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How to make your own tiled bedhead

By Bunnings magazine /

A light-coloured tiled D.I.Y. bedhead with green plants on top, behind a bed in a room with a surfboard, chair and rug

Overview

Create a focal point in your sleep zone with a statement D.I.Y. bedhead. Build a frame from affordable pine and ply then cover it in decorative tiles to match your colour scheme, with calming pastels featured here.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

A close up of a light coloured tiled D.I.Y. bedhead with a green plant on top, and white side table and lap

Steps

  1. 1

    Cutting list

    From 42mm x 19mm pine:
    Frame

    • Top rails 2400mm (2)
    • Base rails 2400mm (2)
    • Cross rails 200mm (12)
    • Braces 1160mm (10)

    From 12mm plywood:
    Bedhead

    • Front 2400mm x 1200mm
    • Top 2400mm x 200mm
    • Sides 1200mm x 200mm (2)
    A diagram of a homemade bedhead build
  2. 2

    Measure and cut timber for your bedhead

    Measure and mark pine for 10 braces and 12 cross rails, clamping to cut with a circular saw (see Cutting list, above). Mark a sheet of plywood to cut the bedhead top and sides. Sand all cut edges; wipe away dust.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: The remaining full pine lengths are for the top and base rails and the full plywood sheet for the front.
    A close up of a hand using a circular saw to cut timber
  3. 3

    Build the frame and box

    Position the braces between top and base rails at the ends and at 600mm intervals, securing each join with adhesive and two screws. Secure cross rails against the braces. Attach the bedhead top, sides and front to the frame with adhesive and evenly spaced screws.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Predrill all screw holes with a countersinking bit. 
    A close up of of a hand using a drill on plywood to make the bedhead
  4. 4

    Lay the tiles on the bedhead

    Tile the bedhead front, working in rows up from the base, applying 25mm-diameter dabs of construction adhesive to position tiles without gaps. Tile the sides and top; leave to cure.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Construction adhesive is used for this decorative application, to avoid the standard 24-hour drying time required by the type of tile adhesive used for wet areas.
    A close up of a two hands laying tiles on plywood bedhead
  5. 5

    Apply grout to the tiles

    Work ready-mix grout into the tile joints with a grout float; leave for 15 minutes. Clean off excess grout with a damp (not wet) sponge, working diagonally across the joints. Let it cure overnight, then buff off grout haze with a dry cloth. Apply grout sealer, following the manufacturer’s instructions; leave to dry. Secure bedhead to the wall with furniture anchors (see below).
    A close up of a hand applying grout to tiles with a grout float
  6. 6

    Securing your tiled headboard safely

    The tiled bedhead must be secured to the wall for safety. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs (usually at 450mm or 600mm spacings), then secure both sides of the bedhead to the wall with two heavy-duty furniture anchors. Install the two supplied brackets into wallstuds 1050mm up from the floor. Match the remaining brackets to the back of the bedhead and secure to the frame. With the nut on the base, thread each cable up through the wall bracket and tape to the wall. Move the bedhead into position, un-tape and thread the cables up through the bedhead brackets and twist on the nuts.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: The anchors create a slight gap between the wall and bedhead, which allows for the skirting board.
  7. 7

    What size bed does this headboard suit?

    This project is designed for a double bed with two bedside tables and uses ninety-six 200mm x 200mm tiles. Adapt the bedhead box to suit your bed or tile size.
  8. 8

    Keep in mind...

    • When using power tools, tile adhesive and grout, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask, and eye and ear protection), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
    • Keep all adhesives, grout and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
    • Paint colours may vary on application.
  9. 9

    Want more D.I.Y. headboard ideas?

    Check out this timber bedhead project.


    Photo credit: Guy Bailey, Artemis Gouros. Diagram: Stephen Pollitt.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.