These DIY planked queen headboard plans allow for a super easy, and fairly quick build of your own queen headboard. All of the cuts are standard 90 degree cuts, with the exception of the cuts for the casing, and there is no need for fancy joints or special tools – not even a pocket hole jig!

Tools

• Saw: circular or miter
• Drill/Driver or nail gun (a hammer and nails works too)
• Sander and sandpaper
• Square
• Wood glue

Materials

• 6 – 1″ x 6″ x 6′
• 3 – 1″ x 4″ x 6′
• 3 – 1″ x 3″ x 6′
• 1 – 2″ x 2″ x 6′
• 1 – 2″ x 4″ x 8′ (or two 16″ scraps from another project)
• 2 – 8′ pieces of 3″ wide casing

Step 1: Cut and assemble the legs & planks

Start this planked queen headboard by cutting two of the 1x4s to 54″ in length, and then cutting the third 1×4 to 57 1/2″ in length. Now cut all six of your 1x6s to 57 1/2″ in length as well.

Lay your two 54″ 1x4s out 50 1/2″ apart; these will be your legs.  Now lay all of your 57 1/2″ boards across the legs, starting with the 1×4 aligned to the top, and then followed by all of the 1x6s as shown in the diagram below.  Use wood glue and three 1 1/4″ screws or nails on each end of the planks to attach them to the legs.  These screws/nails will be hidden by the casing, so it is ok to drive them through the front of the boards.

NOTE: if some of your 1x6s a little warped, and you can’t get them to align nice and tight, you can use pocket holes and screws in the middle of the back to pull them together. Alternatively, you can use some scrap 1×3 or 1×4 and screws or nails in the middle of the back to hold them close together.

Step 2: Add the bottom lip and build up the legs

Now cut your 2×2 to 57 1/2″ in length. Secure it across the legs using wood glue and 1 1/4″ screws or nails coming through the back of the legs and into the 2×2 so you don’t have to fill the holes later.

Cut and attach two pieces of 16″ long 2×4 to the remaining length of the legs.  Use wood glue and screws or nails through the back again.  These 2×4 pieces will help beef up the legs and provide better support when the bed frame is attached.

Step 3: Add the sides and the top

The sides and top are all cut from 1x3s.  Start by cutting two pieces of 1×3 to 54″ for the sides.  Next cut your third piece of 1×3 to 59″ in length.

Use wood glue and finishing nails to attach the sides, aligning the back edge of the 1×3 to the back of the legs.  Then attach the top 1×3 in the same manner.

Step 4: Add the decorative casing

The last construction step of this planked queen headboard is to cut and attach the decorative casing.  These are the only cuts that are not done at 90 degrees – these are all 45 degree cuts.  You’ll need two pieces cut to 57 1/2″ on the long outside edge, and two pieces cut to 36 1/2″ on the long outside edge.  Use wood glue and finishing nails to attach the casing after dry fitting it all to ensure nice tight corners.

Step 5: Sand and paint or stain

Now that you have completed the build of your new DIY planked queen headboard, it is time for a little sanding and either paint or stain.

If you have any questions, or need any help with building your own planked queen headboard, feel free to reach out to use via our Facebook page or our contact page.

* This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site.