How It Came Together: The Final Steps
After catching up on the mistakes and detours of this DIY, if you wanted to try it yourself based on how I should have done it (the right way), here is a look at the exact materials and steps I ultimately used to secure everything.
Whiskey Barrel to DIY Headboard
How to rescue a broken Jim Beam whiskey barrel and give it new life by upcycling it into a custom rustic headboard.
Materials
- 3 each 2 inch x 4 inch x 5 foot boards
- 2 each 2 inch x 4 inch x 4 foot boards
- 1 box 2 inch construction screws
- 1 box 3 inch construction screws
- 1 can Dark Oak wood stain
- 1 each Disassembled Whiskey Barrel (Jim Beam preferred)
- 1 bottle Wood glue
- 1 tub Wood putty
The Frame
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Lay the framework for the headboard on the floor using two 2 inch x 4 inch x 4 foot boards parallel to one another.
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Lay the cross section and top section with two 2 inch x 4 inch x 5 foot boards and attach them using two 3 inch screws.
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On the top side of the frame, attach a 2 inch x 4 inch x 5 foot laid flat first by using wood glue, with 3 u00bd inch screws on the sides of the framework, then (5) 2 u00bd inch screws on the top board (one in the middle and two in between the middle and edges). Ensure that the top section and back section are even when laying the board on the ground.
The Staves
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Alternate between up facing and down facing staves across the framework where each staves placement sits at the top section, under the lip made in Step 3. Attach them using 2 u00bd inch screws first at the top, then the bottom, continuing the pattern across the framework. (Pro Tip: Make a drill hole first to make adding screws easier!)
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Use wood putty to fill in the drill holes of the barrel staves so the top and bottom sections blend seamlessly. Sand the entire piece until smooth.
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Using a dark oak wood stain, stain the entire surface of the piece and allow it to dry for about 3 hours. With a clean cloth, wipe off any excess stain that remains on the surface.
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Create a rest around the entire bed using 2x4s (rather than attaching it straight to the wall). Attach 2 boards directly into the bed frame using screws the same diameter as the ones included at purchase with a length about two times the original.
Tools
- Ryobi 18V Drill Set with Lithium-Ion Battery, Charger, Bits & Bag
- Sandpaper
- Clean cloth (for wiping stain)