GIANT CHALKBOARD DIY

Chalkboards are for writing, drawing, communication, sharing quotes and inspiration; I almost feel like no home is complete without a chalkboard. Have you ever priced them? A nice big chalkboard can cost big bucks! So, my hubby and I decided we would build one, then we built a second for our winter home. It’s super easy, beginner level I would say. There is a short list of supplies needed:

• Smooth brown hardboard panel
• saw and miter box
• box knife
• hammer (manual or power)
• nails (wire 1/2″ or brads 1/2″)
• alligator hangers
• 2 sawtooth picture hangers w/nails
• chalkboard paint
• paintbrush and sponge paintbrush
• yard stick or tape measure
• corner braces
• 2 large wall screw
• drill
• furring strip x2
• wood stain of choice

Brown hardboard is found at most hardware stores. Buy a piece large enough for the project you wish to build. This board is very easy to work with and cuts nicely with a box knife and a little elbow grease. My husband cut our piece down to the size I wanted and then we painted it with chalkboard paint. I used paint in a spray form, and it has worked great, we did two coats. Once the paint was dry, I used a piece of chalk on its side and covered the entire front with chalk, I then used an eraser to season the board, I just kept going back and forth setting the chalk dust onto the board.

Next, we measured the boards to make the frame. We measured the frame 1/2 inch longer and wider than the board itself so it would be inset from the edge. You can choose if you would like to make a miter box cut so the corners come together in a square or you can choose to do straight sides (measure the full length of board plus 1/2 inch for each side, top and bottom you will measure and figure in the size of the frame wood on the sides as the top will be partially covered with side boards). We chose the miter box cut and used a miter saw to cut the angles, a simple miter box will be sufficient for cutting these angles, and much cheaper. After cutting, assure that the frame is properly cut and sized then stain the wood using the stain of your choice, I used the color Provincial by Minwax. Once the stain is dry you can assemble the frame. We used the corner braces to put the frame together.

Now for the assembly! We placed the frame front side down and laid the prepared chalkboard on top. Then we used a brad gun with 1/2″ brads to attach it to the frame (you can complete this step using a hammer and nails). Once it is securely attached, place the two sawtooth hangers on the upper corners and attach using nails or small screws that came with the brackets.

Your chalkboard is now complete. Prepare the wall surface for hanging by placing 2 wall screws into the properly measured location for the hangers. Now, hang you chalkboard and enjoy!

This DIY project is very easy and lots of fun! I have enjoyed changing my chalkboard to go with the seasons and my home décor. It also looks adorable with a wreath hanging from it as well, no chalk art needed. I hope you enjoy making your own giant chalkboard using our directions. If you do get a chance to build your own, please tell me about it!

See you soon! xoxo