Pallet wood headboard

How to make it

1. 

   1

   Check every stamp

   Use only pallets stamped HT. Skip MB, unstamped or stained pallets, especially for something by your pillow.

2. 

   2

   Break them down

   Cut through the nails between boards and frame with the reciprocating saw. Pull the leftover nail stubs.

3. 

   3

   Sand the boards

   Sand each board with 80, then 120 grit. Keep the color but lose the splinters.

4. 

   4

   Lay out the cleats

   Cut 4 cleats at 48 in from the 1x4s. Lay them on the floor, parallel, spanning 64 in from outer edge to outer edge.

5. 

   5

   Plank the front

   Screw boards across the cleats in rows, staggering the end joints. Each joint must land on a cleat.

6. 

   6

   Trim the edges

   Snap a line at each end and trim the rows flush. Sand the edges.

7. 

   7

   Seal it

   Brush on a coat of matte poly or rub in wax. It keeps dust down and stops splinters.

8. 

   8

   Mount it

   Screw the French cleat into at least 2 studs, level. Attach the mating half to the headboard's back and lift it on with a helper.