Transform an old door into a headboard

For this project we are using an old door to make a stylish wall-hung headboard with built-in sconces that serve as reading lamps.

 

 

 

At most salvage yards you’ll find row upon row of solid doors that can be reused in so many different ways. Use then to create dividers between spaces, as chalk board for kids - or glue on cork sheets to make a bulletin board for your home office. For this project we are using an old door to make a stylish wall-hung headboard with built-in sconces that serve as reading lamps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOU WILL NEED:

Door with symmetrical panels
Straightedge
Clamps
Trestles
Orbital sander plus 120- and 180- or 220-grit sanding pads
Alcolin QuikWood
Putty knife
Clean lint-free cloths
Mineral turpentine
Woodoc 10 interior sealer, clear or stained

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

 

1. Measure behind the bed and transfer this measurement onto the door, so that you know how much excess needs to be removed. Clamp the door to a couple of trestle tables and use a jigsaw or circular saw to cut off any excess timber. To create a guide fence for the saw, place a straightedge alongside your cutlines and clamp it to the door.

 

2. To fill the void in the edge of the door where the lock used to be, tap in a wood scrap. To fill any remaining gaps and keyholes, etc., use an epoxy putty such as Alcolin QuikWood to fill in. Scrape off any excess with a putty knife before the epoxy hardens.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Use an orbital sander and 120-grit sanding pads to remove scratches and dents on the surface. Finish off with 180- or 220-grit sanding pads for a smooth finish.

 

4. Use a cloth dampened with mineral turpentine to wipe clean. Apply three coats of Woodoc 10 interior sealer, either clear or stained in your choice of colour, and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Leave to dry overnight.

 

4. Before mounting onto the wall, attach two sconces at both sides for late night reading. Visit the Woodoc website for more information on Exterior and Interior sealers.