How to Build a Framed Chalkboard {DIY Tutorial}

I've been wishing I was handier. I love clicking around the blogosphere and seeing beautiful handmade pieces. My friend Erin from DIY on the Cheap is one of those talented bloggers. She's here today to show us How to Build a Framed Chalkboard. Keep reading for her tutorial!

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Hello, Serenity Now readers! I'm so happy to be guest posting for Amanda today. I'd like to share a tutorial with you for how to build a framed chalkboard, which is a relatively easy beginner woodworking project. If you are looking to explore working with power tools, this would be a great project for you! However, power tools are not required. You could always use a regular saw and miter box instead.

Here's what you'll need:

• Wood for the chalkboard in any size you choose. I used a leftover scrap of hardwood plywood. (My chalkboard size is 19"x42" because that's what I had on hand.)
• Door Frame Moulding
• Spray primer
• Chalkboard spray paint
• Sander
• Miter Saw (or regular saw with a miter box)
• Brad Nailer (or good old fashioned hammer and nails)
• 18 GA 5/8" brad nails (if you're using a brad nailer)
• Staining cloths
• Stain in your choice of color (I used American Walnut)
• Sealer (I used Polycrylic)
• Paint brush

Step 1 Cut your board down to the desired dimensions. The home improvement store will do this for you if you give them your measurements, or you can do it yourself. I used a scrap of leftover plywood and just left it "as is." Sand it smooth.

Step 2 Spray the wood with a coat of primer, and then spray with 2-3 coats of Chalkboard Spraypaint.

Step 3 Measure and cut your moulding for the frame using a miter saw (or saw and miter box). Use 45 degree miter cuts to form the corners.

Step 4 Stain your frame. I used a pre-conditioner and then applied one coat of American Walnut stain, and added a topcoat of Polycrylic.

Step 5 Attach your frame to the chalkboard using wood glue and a brad nailer. (Or hammer and nails.)

Step 6 Lean or hang your chalkboard. I opted to lean mine against the wall, but you can also add D-rings and hang it. Another option is to add thin moulding around the edges to hide the raw edge of your wood. I chose not to do this since it isn't noticeable where I placed it in my home.

I love that I'm able to change out the message on my chalkboard depending on the season or occasion. You could of course customize this by making it any size you choose, and using any finish you'd like on the frame (paint, colored stain, etc.). I get bored easily, so I like that I can instantly change the "art" in the room by erasing the chalkboard and drawing or writing something new.


Thanks so much, Amanda, for letting me share this project with your Serenity Now readers!

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Thanks, Erin! You've inspired me to try something handy. I have a love affair with great quotes and Bible verses, so this is right up my alley!

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