How to Make an Upholstered Bed and Headboard

[@dfgdfg_]

No filler, not a second wasted. Could barely keep up with the priceless knowledge!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks buddy 👊🏻

[@samusordicus]

You make the best digestible videos on DIY I've ever come across. Me and my girlfriend are currently renovating a victorian house in Mid Wales and your content has been a huge help!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Can't thank you enough for that 👍🏻 This one in particular has been a killer to edit, taking nearly 2 weeks, and I honestly don't know how I'd do it without this sort of encouragement. Really humbled that you're both finding my videos useful. Drop me an email if you've ever got any questions 👍🏻

[@samusordicus]

@@CharlieDIYte will do :) thank you for your productivity!

[@cherylhofer1662]

Oh, I love this video. Just wanted to make me the same style headboard, so that will help alot.

[@richarddicktaylor219]

Charlie I think you underestimate how much joy & happiness people get from both watching your videos and also from the confidence we all get from attempting to make or fix things. Years ago in Australia (pre KZbin) they started a thing called the Mens Shed Movement where blokes could go and tinker with things while (if they felt like it) talking about their lives & problems. It 's probably the biggest mental health success story to come out of Australian and while the Mens Shed movement exists in the UK, it's not as well known. Your videos and the few others like them, are almost an extension of the Mens Shed idea but in an even more accessible format and without the talking therapy bit. This may sound a bit far fetched but I think there is far more to why great DIY videos (and programmes like This Old House etc) are so popular; I think they hep us do as much DIY on ourselves as we do on our actual projects.

[@CharlieDIYte]

What a wonderful post, Richard, and something that really resonates with me. Funnily enough my Mum once said that DIY was therapy to me. I think it was in reference to the fact that when I had a stressful city job in my earlier years, the thing that kept me sane was DIY. I bought a wreck of a (terraced house) in south east London and my mate Roger (Dodge) came round most weekends to help me renovate it. He was recommended to me as a plasterer but had an encyclopaedic knowledge of most trades and was a perfectionist to boot. We ended up literally gutting the house together and became good friends as a result. It was hard work (the entire place needed deep cleaning every Sunday evening as I had a friend living with me at the time) but cleared my mind of all the rubbish from the day job, leaving me recharged by Monday morning. I learnt a huge amount from him as, before that I only had basic carpentry skills. The truth is though, many of the jobs I take on are things I haven't done before and so there's a huge amount of research before I start, to make sure I get it mostly right and don't attract too much criticism. But that's another one ticked off and the learning curve continues, and I guess the confidence grows. I really think DIY is cathartic and very empowering, helping to build up one's confidence that may not always be in plentiful supply. I'm probably a bit sad, but I do many a fist pump when I walk into a room and see something I've created or fixed, and that feeling of empowerment is your point about doing DIY on yourself. It sounds like the Mens Shed Movement was the best of both worlds because it combined DIY with camaraderie. The thing I've missed most in lockdown is the opportunity to talk rubbish with my mates down at the pub. You come back feeling so energised afterwards, so I can really see the benefit of the Shed Movement. What a fantastic idea, and such a shame it hasn't got more traction over here. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I'm humbled by the feedback that people cram into their busy lives to give me, and the photos I get sent of the things they've created. I genuinely couldn't do this without the constant encouragement. The weeks of editing (the bed video took a week and a half) often leaves me feeling a bit deflated, and then almost immediately I have a wonderful comment like yours which reminds me that all the hard work is so worthwhile. Thanks again 👍👊🙏

[@stevedavis2541]

Blooming hell Charlie is there anything you cant make. I have nearly furnished my house with your help. Your the gift that keeps giving. Rock on

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Steve. It's humbling to hear that. Thanks for the comment mate 👍🏻

[@JamesWB100]

Great stuff as always; bed looks really good. Additionally, while I can't speak for the rest of your subs, I don't mind long videos!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks James. I was desperately trying to keep it below 10 minutes but rarely succeed with that. I think general watch time is around the 6 to 7 minute mark but stats like that don't give the full picture so it's great to get feedback like that 👍🏻

[@jamescasson4227]

I 2nd this, good video but would have preferred it a bit longer with a bit more detail. While I know that's me you can't please everyone which I appreciate. I know the missus wants me to do something like this so given me a few good pointers.

[@Brownie-956]

I 3rd this. Not because I wanted more detail, I just find it really interesting and compelling to watch.

[@JamesWB100]

@@CharlieDIYte You're welcome. You've done me numerous favours with your videos in the past. Recently moved into a house and the kitchen mixer was dripping. I had no idea who manufactured the tap or where to start. Low and behold, you have the same tap in one of your videos! Regarding their length, I suspect you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. I watch them because my house needs a lot of work and I might learn something useful for the future. Others, I guess, come to the channel for very specific reasons.

[@the_judge_8262]

Long videos are good, many similar KZbinrs do it in the US

[@Scott-dg4nq]

Your videos are like watching cookery programmes. I watch in awe but know I’ll never try or make it myself.

[@CharlieDIYte]

But you could do my friend. Just got to start with the smaller tasks and gradually build up your confidence and skill 👍🏻

[@johnbell7552]

Charlie the “split timber” method of hanging the headboard, is known as a ‘French Cleat’. The bed looks very professional by the way, very classy 👌

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks John. As I've said to another comment, I've been doing the day job for 10 years now and I never knew it was called that 😏 👍🏻

[@johnbell7552]

@@CharlieDIYte .... you are welcome Charlie, I’m still finding out things at 71😉 Thoroughly enjoy your vlogs.

[@denverflatpackjedithornton]

Am I the only person that smiles when they see somebody using the fisher duo power raw plugs There’s not many things in the construction industry there a game changer on our level of DIY type industry but that is one of them #ThankYouFisher #fisher

[@CharlieDIYte]

They're awesome, aren't they!

[@lucieciepka1031]

Thank you for the tips and the simple instruments you are using.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment Lucie 👍🏻

[@thedieiscast9729]

Tulipwood is a nice soft wood to work, have used it to make traditional rocking horses in the past. Your bed looks great and thanks for your comments about the mattress, we are looking to buy one ourselves so your observations were most welcome. Thanks for sharing.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. The mattress is incredibly comfortable but it has a rather convex shape in the middle now where you don't sleep, and not being able to turn it is a bit of a downside.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

'Split Battons' holding the headboard to tha wall - I believe that type are called a 'French Cleat' and I use them to hold plywood on my garage wall with tools on as the heavier it gets the more secure it is. Superb video, so glad to see something not mentioning HomeDepot or Walmarts every 5mins! LOL Good old Blighty!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks and you're absolutely right - it is more commonly called a French cleat as discussed in this update vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ-ufnibbbCYgJI. Thanks for that 👊

[@awantamta]

That is a fantastic construction.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@figrollin]

I've been trying to work up the courage to build a bed for our toddler. And this has given me the confidence to do so! Great project :)

[@CharlieDIYte]

Go for it mate. You'll do a great job and you never know what DIY jobs it will lead onto...

[@myhandydiy4471]

Charlie, video wasn't too long at all mate, perfect and well explained. I'm currently doing a bedroom refurb myself and need to build a bed, will certainly be taking into account a lot of the things you highlighted here. thanks for sharing mate.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@kafzal1983]

Another cracking video Charlie. Love the level of detail you go into.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks 👍

[@souljacker4570]

Just a heads up unsure if you know about them but for around £10-£20 you can buy a universal drill press stand that will clamp any corded or cordless drill then you can just simply tie or lock the trigger and pull the lever.. I've never tried one myself though I know my father has one of around 30 years old and he told me he was happy with it when he did use it for all the years he did. I'll be picking one up myself hopefully soon. Possibly worth picking up yourself for if nothing less a review video. Thanks for the video as always Charlie keep up the great work.

[@jimkenny4154]

Many thanks for all your hard work that you put in to your volgs.

[@raminybhatti5740]

That's amazing, Charlie. You've taken it to the next level with this bed. 👌

[@CharlieDIYte]

Aw, thanks for that, Mykel 👍

[@booshallmighty]

I bought the Emma mattress in a box. They give huge discounts with codes. I had the same concerns as you but I really like it. I hated the early memory foam ones. I remember trying one out in a shop and it felt like wet sand. These mattress in a box do have more springyness we love from well sprung mattresses.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Agreed Craig and I've heard good things about those Emma's, too 👍🏻

[@athycat]

No intention ever of building my own bed but the nail spacer was a very interesting piece of equipment I'd never heard of. I've seen some very dodgy finishes on DIY upholstery changes. Thanks for that🤗

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

Wonderful demonstration. You’re easy to watch and give great tutorials.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Patricia 👍🏻

[@Vyker]

Very good job on the dowels. So hard to do. Router coming in handy again.. very useful little tool. Great video as always Charlie. Well done mate.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate, good to hear from you. Yes, much harder than you'd have thought. I think that's why dowels are on the decline. Biscuit joints would be so much easier but they don't do the right job here. 👍🏻

[@simonvaughan1270]

What a beautiful bed and WOW! What a price saving. Keep your videos coming, I always look forward to seeing them. THANK YOU!

[@rickygray222]

Fantastic video Charlie, no issues with the length I’d have happily watched the extended highlights version! The end product looks great and you’ve got something now that will be superior to the more expensive one you had seen. Really fancy doing something similar but we’ve got an ottoman bed at the moment so it’s a smidge more complicated to move across the mechanism etc.

[@zafarfarooq3574]

jh

[@SteS]

10/10 result.. I'm going to be making a bed soon and this has put to bed my apprehension about doing so. I'll get my coat. Thanks Charlie.

[@ST-mo5hv]

I would love to make one but by the time I purchase all the tools... lol. Beautiful bed

[@EM-fh2tx]

Not sure I'd spend 450 on velvet ;) - but delighted to see this video right now. I need to get a bed into a space that is just a fraction too small for a standard bed frame. Some great ideas here, thank you!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Fair point, particularly given it dwarfed the cost of the wood. There are some very good cheap fabrics out there though.

[@jackiefarnell2536]

You get what you pay for with velvet - and remember that every time you touch it there will be fingermarks left behind if it’s not upholstery grade. I would personally have made sure to run the pile the same way as the headboard and made joins; the colour difference can be immense when two different directions adjoin one another. But that’s my day job! And I would stress more about that than all the palaver of getting the bolts in perfectly perpendicular! 😀

[@jackiefarnell2536]

PS I love my Kreg pocket hole jig! Might be worth a video, Charlie?

[@claudioscola]

Better than the crappy slats you see on most beds these days.

[@gish85]

Great video, would line another one going into detail about how to drill accurately for dowels. I ended up getting that wolf craft jig but was still having problems with the holes not being perfectly straight

[@olliekerslake3296]

Another great video, fair play making your own bed. No mean feat and it turned out great.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Ollie 👍

[@the_judge_8262]

We've had a Simba mattress for 4 years now and I fully agree with your positives. The main driver for me was the combination of pocket springs and latex. Also, latex unlike memory foam means body heat isn't reflected back resulting in feeling very hot at night in the bed. 👍🏼👍🏼 I did have my doubts about using it on slats, but it's been fine all these years and Simba say it's ok too.

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's good to hear. My views haven't changed - it's still so comfortable 👍🏻

[@suckers0]

Great video. Just some suggestions for future bed builders, based on my Heals made bed: incorporate the feet into the head and foot boards (easier dismantling/reassembly); upholster the 4 pieces separately (i.e. head/foot boards and two side rails) for dis/re-assembly; corners are joined using large aluminium internal brackets bolted into frame (140mm x 70mm x 6mm) - no wobbling!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks for that. Makes sense. I think if I had seen those brackets I may have done it this way.

[@garvielloken3929]

Splendid!! A true DiY channel. Gives me the confidence to tackle the jobs

[@booshallmighty]

A lot of work. Great job. I was hoping you would try your hand at tufting. I want to make a leather style tufted door for my home theater room.

[@CharlieDIYte]

🛠Charlie DIYte Amazon Tool Store amzn.to/3fcLnY4 - all my tried, tested and much loved DIY tools. ☕Charlie DIYte Buy Me a Coffee Membership bit.ly/3xuQ3zb - access our incredible Discord DIY forum and help support my Channel. 👚Charlie DIYte Official Merch Store charlie-diyte.myspreadshop.co.uk/ - all new range of professionally designed merch.

[@MrCraigShepheard]

Love the video. One minor point on the pins on the headboard. Wouldn’t you leave the last pin sitting slightly high so that the first hole on the pin holder skips in to guarantee perfect alignment.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. That's a damn good point Craig. 👌

[@louvierejacques]

Wow! Great video- cool project, perfect level of detail, clear and concise delivery, and slick editing. I appreciate that you included prices and a couple of alternate ways of solving problems. Liked, Subscribed, and looking forward to learning more from you.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks for that and also for subscribing - I really appreciate your support 👊🏻

[@normanboyes4983]

Nice job Charlie.👍

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Charlie, I do like that jig for putting the upholstery pins in, it made spacing go so well. Don’t like the memory mattresses as I find they make me sweat in bed and that is not a good thing.

[@suj1945]

Oh mate, this is some serious skill. Not only that, but the video edit was sublime. Very well done :)

[@afnankhokhar5578]

Charlie, you've done a fab job here. Wish I had the courage to do what you've done - hopefully one day!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Afnan. You've just got to give it a go, my friend 👊

[@lazyj4732]

When cutting a bolt or threaded bar, if you can, put a nut or two on there before cutting. It helps clean the thread, as any swarf that has gone into the thread is cleaned out as you wind the nuts off.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. Yes that's a good technique. My way on the sander does a similar job and eliminates any sharp edges you may sooner your finger with.

[@nickiredale9145]

Cracking job, that bed is better built than a manufactured one!

[@alan36753]

Another excellent video. As always there are things I would do differently but I always learn something from your well thought out thorough and comprehensive videos. Thank you.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Alan, I really appreciate that. If you've got a moment it would be great to hear what you would have done differently 👍

[@salttothesea]

Amazing job!

[@darrenpaulgreen]

Superb build Charlie 👍. Big savings on the shop bought version but must have been a bit nerve wrecking with the high material costs! And a glimpse of Mrs DIYte to boot!

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Well Charlie, I have to admit, job superb done. I had plans to do it too, a couple of years ago, but I took the easy way out and bought the complete bed. Seen you doing it, I have some regrets cause the colour I wanted was not available so I compromised but in your case you can have it spot on ! Besides the savings it is also fun to do. Now my brain is boiling wether I should change the headboard fabric next year (I hate you for that hehehehehe) Good video (explanation) also for the tools that didn't work, great result, and thanks for sharing.

[@jamesfarrer5087]

Another great video. Needed a superman jump onto it at the end to finish it off. At least Charlie you're now one of the few who can say 'I've made my own bed, now I'm going to lie in it' :)

[@muhammedshahmia1656]

Thanks Charlie. Awesome video.

[@ratchriat1716]

top work Charlie.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate 👍🏻

[@owainjones9321]

Loved this video Charlie. Your videos have been great and have inspired me to massively up my DIY game over the last 4 years and have a go at most things. Keep up the great work!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Massive thanks for the comment, Owain. Really humbled that you've found my vids useful. It's a combination of the learning curve and confidence at the end of the day, isn't it. But nothing beats that feeling of elation when you fix or create something 👍

[@smiiley0]

So glad I found your page! Really helpful videos 😁

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate I really appreciate that 👊🏻

[@C4sp3r123]

Fantastic job, I would second other comments about the length of your videos. They are so good and contain so much good information it would be great to see them be longer. An alternative could have been to split the video into one for the frame and one for the headboard. Fantastic channel you have!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks so much for that. Yes, I should have done two videos, split as you say, and I've got a wardrobe build coming up reasonably soon that I will definitely need to do like that 👍

[@michaelsteyn]

Great build Charlie, well done.

[@wallstreetcrash1]

Always enjoy your enthusiasm and videos. well done Charlie, another fine job. If a little pricey for my budget. Regards KCB.🙂🇬🇧👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks for that, also I really appreciate you watching my vids 👊

[@shevy213]

Bravo Charlie!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Shev 👍

[@lazylad9064]

Bit of a labour of love that one pal😬. Top marks to you for your endeavour 👍👍.

[@vonvetur]

I can confirm that Timbersource discount works, thanks! Also in my case they made the price even lower automagically just by contacting them.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Ah, good work. 👍

[@Chrismartin88]

Maybe a couple of support legs for the centre support for the slats just to stop sagging when under pressure

[@andrewroberts6158]

Nice work Charlie 👌🏻

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Andrew 👍

[@twistedl2009]

Loving your videos so far, shocked to see how achievable you made this one look, great work 😀

[@ridgmont61]

Nice job Charlie.

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks charlie, looks like a very comfortable bed. Lovely......now i just need you to show us how to make a sofa bed 😃😃

[@valborchardt3596]

Please check your instagram messages

[@mana2k1]

Top quality video this, thanks for sharing your learnings

[@shawnamax1068]

Excellent and perfect timing!!! Thank you for this x

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're very welcome. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@isyt1]

Great build. Turned out great! But I thought you promised not to wear those slip on shoes with no socks ever again 15:01 😂

[@markflajsner9944]

Was it a long video, I hadn't noticed, building the most important piece of household furniture needs to be well explained, that you did very well. Personally, I have no issue with longer views, obviously for you it requires more time-consuming work on the videoing side, though no doubt there'll be a lot people who prefer the shorter editions.

[@bdwilson1907]

Hi Charlie, centre marking looks like it has potential but have you considered the use of precision ground metal dowels of sturdier diameter? They're often ground to nominal dimensions so can be a good, reliable source of measurement. Granted it does help if you can drill the holes they are fitted in accurately too but an increase in diameter over the 2mm bits will give an increase in rigidity Source: CNC fixture Designer

[@howarthcd]

Regarding the holes for the dowels - as the wood was to be covered, could you have assembled the joint with just the bolts and then drilled holes for dowels through both pieces to be joined, then disassemble to insert the dowels, or even just tap them in? The holes on the outside edge would have been covered by the fabric and could even have been filled. Just seems simpler than trying to sort out a jig and would have been accurate.

[@davidosullivan3432]

well done mate

[@HK-cp8tm]

Amazing!

[@annvierling8558]

What depth foam did you use and how many layers are there ?

[@ScottishPaul45]

Cracking effort Charlie well done 👍 Would pocket holes be a viable option for a build like this rather than dowels if you already had a pocket hole jig?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Paul 👍🏻 I think they probably would although it's not something I've experimented with yet (but it's on my list!) They wouldn't be as strong as the bolts but combined with those corner pieces they'd do the job.

[@ScottishPaul45]

@@CharlieDIYte good point, with the M8 bolts there is no doubt it's incredibly strong. Better if you do have to dismantle and reassemble also.

[@Carlsho5733]

What laser level did you use Charlie? Would you recommend the Ryobi palm router?

[@CharlieDIYte]

It's a Leica Disto D2 which has been enormously useful over the years, although it has just given me a bit of a headache on the current wardrobe build, where it's caused me to over egg since critical drawer width measurements by 2mm! Yes, can't recommend the trim router highly enough. I'm using it all the time on the current build kzbin.info/www/bejne/oonWXmefjbRrbZY

[@dcoughla681]

Fantastic job, Charlie. Well done! So impressed. It looks so chic, modern yet timeless. I’m shocked at how much it costs to buy a decent quality bed like this & am amazed that some people change their beds every few years or so. On beds, I tend to spend on the main bedroom & save (IKEA!) on the guest ones! One thing, can I please have your thoughts on those school radiators you have. I’ve heard mixed reviews. They look nice but take ages to heat up in the winter etc. Maybe it’s just the make I don’t know. I’d be interested to know what you think.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks, I really appreciate that. Yes, very sensible on the beds! The radiators definitely won't be as efficient as, say a convector radiator, but I've massively insulated the wall and installed new double glazed windows, so we never really have a problem with warmth in the room. The radiators aren't traditional cast iron - I got them from Screwfix. They are cast iron but may be not as thick as those massive old school ones, so maybe that helps. They do heat up pretty quickly. It probably also helps that I have a relatively new 2 pipe central heating system and spend quite a lot of time desludging it. Have you seen my Magnaclean video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXWuZJhmiM9go8k

[@dcoughla681]

@@CharlieDIYte Thanks Charlie. That makes sense. Someone I know had cast iron radiators & he said they took forever to heat up esp in the winter. He thought they were a big waste of money. I will look into the Screwfix radiators & follow up on your tips before deciding on whether or not to go ahead. Thanks, again. You’re a star!

[@thomasbaker2154]

I was just wondering whether you ever used french cleats and there you go. Ever thought of doing a tool storage system using them.? I've een similar videos but enjoy your step-by-step instructions more.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thomas you're the second person who's called them French cleats. I've been in the soft furnishings business for 10 years and I never knew that's what they were called! Tool storage, kitchen cupboards.. I can see lots of applications so long as you've got the space above to lift them down onto the cleats.

[@mattbandura9015]

Nice job, I like the end result, but I would have mattress deeper myself

[@shaxali6462]

Really I like it 😍

[@nunziasposito808]

great video, thank you so much, I might have missed it but how much velvet and foam underneath did you use? Thanks

[@CharlieDIYte]

Can't remember but you've basically got to run it lengthways around the base, so measure the perimeter of your base adding a bit for the join and that's your length.

[@ashleyberry1116]

has the bed seen much action? and if so, has it passed the test?

[@AstroHBF]

It looks amazing! Thanks for the vid!

[@ashworthuk]

Hi Charlie, I have a question about the upholstery. My wife and I are going to have a go at building a headboard for our daughter's bed (me the woodwork and Hannah will tackle the upholstery). We're not going to have upholstery nails at the front so I guess we wouldn't need the soft wood at the front, right? Also, do you know why the upholsterer used two types of foam (what was the white foam too?). Any help would be amazing (we've paused and replayed your headboard section so many times 😄

[@ashworthuk]

Oooo...one more. You list where you buy timber but where do you buy your MDF...any recommendations?

[@CharlieDIYte]

I should have done a bit more on the headboard but the video was long enough by then! I suspect (though I'm not 100% sure) the harder foam at the back gives it is structure and the softer foam, the comfort. Also on a thinner fabric the darker foam might show through the fabric. We've had that happen on one occasion in the day job. However I wouldn't worry about that on your daughter's - you could just buy one piece of foam, and yes if you're not using the nails you don't need to worry about the lip being soft wood. Good luck with it🤞🏻

[@CharlieDIYte]

You can get it from B&Q and they'll cut it to size for you, failing that see if you've got any local timber merchants (Wickes/ Travis Perkins etc. It's 18mm but you could also use chipboard or OSB as it will be completely covered. The spray he used is a spray adhesive. Worth getting some to stick the foam down to the board but be careful as it's messy stuff. Probably best to do it outside.

[@theweepinghunter]

What a cracking vid thank you. But can I ask why you used hardwood when you covered it all up would pine or even plywood been cheaper you would have had to glue 2 bits together as you stayed but you covered it up do not understand? why the hardwood

[@glencwilson]

I have a complaint. Can you post your videos a week earlier please. Had just mounted our headboard to the wall using button fixings (which actually work well) but your method would have been easier :) I have had a Wolfcraft for about 30 years and whilst it doesn't get used that much it is still a useful addition to the tool box. Though shorter videos are handy, longer in-depth ones are really helpful. Would be interested to see a more detailed one on covering the headboard. Really appreciate that you include the lessons that you have learned, the comments on the tools you have used and the mistakes made as it helps us to hopefully avoid them. Thanks again for really useful videos.

[@MateyBoy82]

how did you cut the curved timber for the top of the headboard?

[@CharlieDIYte]

With my jigsaw, sanding the there layers once assembled, with my belt sander.

[@mckeon1960]

Subscribed😁

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks so much Ann 🙏

[@vonvetur]

What thickness do you recommend for a bed frame (not slates)? 32mm seems like quite a lot

[@CharlieDIYte]

Probably more than 18. I'd say 22 to 25mm.

[@HashMeister]

Hi you mentioned you used moisture resistant MDF for the headboard...Will regular MDF be fine? I'm planning a similar project but using plywood or mdf screwed to 3x2 timber to support the slats. Any thoughts?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes, absolutely fine. I only used MR MDf because that's all my builders merchants had.

[@georgewarren5565]

Is the Erbauer drill better than than the Ryobi?

[@ChrisLivingInYork]

Great video and just what I need as I plan to make my own upholstered headboard. Can you recommend a supplier for the velvet material you used?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Chris. This was Designers Guild Varese which is lovely but expensive. I think Googling is your best bet as you can get near trade prices on a lot of fabrics on-line anyway - companies like www.justfabrics.co.uk. You don't need to buy Designers Guild though as there are a lot of good quality velvets out there. Order a sample first so you can check the colour and quality.

[@desiman0786]

Mate I watched the whole video.. Absolutely awesome project.. Is there anything you can't do.. 😂.. I think Ikea will be contacting you soon for a bulk order. 👌

[@namski2410]

Charlie, why did you not use plywood since the beautiful wood got covered in fabrics? Anyway, I am making one and have found your explanations very useful

[@CharlieDIYte]

At current prices plywood wouldn't have been much cheaper, but I hear what you say. I did think this at the time.

[@namski2410]

You are correct. I hadn't factored in the current prices of plywood. In fact, I am now planning to further compromise by gluing 18mm plywood and either 12 or 18 mm MDF together for the sides and bottom. The plywood on the inside to provide better mechanical anchor and the mdf is just to help me achieve the desired thickness - all will eventually be covered in fabrics as in yours. Then just mdf for the headboard with supporting/bracing timber round the edges (just as you did in yours). Anyway, thanks for replying. It is much appreciated, and thanks for all the videos teaching us DIYers very useful skills

[@ma-michael1558]

Charlie - 2 years on what are your thoughts on the mattress?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hmmm, it's very comfortable but there are limitations. You can't turn it over and it does dome in the middle where you're not lying. So I'd say you're still better with a good quality pocket sprung if you can find one.

[@ma-michael1558]

@@CharlieDIYte Appreciated and I'm pleased you confirmed this as having done some reading online I was starting to lean towards a pocket-sprung mattress. Cheers and keep up the good work

[@andrewarcher880]

Split batten also known as French Cleats

[@athiqurrahman8147]

can you give an update on your mattress? how is it 6 months later?

[@SharpEdgeWoodworking-UK]

Hey Charlie.... Cool video. Ive a couple of beds before.... Can i ask you what size you built your bed frame to in relation to your mattress size?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate. The mattress is a King (we now wish we'd made it super king). So 150 wide give or take a few cms, courtesy of Simba!! and the finished internal width of the frame is 1523mm. The internal length is 2040mm. There's no obvious gap when the mattress is in position, so I think these tolerances are about right.

[@SharpEdgeWoodworking-UK]

@@CharlieDIYte yeah.... I did the same. I didn't know if i should undersize the frame a tad in relation to mattress size so you compress the mattress into the frame a tad....if that makes sense! I just wondered how you planned it out too 👍

[@UberAlphaSirus]

Did you run the velour/velvet with the nap sideways or was the fabric made with the nap running with the weft? A tip on upholstery nails, once they are in you can hit them on the sides to line them up better, they have loads of movement in them, just don't go crazy fine adjusting them, they have about 10 side whacks untill you break the head off. You only need a guide if you want them spaced out, if you want closed nailing you just put the next one a mm closer and the old nail guides the cap to it an the a little nudge for alignment. I used to love nailing, especialy french chairs around the arms, working the last 15 to match seamlessly was always very satisfying.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I'll let you into a secret. I made an almighty mistake here. On the bed the velvet (is it the weft?) runs from top to bottom, and when I went over to the upholsterer's, it was after a long day making the headboard and he never asked me which way it was running and I totally forgot to tell him. We had a 50:50 chance of getting it right and of course we got it wrong. So there's a very slight colour difference when you look at the bed and headboard from one side depending on how the light hits it. I'm gutted but it's something I'm learning to live with! I should have put it in the video (I'm not proud and like people learning from my mistakes) but after a week and a half of editing, by the end I just wanted to get it posted and it missed the final edit.

[@JezVibert]

One of the best things about your videos is that you share your mistakes and lessons learned. Bravo! Also you show that you can get a great result with normal DIY tools and some lateral thinking

[@Gixer750pilot]

So Charlie , does it squeak ? 😉

[@perfection597]

I remember when I first left home I stayed in lodgings and the landlady said Can you make your own bed and I said yes before she replied well there's a hammer and nails in the corner.

[@BOBBY-et9xb]

😂😂😂👊

[@markharrisllb]

Bud Flanagan at his very best.

[@perfection597]

@@markharrisllb My landlady wasn't called bud. She also asked if I had a good memory and I said yes why? There's no mirror for shaving she replied.

[@stogie525]

Top video Charlie, the bed looks great. Out of interest the curved soft wood on the top of the headboard, did you scribe and cut it from a wide piece of pine?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. Yes exactly. From a wide piece of pine. 👍🏻