Brookstone Queen Headboard

Line up all eighteen panel boards, alternating the grain (bark side up, then down, board to board) to help the panel stay flat over time. Adjust for square, then glue and nail the top and bottom trim in place. If you don't have a nailer, screw from the back so no screw holes show on the front.

Screw the side and front legs on with glue and 2" screws.

A nailer is handy here; otherwise screw the leg front pieces to the legs with glue and 2" screws or nails.

Measure and cut the front trim to fit rather than trusting a fixed number. Nails hide best — if staining and you don't have a nailer, use a hammer and finish nails to keep holes minimal; if painting, screws and glue are fine.

Add the top trim with screws or nails and glue, centered on the top. Then attach the header to the top trim with finish nails and glue, also centered.

Cut two 1x4s to 36-3/4" long with both ends mitered at 45° off square, parallel to each other. On the top end of each, measure in 2" and mark a line square to the top edge; cut this line to form the notch that tucks under the top trim. Attach the cross supports to the back of the headboard with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue, nailing into every panel board they cross.