Repurposed Headboard
It’s not about what it is. It’s about what it can become! – Dr. Seuss
Whew! This has been the project in the making. I started this project just before moving from Tallahassee to Atlanta. It sat for about a year without any movement. I will be real here and let you all know that this past year has been rough. I thought moving to Atlanta would be different and great. Don’t get me wrong, I am still glad I moved here. I have loved being closer to my mom, sister and niece, but it has not been easy. This past May I actually lost my job. Working on projects again has given me some hope and a sense of purpose. This repurposed headboard project has me dreaming of starting bigger projects again. Guys! This could be the start of something beautiful here.
Some amazing friends gifted me this headboard. I entertained a few ideas before landing on its new functionality. My first thought was maybe a bench, but it was not quite right. It was, however, the perfect height and shape to create a desk. This repurposed headboard would now have new life as a desk.
I used one of my favorite tools to create the frame for the desk, the Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System. If you are interested in learning how to build, this is a great tool to have in your beginner’s tool belt. You can frame out your build with nice strong joins.
Beyond the desk frame | Adding the final touches
Once framed and painted, I began to finish the top and embellishments. I decided to first conquer the desk top. I ran into a small snag when I began putting together my top. It turned out two of the five boards had rotted. What a bummer! I made a trip to the Home Depot and picked up some beautiful oak. I was not able to exactly match the wood I had, but once I planed, sanded, and mixed the stain it did not matter in the slightest. It turned out beautifully.
I put the desk top together by bracing it underneath with slats. I also glued it up and clamped it to make sure it holds.
After the glue dried I unclamped the desk top. The 2 new oak boards sat slightly higher than the other boards. Using my Ryobi Electric planer I planed it down to make it even with the other boards. Once planed, I sanded it down and added the stain. I was ready to attach the top to the base and start adding the embellishments.
Shoutout to Kreg
Originally I was going to attach the top to the base a completely different way so I did not add pocket holes as I was building the frame. Thankfully, I had a brand new Kreg Jig tool I had received in my Haven Conference Swag bag. Guys! I have to give a shoutout to Kreg for a game changer, the Kreg Jig 320. Not only did it allow me to attach the jig to the frame easily and create the pocket holes, but it also has the functionality to complete all of the measurements and math for me without even pulling out a tape measure. With this Kreg Jig I was able to attach the desk top to the base with ease.
Adding Embellishments
For embellishments I wanted to add bulletin boards to the 2 insets. I cut out plywood and using my Brad Nailer and glue attached the plywood to the desk. You may notice one is chalkboard sheet. I used what I had on hand. It did not matter to me as the cork would be covering the plywood.
Final Touches
Cutting the cork sheets was a beast. I could not get it to cut without snagging the edges. I tried several methods. The closest I got to a straight edge is with a retractable blade knife. I just decided to add trim and that would cover up any imperfections. That ended up being a really great idea. As my three year old niece currently says: “that a good idea!” Happy accident. The trim I think adds so much to this piece.
Are you ready to see the big reveal? I think you have waited long enough for the end result.
She’s a BEAUT!
Just like this piece; I am not what is, but what I will become and so are you. Know it is never too late and you can become new. This is a brand new week and a brand new you!
Disclaimer: I am not sponsored or paid for any tools or items mentioned in this post. I am just simply linking to the tools I used in this project and more than likely purchased from the Home Depot.
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