This DIY chalkboard was so simple to make and looks beautiful hanging on our wall where we had nothing but a big white space before. My daughter absolutely loves it and it is something that we can enjoy doing together. Most of all, this tutorial is that it was designed to come off of the wall so that taking it down for moving is fast and easy! As a military family who is moving around every 2 – 3 years, this was a big deal for us!
Tutorial
Supplies Needed:
- 1/4in MDF (2 pieces that measure 2ft wide x 4 ft tall each)
- Chalkboard paint
- 1 x 6 ft long 2×4
- Liquid Nails
- Mechanical Caulk Gun
- Large/medium clamps
- 4 x 6ft baseboard trim
- Black paint for trim (or desired color)
- 4 x 2in screws
- Drill or screwdriver
- Table saw
- 2 x 5in hangman’s brackets
I was lucky enough to score these two chalkboards already put together from a local yard sale site for only $15, but you can DIY by painting the MDF boards with the chalkboard paint.
Next, cut the 2×4 into 8in sections (or longer, just not shorter). Apply the liquid nails to the 2×4 section and center it on the edge of the 2 MDF boards, press firmly, and apply a large clamp. Once this is dry, flip the board over and repeat on the bottom side.
Measure the baseboard trim so that the points of your 45 degree angles meet at the edge of your boards. Cut 45 degree angles at both sides (this should be around the 4ft mark).
After these are completed, add your paint. We chose black for ours!
Next, glue the center board, we used a 2×6 because that is what we had available, but the 2×4 will work fine. This board will hold the hangman’s bracket. Apply pressure once the board is centered on the back of the chalkboard and let this dry completely. We also glued boards in the corners to hold it away from the wall.
Finally, use liquid nails and large-medium clamps to place the trim around the edge of the chalkboard. It is best to do this after it is hung, that way your clamps are free from obstruction. Just remember the hangman’s brackets are in the center, so we measured 3 ft from the floor so that the bottom of the chalkboard was 1 ft from the floor and perfect toddler height. Lastly, we put screws through the bottom edge 2x4s to stabilize it against the wall. It’s important to note that there are no screws going through the chalkboard!
Here is the finished product ready to go! We did it this way so that when we move, my husband can simply remove the stabilizing screws, lift the whole sturdy chalkboard off of the wall, remove the bracket, and pack.
What did you guys think? I would love to see how everyone’s turned out so leave a comment!
Erin | thewanderess.net says
What an awesome tutorial! I could also see this working really well in an apartment or classroom
Christina says
Thanks so much! I didn’t think of a classroom but that is a great idea!