OH Design Co.

For a couple of years I have had a tear out of this chalkboard from Restoration Hardware.  My inner 'frugalista' would not allow me to spend $499 on a chalkboard.  But I knew that I could build one on my own.  So finally this week, I bit the bullet and decided to do  it.  And she is glorious!  I still consider myself an amateur woodworker, so it is not perfect.  But it actually turned out even better than I anticipated!



I figured if I liked it, someone else would probably like to build their own as well, so below is a tutorial.

To get the project started I had to create a frame as a base.  For the longest, I felt stumped as to what do.  I finally settled on building a frame out of 1x2's.  These pieces were attached with screws.  The outside lengths are on edge so that the 3/4" edge is showing.  I did this so that I could later attach outer trim.  The two inside lengths are flat and flush with the front of the frame.  I did this so that it would better support the hardboard that I would later attach.  My frame was 36"x 68".  If I were to build another one,  I would add another support so that they were closer to 16" apart.  These were spaced about 23" apart.



I then attached a 36" x 68" sheet of quarter-inch (1/4") hardboard to the frame to serve as the chalkboard surface.  I used a nail gun and 1 1/4" nails to attach it.  I also used regular wood glue on the back as well.  This is where I ran into my first problem.  I got the hardboard cut at the store, but it was off by about 3/16th of an inch.  I wanted my outside trim to lie flush with frame, so I ended up buying a piece of trim that was 1/4"thick and the same width as my frame and just applied it to the overhanging edge.

Not too shabby for two days of work.

Cost breakdown:

3ct 1x 2 x 6 whitewood, for frame                           $10
4x8 sheet 1/4" hardboard                                          $ 9
chalkboard paint (on hand)                                       $ 0
'Provincial' Minwax stain (on hand)                         $ 0
1x3's(one 8' length, two 6' lengths) for outer trim   $17
3 ct 8' lengths of 3 1/4" base molding                      $21


                                    Total Cost                             $57

So, if you have been eyeing those chalkboards, or just love a good DIY, let me know if you try this project.  I'm off to hang this in the playroom.

Update: The chalkboard is finished off  and hung up.  Check out how!

Linking up to Beth's Tutorials and Tips Link Party at Home Stories A to Z.  Thanks Beth for the feature in 10 Tutorials and Tips Not to Miss!

Chalk it up to getting motivated.  The chalkboard is finally up and this chunk of empty wall space has finally been put to good use!


Prior to this chalkboard, we had a folding one from Ikea.  I like it because it folds up, doesn't take up a lot of space, and it holds paper.  (Actually we still have it, and use it for 'plein-air' painting, aka splatter painting, which is too messy for indoors.)  But I thought it would be neat to have a full-length chalkboard that was versatile enough to also be used in a dining room to list out a menu, or in an office to list out the week's tasks or schedules.

I did build it for the playroom, but it's been hanging out against this wall for months, out of the way of foot traffic.  (This is the wall I've planned to put up the book ledges on.)  I wanted to finally seal the wood to protect it from chalk dust and water, and hang it on the wall, so there would be no chance of the little people knocking it over.  They move pretty fast!



 I opted for a satin wipe-on polyurethane, taped off the edges, and applied three coats with a soft cloth.  This gave it a nice sheen and should protect the wood trim over time.