Building your own spindle headboard can turn your basic bed into a stylish centerpiece for your bedroom. Creating this piece yourself allows you to customize the finished project, and it’ll be less expensive than any store-bought alternative. Read how to turn available staircase parts into your own spindle headboard in the guide below, and watch the video above for tips from This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
Materials and Tools Needed
Gather the tools and materials below before you start building your spindle headboard:
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Balusters
- Brads
- Drill/driver
- Elastic tape
- Hammer
- Handrails for top and bottom rails
- Layout square
- Level
- Mallet
- Miter saw
- Newel posts
- Primer and paint, or stain and sealer
- Spade bits
- Tape measure
- Timber screws
- Wood glue
Preparing the Components for a Spindle Headboard
Make sure you know the dimensions of your bed frame. This will help you to properly size the rails and posts. Follow the steps below.
- Place newel posts across the rails.
- Align posts to the bed frame width and mark centers and cutlines.
- Reserve the posts for the final assembly.
You must precisely space your balusters to achieve an attractive finished product. Balusters also give your headboard structural integrity. Follow the steps below:
- Align a baluster with a bottom rail cutoff.
- Center and mark the baluster’s position on the fillet.
- Repeat the process at the rail’s opposite end.
- Use elastic tape to evenly space your balusters.
Use elastic tape to simplify the marking process and keep your spacing even. Your balusters should be no more than 4 inches apart.
Drilling and Cutting
Keep a careful eye on your measurements and placements when you’re drilling and cutting your headboard components. You don’t want to accidentally drill a hole in the wrong place or cut something too short. Follow the steps below to prepare the rails:
- Transfer marks from the elastic tape to the fillet.
- Detach the fillet and position it under the top rail.
- Drill 1/8-inch pilot holes through the designated marks.
- Reattach the fillet to the bottom rail.
- Trim the rails to the established length.
Use a top rail scrap piece on the newel post to properly align and measure the baluster. Adjust and mark the balusters so that they’re uniform, and make sure they don’t extend past the rails. Trim all balusters so that they match the first, and keep things consistent.
Assembly Process
The assembly process can be simple and straightforward if you properly prepare for it.
Attaching Balusters to the Bottom Rail
Secure the balusters to keep the frame stable. Apply wood glue to the baluster pines, fit the pins into the bottom rail holes, and align each baluster with the rail before the glue sets.
Adding the Top Rail
The top rail serves as the capstone of your headboard design. Fit the top rail over the balusters, and use a mallet if necessary. Use a level to make sure you have properly aligned everything.
Connecting the Newel Posts
Connecting the posts keeps your framework stable, and prepares it for your final finishes. Create 1/4-inch pilot holes at the post ends. Fasten the posts to the rails using timber screws for an especially sturdy connection.
Finishing Touches for a Spindle Headboard
Your final touches can make or break the overall look of your new headboard.
Sanding and Finishing
Sand your new headboard so that it’s smooth and safe to lean on. Sanding will also make painting much easier. Use 220-grit sandpaper on all surfaces, then paint or stain your new piece depending on the look you want to achieve. Once you’re done, affix the headboard to the bed frame using the flat sides of the newel posts.
Alternative Design Ideas for Spindle Headboards
Consider some of the creative design elements below if you want to put a unique spin on your spindle headboard:
- Distressed wood finish: If you prefer a more rustic or vintage aesthetic, apply a distressed finish to the wood. This can add character and make the headboard look like an antique find.
- Incorporate upholstery: Add a padded panel to the center of the headboard for a softer, more luxurious touch.
- Two-tone paint/stain: Use contrasting colors for the rails and balusters to create a striking, modern look.
Tips for a Successful Spindle Headboard Build
You can be confident in your do-it-yourself project if you properly prepare and carefully execute your project. Consider the tips below.
- Correctly space your balusters so that they’re visually appealing and safe.
- Double-check measurements, and make cuts accurately.
- Maintain perpendicular drilling with a layout square.
- Select finishes that complement your bedroom style.
