Tips for IKEA NORDLI Headboard Installation

Published November 28, 2020

I recently purchased an IKEA NORDLI bed (003.498.49, 103.729.76) and want to document some missing information regarding the installation of its headboard (on drywall).

Manual: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/assembly_instructions/nordli-headboard__AA-2059272-4_pub.pdf
Weight: The headboard, fully assembled, weighs 70 lbs., rounded up.
Screws: The headboard support bars can take a variety of screw gauges, ranging from #8 to #12.

Some specific drywall guidance:
- For holes that don't line up with a wall stud:
  
  You will need ~75 lbs. rated anchors. Do not cheap out here or you'll regret it. E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock (affiliate link) anchors work great. The included screws are #8 x 1-5/8". These anchors are compatible with both 1/2" and 5/8" thick drywall, so you're covered.
- For holes that do line up with a wall stud:
  
  I recommend using a #12 x 2" screw, to cover both 1/2" and 5/8" thick drywall cases, and clear the thickness of the support bars.
Wall clearance: After the headboard is mounted onto the wall, the remaining gap/wall clearance will be 1.5". This is not enough room for power strips, but is plenty of room for routing AWG #16 (thick) electrical cables.