DIY Slat Wall Headboard: A Budget-Friendly Project
I’ve always wanted to try my hand at creating a slat wall headboard. Though plenty of ready-made slat wall panels are available online, I desired to create a budget-friendly one. Most of these panels come with sound-absorbing backings that add to the overall cost, a feature I didn’t require as I only used the slats as a headboard.
With some research, I found that wood veneer is available in rolls. These are pre-glued at the back and available in various wood types and thicknesses. This product, called veneer edging tape, is generally used to finish the edges of furniture or worktops. Taking the plunge, I decided on 30mm rolls of natural real oak to match my bedside tables.
Next, I purchased a sheet of MDF (18mm thickness) from B&Q, which I had cut to the desired height and into 30mm strips to match the width of the veneer roll - it helped having a prepared diagram and measurements for cuts.
After bringing the slat’s home, I ironed the veneer strips on to my MDF pieces. Albeit slightly time consuming, this was super easy to do. The width of the veneer was exactly the same width as the slats so there was no trimming required. I ironed right to the top and bottom edges and then carefully cut the veneer at the ends with scissors.
Next, I decided to sand the edges (make sure to wear a mask so you don’t breathe in MDF dust!) as the veneer is real wood and some of the edges were rough – no splinters please!
For a more professional looking finish, I added an extra strip of veneer onto the side edges of the two end slats. I thought this would make it a bit more special and it’s also something you don’t get on the pre-made panels. Both ends of my slat wall headboard look like solid wood which gives it that extra special finishing touch.
I’ve seen different videos and tutorials for installing the slats and a lot of people use nail guns. I think this is fine if you’re using MDF that you intend to paint, as you can fill in the nail holes first, but I didn’t want to put holes into the veneer. I decided to try a grab adhesive, and one nail at the bottom since you won’t see the bottom pieces behind the bed. I drilled pilot holes into the bottom first to make it easier to nail into the wall. I carefully placed the glued slats into position on wall and then pushed it up, so it was flush against the ceiling. This seemed to work great, and the glue has held well! Those slats are going nowhere!
I turned some of the slats onto their side to use as spacers to help ensure the distance between each slat was the same. I used a few at a time so I could leave them in place while the glue was drying. After doing the first few the process became quicker!
How is the end result?
I love it! I’m super pleased with how it turned out and it was also a fun project to do if you have the time. In total it cost around £120 which is approximately a third of the price compared to buying three of the pre-made panels, or half the price of buying individual slats from the same company. I’d say that’s a budget-friendly success!
Claudia x
