1.16.2014

D.I.Y Chalkboard

I want to share with you an easy way to make a large chalkboard. First of all, I adore how versatile chalkboards are and how they can make your room feel catered to any event or regular living. We made our chalkboard before Christmas and used it above our mantel. 
Then, I put this up for New Year's:
I discovered at Home Depot they make pre-cut chalkboards that are only $10 and ready to frame. My husband made a simple frame using 1" x 4" pine boards and cut 45-degree angles with a miter saw. Once the boards were cut we adhered them to the chalkboard using liquid nails. We clamped the boards overnight. After everything is adhered then you can paint or stain the boards. 
What we used:
1" x 4" pine ($20)
Liquid nails  ($4)
Clamps  (You'll use this to hold down the glue overnight)
Pre-cut chalkboard at Home Depot ($10)
stain or paint frame (I used a walnut stain that I sanded down)

I decided to stain the boards to give it a rustic feel. After I stained the boards, I wiped them down with a cloth to rub in the stain in a bit more. Then, I sanded the boards until I got the result I was looking for. Here I am in our beautiful unfinished basement- which holds much potential, but is also a great work space for projects right now.
We've been using our chalkboard now for our menus too, which I think makes the everyday meal feel a bit more special. Chalkboards look great in any room. Don't you think? I know we'll be making more of these easy chalkboards for other rooms especially since they are quick, easy and affordable to make. Have you ever made a chalkboard?


10 comments:

  1. Tracy, your chalkboard came out great! I didn't know HD has pre-cut chalkboards - thanks for the tip!

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    1. Thanks Lisa! The pre-cut chalkboards at HD make things a lot simpler.

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  2. Tracy - I love the framed chalkboard and I had no idea that they were sold at Home Depot! Thanks for the tip! Plus I adore that ticking chair in the picture... :)

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    1. Thanks Kim. I love that chair too. It was a lucky yard sale find- two Pottery Barn chairs.

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    1. Thanks Aubrey! This was a simple project that looks good anywhere.

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  4. I've been wanting to make a big leaning chalkboard for our playroom; I had no idea about the premade ones at home depot! Great tip! I love what you did with yours!

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  5. Hi Tracy, I found you on Simple Details. I love chalkboards. I have a small one in my kitchen, but I really how your project turned out.

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  6. Awesome project, Tracy! We love the pre-cut chalkboards too. We're pinning to our Favorite Things board on Pinterest. You can see it here: http://www.pinterest.com/homedepot/a-few-of-our-favorite-things/. Thank you for sharing! -Whitney, Senior Editor at Home Depot

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    1. Whitney, thank you for viewing my project. We love our chalkboard and it was fairly easy to make since the chalkboard was already done for us. I love Home Depot! Thanks for coming to visit my blog.

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