How to Cut a Headboard and a Footboard to Make a Sofa

Basic Design and Dimensions

1). Measure the headboard. It will form the back of the wooden sofa.
2). Determine how you'll use the footboard. You may wish to cut it into two parts for the sofa side arms.
3). Record dimensions and finished design on graph paper.

1). Cut two 2 by 4 inch boards, each 22 inches long.
2). Cut two more 2 by 4 inch boards the length of the headboard minus the depth of each footboard. These will be used as sofa side arms.
3). Screw the boards together in a rectangle shape, with the 22 inch boards on the inside edges of the rectangle.
4). Cut two additional 2 by 4 inch boards, 22 inches long, and attach them with screws, spaced evenly, inside the seating rectangle.
5). Cut a piece of 3/4 inch thick plywood to the dimensions of the 2 by 4 inch seating frame.
6). Center the plywood on the seating frame and attach with screws.

1). Pre-drill holes for screws through the headboard with a countersink drill bit every 8 inches, 10 1/2 inches from the bottom edge.
2). Attach the headboard to the long edge of the seating frame with screws, centering the seating frame, with the top of the seating frame 12 inches from the headboard's bottom edge. (There should be enough overage on each end of the headboard for the footboard sides to fit flush with the back.)
3). Use temporary 2 by 4 inch height spacers as front legs until the side arms are attached.

1). Cut the footboard in half. As needed, trim the sectioned footboard to fit the sofa seat depth.
2). Pre-drill holes for screws through the footboard sides with a countersink drill bit every 8 inches, 10 1/2 inches from the bottom edge.
3). Attach the footboard sides to the seating frame with the back edges of the side arms flush to the sofa back.
4). Pre-drill holes from the backside edges of the headboard with a countersink drill bit every 8 inches, with the final hole being 1/2 inch from the top.
5). Attach the footboard side arms to the headboard back with screws.

1). Cover screws with either wooden plugs or wood filler.
2). Sand the entire sofa and finish with your choice of pickling stain or paint.
3). Cut foam to seat dimensions, wrapping with cotton batting for cushions.
4). Cover cushions with fabric of your choice and place on the seating frame.