DIY OVERSIZED CHALKBOARD

I'm 100% a visual person. If I need to remember something I have to see it and take a "mental photo". Same with making plans. If I have to finish something, or working on multiple projects, I need to write it down and constantly come back to it to make it happen. Since I made this huge DIY oversized chalkboard it increased my productivity tremendously. I put it by the door in my office and every time I have to exit the room, I'm reminded of deadlines and tasks that need my attention. It's super convenient.

I didn't even try to find a chalkboard of this size in stores. I knew that most likely it won't meet my standards, plus the price for the board this size would bite the wallet. The easiest route was to make it myself. I had all the materials besides chalk paint and it came out to be a very affordable project.

If you are not a handy type and would rather buy it, I found this smaller similar version on amazon. It's 24"x36" and my DIY chalkboard is 31"x 48".

Let me share with you how I did it, in case you would like to make one yourself.

MATERIALS:

MDF board or any flat board. I used the laminated under layering that I had left after this project
Chalkboard paint
Roller foam paintbrush
1x2x6 (2) wood
Wood stain
Wood glue

INSTRUCTIONS:

Clean your surface and apply the chalkboard paint with a foam roller paint brush. I didn't try to use a regular paintbrush but something tells me it might not leave a perfectly smooth finish. Roller brush allows the paint to lay more evenly.
Let it dry for at least 24 hours before applying another layer. I applied 2 layers and it was enough for me. To be completely honest, I just didn't have the patience to wait another 24 hours. It turned out great so I didn't see a need to apply the 3rd coat.
Here is the fun step. In order for your chalkboard to work properly (and not to leave marks after you write in chalk), you need to take a piece of chalk and draw all over your board. I usually do one way and then another. If you do this and wipe the remaining chalk off, writing will be like a breeze. When you do that, don't go crazy as I did. Since I was doing it so vigorously, I scratched the surface in a few places. It won't bother me but try to avoid this.
To make a wooden frame, you need to cut your planks to length. I wanted to do a 45-degree angle, so I used my miter saw to adjust to the cut. If you don't want to go a fancy route, you can just ask to make regular cuts in your hardware store. Either way, when you make your cuts, align the frame together to see if it fits properly.
I also wanted to have a place to put chalk on the board, since I know if it's not there, I won't be able to find chalk quickly. So I made this small shelf for the bottom board.
Stain your frame (unless you want to go with bare wood). I think staining before attaching it's way easier, although you can do this step later and use frog tape to protect your board.
I used wood glue to attach this frame to the chalkboard and put buckets of paint for the weight. Not your obvious choice of weight, but maybe it will be a final reason before I get proper work out equipment at home 🙂
Let the glue dry overnight or even longer. I used small finishing nails and attached them from the back. Just a matter of precaution since for some weird reason I don't trust wood glue 100% 😉

That's it! Oversized Chalkboard on a shoestring! It looks so beautiful and only a fraction of a cost from the store-bought chalkboard. Do you like this tutorial? Will you be making one soon? Share with me your creations! I'd love to see it!