I want to construct a faux headboard to block off the window above the bed in my RV. (It's not an emergency access window, there is another window near the bed, and this window is annoying.) I'm going to nail or screw the faux headboard to the wall, so that it bridges the window, and blocks it. I'll cover it with some type of fabric, not sure what yet.I want this to be rigid enough to lean back against. The window is slightly recessed, maybe 1/2", so the headboard needs to be rigid enough to support itself and me when I lean on it (with a pillow, probably.) But I need it to be lightweight enough that I can fasten it to the wall with fairly small/short screws or nails.The finished size will be about 36" tall and 48" inches wide.My first thought is 1/2" plywood but I would definitely like to have something lighter. What material would be lighter but yet rigid enough? 1/4" plywood would be light, but I'm not sure it would be rigid enough.Also, what is the most reliable way to find the wall studs to support this (or anything else)?

1/4" plywood (or even a bit thinner material) with some wood strips, say 1/2" x 1/2", glued on the back to stiffen it would work fine. Maybe have three such strips horizontally across the width and one vertically at each end to tie things together. It's a question of making the structure more rigid as much as making it stronger.Another approach would be to build up a composite structure of thin plywood skins and rigid foam insulation board in the middle, all glued together. That can be incredibly strong for the weight. The stresses are carried by the plywood skins, and the foam serves to keep them flat and in alignment with each other.For fastening to the wall, I'd consider using some decent-sized pieces of Velcro so the headboard is readily removable if that should be necessary for some reason, say because you're unfortunate enough to have the glass in the window get broken.

DrewE wrote:1/4" plywood (or even a bit thinner material) with some wood strips, say 1/2" x 1/2", glued on the back to stiffen it would work fine. Maybe have three such strips horizontally across the width and one vertically at each end to tie things together. It's a question of making the structure more rigid as much as making it stronger.Another approach would be to build up a composite structure of thin plywood skins and rigid foam insulation board in the middle, all glued together. That can be incredibly strong for the weight. The stresses are carried by the plywood skins, and the foam serves to keep them flat and in alignment with each other.For fastening to the wall, I'd consider using some decent-sized pieces of Velcro so the headboard is readily removable if that should be necessary for some reason, say because you're unfortunate enough to have the glass in the window get broken.I was thinking about the Velcro as a good fastening option. I've learned the hard way (in home repair) not to assume that you will never need to get into anything. Another option would be to use the same #2 square-bit screws that are in everything else. They are small enough to be inconspicuous on a patterned fabric.That's a good idea with the ribs on the thin material. I could put them in the area directly over the window, to take care of the slightly recessed depth of the window. Then the remainder of the headboard would be flush against the wall, no need for reinforcement there. I could just cut a few strips out of the same material as the main part of the headboard.

You don't say how big the window is, so it's hard to say how much deflection there will be in the center of the panel you want to install. IMO DrewE is on the right track, but I would go further with at least a half inch frame around the window, then on top of that, put a structure as DrewE suggests. That would give you room for an inch of flex from the back of the half inch furring to the window glass. The thicker the frame, the more clearance you have.You could trim the edges with a moulding of your choice.

Try Google or Pinterest search " wall mounted headboard " for design / fabric.

Wayfair and Rooms to Go have what you are looking for cheaper than one can make one. Just a thought.

what material would work for this? | Good Sam Community

coolmom42
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2020
So after some more thought, and looking at way too many overly-cute RVs on Pinterest, I decided to use shiplap boards. I'll fill in the window depth with some thin foamboard to prevent condensation. The boards are light enough to hang with multiple Velcro strips so they can be taken down easily. I could also just screw them in but am a little hesitant to do that in an exterior wall.

There are 2 other windows with the ugly brown blinds and valances. I'm taking them down and replacing with normal curtains and rods. The curtains are almost white so will go with the shiplap.

If you are not familiar with shiplap, it's individual boards, thus lightweight and easily removed if needed. Like this: Classic Shiplap
coolmom42
Explorer II
Dec 14, 2020
Cummins12V98 wrote:
coolmom42 wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
coolmom42 wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
A picture of the window would help.

It's like every other RV window. Black frame, tinted glass. In this case, wider than tall, approx 2'tall and 3' wide. In the back of the RV.

Ok then cut a 1/2” pc of plywood to the size you like. Remove 4 screws from the frame on four corners. Now layout the screw pattern on the plywood and drill holes so the plywood holes align with the window frame holes. Use same diameter screws but 1/2” longer then attach plywood. Now cover with whatever you want.

Other option is to apply a 1x4 horizontally along top and bottom with a 45 angle on top of each board. Apply two boards to back of plywood to align with the two attached to the window frame so they will drop and lock into each other. This is called a “French Cleat”.

Add your covering to plywood and simply drop into place.

Paint the back of everything black.

The French cleat is a great option for hanging.

If I were to go the route you suggested, with the French cleat hangers... how do I find a place to screw the 1x4 to the wall? How does one locate wall "studs" in a RV?

Like I mentioned use the existing screw holes in the window frame. You said it was a standard window so I would assume there are screws on the inside that hold it in place???

Got it.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 14, 2020
coolmom42 wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
coolmom42 wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
A picture of the window would help.

It's like every other RV window. Black frame, tinted glass. In this case, wider than tall, approx 2'tall and 3' wide. In the back of the RV.

Ok then cut a 1/2” pc of plywood to the size you like. Remove 4 screws from the frame on four corners. Now layout the screw pattern on the plywood and drill holes so the plywood holes align with the window frame holes. Use same diameter screws but 1/2” longer then attach plywood. Now cover with whatever you want.

Other option is to apply a 1x4 horizontally along top and bottom with a 45 angle on top of each board. Apply two boards to back of plywood to align with the two attached to the window frame so they will drop and lock into each other. This is called a “French Cleat”.

Add your covering to plywood and simply drop into place.

Paint the back of everything black.

The French cleat is a great option for hanging.

If I were to go the route you suggested, with the French cleat hangers... how do I find a place to screw the 1x4 to the wall? How does one locate wall "studs" in a RV?

Like I mentioned use the existing screw holes in the window frame. You said it was a standard window so I would assume there are screws on the inside that hold it in place???
jjrbus
Explorer
Dec 14, 2020
coolmom42 wrote:
jkwilson wrote:
Something you need to consider is air circulation. Water will condense on the cold glass during cool weather. If you cover it, you have the potential for mold or water damage. Maybe spacing it off the window a little would be worth looking into.

Very good point.

If I use foamboard, as someone suggested, just pressed into the window, that would both block a lot of heat/cold, and prevent condensation.

I paint the foam board facing the outside, seems to hold up well,mine does not condense, no idea why not?? Most modern RV have very little stud in the wall!!
coolmom42
Explorer II
Dec 14, 2020
Cummins12V98 wrote:
coolmom42 wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
A picture of the window would help.

It's like every other RV window. Black frame, tinted glass. In this case, wider than tall, approx 2'tall and 3' wide. In the back of the RV.

Ok then cut a 1/2” pc of plywood to the size you like. Remove 4 screws from the frame on four corners. Now layout the screw pattern on the plywood and drill holes so the plywood holes align with the window frame holes. Use same diameter screws but 1/2” longer then attach plywood. Now cover with whatever you want.

Other option is to apply a 1x4 horizontally along top and bottom with a 45 angle on top of each board. Apply two boards to back of plywood to align with the two attached to the window frame so they will drop and lock into each other. This is called a “French Cleat”.

Add your covering to plywood and simply drop into place.

Paint the back of everything black.

The French cleat is a great option for hanging.

If I were to go the route you suggested, with the French cleat hangers... how do I find a place to screw the 1x4 to the wall? How does one locate wall "studs" in a RV?
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 14, 2020
coolmom42 wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
A picture of the window would help.

It's like every other RV window. Black frame, tinted glass. In this case, wider than tall, approx 2'tall and 3' wide. In the back of the RV.

Ok then cut a 1/2” pc of plywood to the size you like. Remove 4 screws from the frame on four corners. Now layout the screw pattern on the plywood and drill holes so the plywood holes align with the window frame holes. Use same diameter screws but 1/2” longer then attach plywood. Now cover with whatever you want.

Other option is to apply a 1x4 horizontally along top and bottom with a 45 angle on top of each board. Apply two boards to back of plywood to align with the two attached to the window frame so they will drop and lock into each other. This is called a “French Cleat”.

Add your covering to plywood and simply drop into place.

Paint the back of everything black.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Dec 13, 2020
Cummins12V98 wrote:
A picture of the window would help.

It's like every other RV window. Black frame, tinted glass. In this case, wider than tall, approx 2'tall and 3' wide. In the back of the RV.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 13, 2020
A picture of the window would help.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Dec 13, 2020
wopachop wrote:
Could eliminate several of those steps. No need for UV spray paint or double sided tape. I have 1" foam board in most of my windows. Never comes loose. If you have access to a jigsaw the foam cuts really nice.

That's good to know. Do you just have it stuck inside the window frame?

I did read something on the manufacturer's web site that said the foam board would eventually deteriorate with UV exposure. But, that could be CYA jargon, too. How long have you had yours in place?

Did you use foam board with a facing layer?
wopachop
Explorer
Dec 12, 2020
Could eliminate several of those steps. No need for UV spray paint or double sided tape. I have 1" foam board in most of my windows. Never comes loose. If you have access to a jigsaw the foam cuts really nice.

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