Upgrade any space with a giant chalkboard! This easy DIY adds charm, function, and a creative touch to your home.
I have talked about my Rustic Farmhouse Entryway for what is now the third post, but I had so many requests for this chalkboard tutorial that I had to share it with you!
This DIY chalkboard was made last year for my fall home decor tour, but my dining room still isn't close to where I want it to be, so I moved it into my living room area.
I used the cheapo 1x2s for this project because they are only $1.57 a piece at my hardware store, and you can't go wrong with that!
With that said, they can be pretty warped, so you'll need to dig through and find a decent one.
Supply List
- 2 1-inch x2-inch @ 42 inches
- 2 1-inch x2-inch @ 38 inches
- ¼-inch Plywood @ 38 x 45 inches
- Wood Glue
- Nail Gun
- Kreg Jig
- Rip Cut
- Drill or Impact Driver
- Minwax Special Walnut Stain
- Chalkboard Paint
- Paint Supplies
I just got the cheapest options I could find at my hardware store for all of the wood.
There is no reason to purchase the most expensive wood for this project.
Instructions
Cut the 1x2s to length and stain them.
I used Minwax's Special Walnut, one of my favorite colors.
While that's drying, cut the plywood.
I used my Rip Cut
from Kreg Jig! This thing is AWESOME if you don't have a table saw.
Typically, I get Home Depot to cut things down for me, but they aren't always exact, and I needed to make sure it wasn't too small or too big for my frame.
The rip cut attaches to your circular saw and allows you to create a super straight cut! You can learn more about it here.
Apply a couple coats of paint to the plywood slab with a paint roller.
While that is drying, let's get back to the frame.
If you return to the image at the top of the post, you can see that the very top piece goes across.
To attach these, I used my Kreg Jig
, another MUST-HAVE tool, to attach the side pieces to the tops and bottom pieces
Now it's time to attach the plywood to the frame.
Apply a thin line of wood glue along the inside edge of the 1x2s. Don't overdo it, or it will squeeze out everywhere when you nail down your plywood.
Then, nail it in place with a nail gun and appropriate-sized nails.
As you can see, I left a little space around the perimeter of the frame.
I didn't want the plywood going all the way to the outside edge.
That's it! Your own chalkboard is ready to put on display!
More Building Ideas
Don't put those power tools away. Here are a few more fun things you can build!
Tara@LehmanLane
Thank you so much for posting this! The chalkboard is awesome and I love the wreath with it too! I was literally searching online for ideas for changing my entryway and saw this pic. The bench is great too. I think I am going to try and find/make something similar to your bench to hold my 4 kids backpacks:) I am so excited, thanks for the inspiration - Tara
Katie
Thanks Tara! So glad you like it : ) If you decide to build either one I'd love to see how it turns out! : )
Michelle Lepak @ Dandelion Patina
Man, I look forward to the day when I can get the guts to build something on my own. Currently, I design and hubby builds. I think I would bring new meaning to 'build like a girl'. Your project is great and I love the rustic touches. I have the same galvanized storage containers! I love them.
Katie
Thanks Michelle! I was raised around a dad who built things and very involved in technical theatre. It was there that my teacher pushed me to not be afraid of the "big tools". They seem so intimidating but it's not so bad once you do it the first time! You can do it!! Plus Ryobi's tools are such great tools for women, I love how easy they are to hold, especially since I have such small hands!
Kristen
Love this! So rustic and pretty at the same time. And styled with the wreath?! PERFECTION! I need to get my hands on a kreg jig--i've never used one!
Katie
Thanks so much Kristen! Yes, the Kreg Jig is AWESOME! It will change your DIY life ; ) And they are so easy to use, they might seem intimidating, but they are great for beginners!
Laurel
Love this!! it's so cute and easy to make! Thank you!!
Katie
Thanks Laurel!!
Niki
Hello! Love this board..... Did you paint with chalkboard paint? Did I miss the final direction on what to do with the plywood after attaching? Thanks!
Joy
Love this tutorial! I too, missed the chalkboard part--- did you just paint the plywood with chalkboard paint? Thanks so much for sharing!!
Katie
Hi Joy, thanks so much!! Yes, I just painted it with chalkboard paint. I think I might have done a coat of primer first just because it soaks into the bare wood so much, but it't not absolutely necessary!
Alex
So cute and looks really easy to do! P.S. I love the shelves underneath with the metal storage drawers.
Katie
Thanks so much Alex!!
Audrey
This looks ideal! I built industrial shelves in my boys room and have been looking for galvanized bins like you have here. I have only come across one at Ross, where did you get yours?
Jaye McNair
Thanks for posting this fantastic tutorial. Iam not clear about the chalkboard. Did paint the plywood with chalkboard paint? Or...?
Virginia Adlon
In the process of making mine now. Just concerned because the wood feels rough after two coats of paint and worried that this won't allow for the chalk to be easily erased??
Katie
Hey Virginia. If your plywood is on the rough side, you can always sand it down with a sander. It's ok to do this with the paint already applied, you will just want to do one final coat after sanding. The plywood is a little rougher than a traditional chalkboard, but you can always wipe it down with a damp cloth if it doesn't erase easily.