Last updated: October 2026
The easiest way to make a slat panel headboard is to fix Akupanel 120 half panels (1200mm high × 600mm wide) to the wall behind your bed and top them with a 67mm finishing slat, which forms a small shelf. A queen or king bed usually needs three panels, from R1,100 to R1,700 each. For a bolder look, run full-height 2.4m panels from floor to ceiling behind the bed.
Which panel should I use for a headboard?
Use the Akupanel 120 half panel. At 1.2m high it sits at a comfortable headboard height and was introduced specifically for headboards, half walls and under-counter features. It comes in the full range of finishes, from Classic Oak to Walnut, Black Ash, Rustic oaks and colours.
Half panels are custom cut to size, so allow for a tolerance of a few millimetres when you measure. Because they are cut to order, they can't be returned for a change of mind.
How many panels for my bed size?
Each panel is 600mm wide. A headboard usually looks best slightly wider than the bed, or extending to the bedside tables.
| Bed | Approx. bed width | Panels | Headboard width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | about 0.9m | 2 | 1.2m |
| Double | about 1.4m | 3 | 1.8m |
| Queen | about 1.5m | 3 | 1.8m |
| King | about 1.8m | 3 or 4 | 1.8m or 2.4m |
| Including bedside tables | 4 to 6 | 2.4m to 3.6m |
What else do I need?
- A 67mm finishing slat across the top to create a shelf-style ledge, available in Black Ash and Rustic Smoked Oak.
- 22mm finishing slats for the two side edges.
- Mounting glue or screws, plus rawplugs if your wall needs them.
What does a headboard cost?
A queen headboard of three Classic Oak Black Felt half panels comes to 3 × R1,200 = R3,600 for the panels, plus finishing slats and glue. In Walnut it's 3 × R1,400 = R4,200, and in Black Ash 3 × R1,700 = R5,100. Full price list in our price guide.
How to install a slat headboard
- Mark the position. Centre the headboard on the bed and mark the outline on the wall with a pencil and level.
- Mark any cut-outs for wall lights, switches or plug points, and cut them out with a jigsaw.
- Fix the panels with screws through the felt into the wall, or with mounting glue. Join panels felt side to slat side, keeping the 13mm gap between slats.
- Finish the edges with 22mm finishing slats on the sides and a 67mm finishing slat on top.
Our standard installation guide has the full method. Or let our installers do it, usually in under a day.
Floor-to-ceiling headboard walls
For a hotel-style bedroom, cover the wall behind the bed from floor to ceiling with 2.4m panels. It makes the room feel taller, frames the bed and absorbs more sound, which helps in bedrooms with tiled floors.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a slat headboard be?
Our Akupanel 120 half panel is 1.2m high, which is a comfortable headboard height for most beds.
How many slat panels do I need for a queen bed?
Three Akupanel 120 panels, making a headboard 1.8m wide.
Can I return half panels?
Half panels are custom cut, so they can't be returned for a change of mind. Your rights for faulty goods still apply.
What finishes are available for headboards?
The Akupanel 120 comes in Classic Oak, Walnut, Black Ash, the Rustic oaks, colour finishes and Wrapped finishes.
Start with samples so you can see the finish against your bedding: order A4 samples.
