DIY Headboard Bench

I’ve been slowly trying to finish up projects and clear out the vast collection of salvaged treasures in my garage.  Have you got a pile like that?  A couple of years ago a friend of mine gave me an old headboard and footboard and I finally created a DIY headboard bench for my back patio.  I know headboard bench tutorials are a dime a dozen but I thought I’d throw this one in the pot as well.  I just love the way it turned out and it was really simple to make!

To make a headboard bench, you’ll need a headboard and a footboard along with 1×4 inch and 1×6 inch pieces of wood.

From the posts on each side of the footboard, measure 18 inches and mark a cut line.  Using a saw, cut evenly along that line.  You’ll have two pieces of footboard, each with a post on the end, and a short extra piece of footboard from the middle {throw that piece out}.

Using a kreg jig {affiliate link}, create pocket holes in the footboard, apply wood glue to the end of the cut footboard, and screw each piece of footboard to the solid end posts on the headboard.

Cut a piece of 1×6 inch wood into two pieces the width of the bench, from the inside of one post to the inside of the other post.  Drill pocket holes into the ends of each piece and attach one piece across the front of the bench, joining both front posts, and one piece across the back of the bench to support the piece of wood already on the headboard {be sure the pocket holes are on the inside so they won’t show when the bench is finished}.

Using a piece of 1×4 inch wood, cut planks to create the seat of the bench.  The pieces need to fit the depth of the bench with about 1/4 inch overhang on the front.  If the pieces won’t fit evenly across the bench, you’ll need to rip one or two to the width you need {I placed two thinner boards on each end of the seat}.  Lay all the pieces before you begin nailing.

Using a nail gun {I used my Ryobi Airstrike Cordless Brad Nailer, a tool I adore} attach the planks to the front and back boards, making sure the nails are driven in fully to avoid snagging legs or clothing.

That’s it!  This DIY headboard bench is a super easy build and can be knocked out in an hour or so.  Fill the pocket holes if desired {I didn’t bother}, sand the bench, coat it in paint, and place it in the perfect spot in your home or yard.

I painted my bench in a vibrant turquoise but allowed some of the old paint to chip through {chippy paint is my love language}.

The addition of a colorful pillow and a little outdoor lantern …

… has made this a fun and colorful spot in our backyard.  I’m hoping this will be my regular reading spot this summer.

One can dream, right?