Easy DIY Large Chalkboard

by Amy | Health, Home, and Heart

15 Materials

$40

2 Hours

Medium

Have you jumped on the chalkboard bandwagon yet? I recently did, and I’m so excited that I’ve put together a step-by-step tutorial so that you can make your own easy DIY large chalkboard.I have been working on making over my kitchen recently. (Okay, so I actually started like 8 months ago, but who’s counting.) We have a small eat-in area in the kitchen, which is where we eat most of our meals. Prior to the redo, we had a large clock hanging on the wall next to the table. At some point in the redecorating process, I got another large clock to fill the same space in the kitchen, but it just never felt right. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, inspiration struck. Chalkboards are hugely popular right now, and I absolutely love seeing how everyone decorates their own chalkboards. Plus, they just look like a lot of fun! I’ve been wanting to make one for myself, but wasn’t sure exactly where I would put it. Duh – in the kitchen where the clock has been hanging. So, let's get started.First, you need to gather your supplies. All of the supplies needed can be found at the hardware store. You can actually have the store cut your piece of MDF to whatever dimensions you want, which makes that part super easy. I had them cut mine to 30″ x 40″, which I felt would fit well in my space.For my particular chalkboard, I needed two 8-foot long 1″ x 3″ boards. If you decide to make yours a different size, just be sure you have enough wood for the frame.

Paint the MDF

The large piece of MDF is going to be your actual chalkboard. I gave my chalkboard two coats of chalkboard paint. I used Valspar Black Chalkboard Paint, and my trusty Purdy paint brush. I brushed horizontally and made sure to make nice long brush strokes across the entire board.Chalkboard paint suggests waiting 24 hours in between coats. So, make sure you plan ahead.

Cut, Sand, and Stain Frame Pieces

I wanted my frame to extend out about 1.5″ from the edge of the chalkboard all the way around. So, using the 1 x 3s, I cut two pieces at 33″ long, and two pieces at 43″ long. I marked my wood where it needed to be cut. Then, I cut it (actually my husband did) with a miter saw.Then, we adjusted the miter saw to give us a 45 degree angle, and cut the corners off so the pieces would fit together like a frame.

Then, I sanded the edges to round them out just a bit with coarse sandpaper. This does not need to be perfect – I just didn’t want the harsh corners on my frame.

I then gave the frame pieces a quick coat of stain in my favorite Minwax color – Provincial. It’s got a slightly gray tone it, which I love. I used a foam brush icon

for the stain.

Put Frame Together

This part will require two people, so make sure you have someone to help. I’m sure there is a much better way to do this, but we have limited tools. So, we just had to make do with what we had.First, we used a corner clamp to clamp one length piece and one width piece together. Then, my husband helped hold the pieces steady while I put two nails into one end of the corner. You’ll want your helper to make sure that the two pieces stay flush at the seam while you nail.Then, repeat this process for all four corners. *You will want to be careful during this process, as the frame will be a bit flimsy.*

Prime the Chalkboard

Before you put the two pieces together, you will want to prime your chalkboard. I have read that chalkboards are porous, and if you don’t prime them first, you run the risk of having your first drawing become permanent. Truthfully, I’m not sure how necessary this actually is, but it was super easy to do.Just take a piece of chalk, lay it horizontally on your chalkboard, and rub it all over the entire surface.

Then, simply wipe the chalk off with a dry rag.Now, you won’t have to worry about any chalk renderings becoming permanent.

Attach the Chalkboard to the Frame

You’re almost done. Yay!Now, lay the frame down on the ground facedown. (We laid ours on top of a paint tarp to prevent any scratching or scuffing.)

Then, lay the chalkboard face down on top of the frame. Make sure it is centered up on the frame. Once the frame is centered draw a line 3/4″ from the edge of the chalkboard all the way around. This is where you will want to put your screws. Then, using 1.25″ screws, screw the chalkboard onto the frame.

We put 4 screws down the length of the chalkboard and 3 screws along the width. It will be best to drill pilot holes before actually attaching the two pieces together.

Add the Hangers

The final step is to add hangers. Because this piece is somewhat heavy, we went with 2 D-ring picture hangers.

All that’s left now is to hang it up and decorate!

I’m absolutely loving this chalkboard, and I think it will be so fun to decorate throughout the seasons. I am definitely going to have to build another one soon for my kids (and husband) though.

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Large piece of MDF
2 1x3s
10 in. miter saw
Chalkboard paint
Paint brush
Coarse Sandpaper
Wood Stain
Foam brush
Corner Clamp
Hammer
Nails
1.25" screws
Drill
D-ring picture hangers
Chalk

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1 question

Carol Jaeger on Nov 26, 2020

Love this. I’ve been wanting a chalkboard, but I want a chalk tray on the bottom of mine. Any suggestions on how to do that?

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