe it off.

 

 

Cindy Frost

February 20, 2020

Tip from Kara

We've brushed on a limewash to one board at a time, then quickly wiped off with a rag

Tip from Kyal

Test your stain or lime wash on a sample piece of timber before you apply to your bedhead. Experiment with different finishes using limewash, mineral turpentine, old rags and a wire brush

Tip from Kyal

You can find recycled timber at a local timber yard, roadside pick-ups, or even in your own backyard! Old hardwood fence posts are perfect..the amount of timber required will depend on how big you'd like your bedhead to be