Headboard Made From Recycled Wood Ladder
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/xHeadboard-Made-From-Recycled-Wood-Ladder.jpg.pagespeed.ic.tXBlV-kwYz.jpg)
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540607/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I created a ledge all the way around using plywood, so I wood have a recessed edge to attach my backing to. I also put in a cross brace in the middle.
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540609/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I attached 1/4 inch plywood to the frame to use as a backing for my wood pieces.
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540613/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I cut two holes for lights and two holes for switches and stained the frame and backing.
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540615/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I laid all of my wood pieces out, but did not attach them until I had them all the way I wanted them. I did have to use some other wood I that I had in addition to the wood that I removed from the ladder. Once I had everything the way I liked it, I used glue and finishing nails to attach the pieces to the backing.
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540622/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I then stained the whole thing using Minwax Espresso stain. The different types of wood stained differently which was exactly what I wanted. My daughter wanted it to look like it came from an old ship to match her nautical theme. I then applied two coats of Tung oil.
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540655/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I found these lights at Home Depot that were called “bulkhead”, perfect for the nautical theme. I wired them to the switches that also had a plug, so my daughter could charge her phone, or laptop. Please consult an electrician for wiring, I am lucky to have a son that is an electrician.
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540658/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I used the old hinges from the ladder and cut them to use for switch plates.
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540663/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I reattached all of the old rivets and hardware pieces from the ladder. I left all of the old paint that was on the ladder and you can still see it through the stain.
![headboard made from recycled wood ladder](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/12/15/4540664/headboard-made-from-recycled-wood-ladder.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Here is the finished piece. My daughter loves it and it was a great way to help me to keep all of those “handyman” memories of my father on the ladder.