How to Build an Oversized Chalkboard

Project Overview

Upgrade any space with a giant chalkboard! This easy DIY adds charm, function, and a creative touch to your home.

I have talked about myRustic Farmhouse Entrywayfor what is now thethird post, but I had so many requests for this chalkboard tutorial that I had to share it with you!

This DIY chalkboard wasmade last year for myfall home decor tour, but my dining room still isn't close to where I want it to be, so I movedit 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.

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.

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 Cutfrom 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 canlearn moreabout 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!

Don't put those power tools away. Here are a few more fun things you can build!