If you have ever tried to find a nice | large chalkboard, you know just how hard it can be. I mean, you can forget finding one for anywhere near a reasonable price.
There was absolutely nothing, even remotely near the size I wanted, for less than $500+.
That was not happening.
Because of this, I decided to build what I envisioned. I have to say…
It turned out to be exactly what I was looking for!
It only took us about 3 hours to build; The majority of that time being spent on allowing the paint to dry.
- Time Allotment: 3-4 hours
- Price: $50-150 [Depending on the size & plywood quality | thickness]
- Our Board Size: 8ft x 4ft [$150]
- We also built a 5ft x 4ft [$90] board for Jay’s [My husband] parents
- Gather | Purchase Supplies
- Paint
- Stain
- Drill
- Hang
- Draw | Design
We purchased most of the supplies, shown above, from Lowe’s; However, Home Depot is also a great option.
You will need
- Black Chalkboard Paint
- Wood Stain | Cloth Rag
- We used dark walnut; But you can use whatever color best goes with your style | home.
- Drywall Anchor | Screws
- These just make placement easier; No need to find studs.
- Pay attention to the weight support per screw [We used 75lb support].
- Picture Hanging System
- Supports up to 300lbs [Obviously, this is a bit excessive – The board does not weigh anywhere near this much].
- Depending on the width of your board, you might want 2 of these.
- Paint Roller
- Cedar 2″x 4″
- 2 of the sides will be the full length of your board [Ours was 8ft].
- The other 2 sides will be the other length minus 8 inches [Ours was 40″].
- Example: 48″(4ft)-8″= 40″
- Smooth-Top Plywood
- I have no idea if this is the correct way to actually say this; Just get the smoothest feeling plywood you find.
- Have this cut to your dimensions [Ours 8ft x 4ft].
Paint
Once you have your materials, start by painting your plywood.
It took us 3 coats, of black chalk paint, before we were totally happy with the color.
The paint looked navy at first; I assure you it is black.
Stain
While your first coat of chalk paint is drying, stain your frame [The 2″x4″ pieces].
I just took an old rag and, started layering the stain on, until it was the shade that I wanted.
It didn’t take very much time or stain, at all.
Drill
Once your paint and stain have dried, start placing your frame directly on top of the plywood itself.
We have done this project twice now. The first time we built the frame [with screws and brackets] before drilling it on to the plywood.
*I apologize that this is not pictured; These images are from Jay’s parents house; Where we built our second board.*
I recommend drilling the frame together and then drilling it to the plywood.
This is because, if you only drill it onto the plywood, the board could bend | “bow out”.
We made that mistake our second time around.
Drill through the back of the board | plywood; This will give the front a cleaner look.
Once your frame is attached, screw your hanging system onto the back of your board and the wall.
Just follow the instructions that come with the kit; It is super easy to understand and includes pictures too!
Hang
This image is of the chalkboard that we made for my mother & Father-in-law.
The dimensions [like stated above] are different from ours. The board fit their space perfect!
Literally all you have to do is hang the board up now and enjoy!
Draw | Design
Whatever your need | want is for this chalkboard; Make it your own! Jay and I love to use ours for…
Parties | Holidays | Seasonal Decor
If you are wanting to try and achieve a more formal look but cannot free hand the images you are going for; Think about purchasing a projector. You can easily trace the projected image, directly onto your board!
If you have any questions or run into any issues; You know where to find me!
