Make this easy DIY giant chalkboard in an afternoon. It’s simple farmhouse style, and perfect for a playroom, bedroom, family room…or anywhere!
While we were building Old Salt Farm, I knew I wanted to make a giant chalkboard for a large wall in our dining room. I’ve always loved them–not only because they’re super cute and the epitome of farmhouse style, but because they’re so versatile!
I’ve hung several different wreaths on it, and strung twine to hang Christmas cards and paper sacks for a countdown. I’ve written messages and quotes on it, and left it plain. I love having so many options. It’s also pretty inexpensive to make, considering it can cover a huge space! Ours is 4×6, and we spent less than $40 to make it.
It’s seriously one of my favorite things, and I just finished another one that’s 8 feet x 4 feet for our library. This time instead of staining the frame, I painted it white, and I love it both ways!
If you have been thinking about making one…do it! They’re perfect for that large wall you want to fill, on a mantel, over a bed, in the office or playroom, in a long hallway–pretty much anywhere.
Affiliate links included below.
DIY GIANT CHALKBOARD
SUPPLIES:
-1×6 boards
– stain (this is what I used!)
–wood glue (this is my favorite brand!)
–nail gun and 3/4 inch nails (or hammer and nails)
DIRECTIONS:
I’m so sad I don’t have any pictures of the process for you! I made this in the week or so before we moved, and it was pure chaos. I know I took some, or at least I think I did…lol. It really is easy and straightforward, and I’ll spell everything out in the directions below. Just let me know if you have any questions!
We used 1/4 inch birch plywood for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s lightweight, and since I was going to hang it on the all, and because it was going to be quite large, I wanted to reduce the weight. Secondly, I was able to purchase it in a 4×8 sheet, which is the largest I could find at my local Home Depot. It was around $25, which for that size is a great price. The plywood comes 8 feet wide. For the dining room chalkboard I needed it to be 6 feet, so we cut it down to size–which is 4×6. The library chalkboard is the full plywood size, so we didn’t have to cut it down at all. That made it even easier!
1. I painted the board with three layers of chalkboard paint using a foam brush, letting each coat dry before adding the next.
2. For the 4×6 chalkboard: While the paint was drying, we cut the frame to size. The frame sits right on top of the plywood, and our 4×6 board was going to sit with the long side horizontally, so we cut 2-six foot pieces for the bottom, and 2 pieces that for the sides that were 37 inches long. How did we get 37? The top and bottom boards cover a portion of the sides. They are 5.5 inches in width, and 5.5 x 2 = 11. We subtracted 11 inches from 48, to get 37. Here’s a diagram that shows how it works–it uses different dimensions, but it’s a visual that explains how it works:
For any other size, just change the measurements accordingly.
3. Once the boards were cut, I stained them (or painted them) and let them dry completely.
4. We attached the boards to the chalkboard frame first with wood glue, and then with 3/4 inch nails. We used a nail gun, but you could also use a hammer!
5. The last step was to season the chalkboard to avoid any “ghosting”. That means if you write on it without preparing it, you will never be able to fully erase it–a faint image will remain there forever. Seasoning it takes just a few minutes–use the side of a piece of chalk to completely chalk over the entire board, first vertically, then horizontally. Wipe it all off with a lint-free cloth, and remove the excess dust. That’s it! You’re ready to hang your chalkboard!
That’s it! I love how easy they are to make, and how affordable they are. I’m kind of addicted, and I see a couple more in my future!
Other farmhouse style projects you might like…
Amber says
Hi Kirstie, I love this chalk board. Beautiful work! I am curious, how did you attach to the wall. Thanks,
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
We put picture hooks on either side, then strung wire along the back. There are two more picture hooks on the wall on each side, and it hangs from the wire. Hope that helps!!! xoxo
Vicki Packham says
It’s perfect. I sure love seeing your new home come to life. I have a question. They also sell the chalkboard material at Lowes. Do you have any idea which works better? The prepared chalkboard boards or the chalkboard paint?
Penny says
Would you mind telling me where you got the ceiling light shown with the chalkboard? It would look perfect in our family room. Thanks so much … thoroughly enjoy your blog:)
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Of course! We got it through a lighting company, but I actually found it on Amazon and asked them about it. It’s this one, but in black:
http://amzn.to/2jxvVsu (affiliate link).
Hope that helps!! And thank you SO much for reading!!! xoxo
Jennie says
Hi Kierste- Would you mind sharing the source for your bypass barn door hardware? We need to do something similar with two big doors that slide in front of each other and are having trouble finding something that works. Thanks so much – your home is so beautiful!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Sure! I found it on Amazon, here: http://amzn.to/2jnbujT (affiliate link)
We bought two of the 8 foot length, because we have such large span of space to cover. There is also a 6 foot length that’s a little less expensive, in case that works better for your space. Good luck!! xoxo
Sybil Stinson says
Hi Kierste!!! I want to thank you for always sharing your beautiful ideas with us!!!
Did you nail the frame to the plywood from the back or the front side? I did not notice any nails on the front so I was wondering! Everything that you do is amazing!
Your new home is beautiful!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Thank you so much, Sybil! We nailed them from the back. :)
Michelle Webb says
You have posted before where you purchase your boxwood wreaths and I cannot find that information. Would you mind sharing?
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Target and Amazon are two places I check first–also check saveoncrafts.com–they often have them for a good deal.