How to Make a Giant DIY Chalkboard for Your Home

It’s inevitable—our child is going to draw on the walls. She’s only three months old, so we’re a ways off yet, but at some point, those tiny little hands are going to go full Monet on the drywall. Knowing our luck, it’ll probably be with a permanent marker instead of a pencil. While we’ve accepted that reality, there’s no reason we can’t at least try to steer her in the right direction by encouraging her creative streak with a giant DIY chalkboard.

This one-day project (our favorite kind) not only filled an awkward blank wall in our kitchen but also gave us a fun and functional space to jot down grocery lists, keep track of schedules, or leave snarky notes for each other. If you’re ready to make your own oversized chalkboard, let me walk you through the process.

Why a Giant DIY Chalkboard is a Perfect Home Addition

A DIY chalkboard is an excellent solution for busy families or anyone looking to add functionality and style to their space. Whether it’s a playroom, mudroom, kitchen, or home office, this oversized chalkboard makes a statement while serving a practical purpose. Plus, it’s customizable to fit any area, big or small.

Tools and Materials for Building a DIY Chalkboard Wall

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own large DIY chalkboard:

• Plywood: We used a 4′ x 8′ sheet but adjusted it to 3′ x 5′ for our space.
• (2) 1×3 boards: 8 feet long each, for the frame.
• Wood stain: We used Varathane Special Walnut.
• Chalkboard paint: For the main surface.
• Cup-shaped drawer pull: Optional, but great as a chalk holder.
• (4) 2-inch wood screws
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Sandpaper: Start with 80-grit and work up to 120-grit.
• Miter saw: For cutting trim pieces.

Prep Your Materials

First, cut your plywood to size. For our space, 3′ x 5′ was ideal, but feel free to adjust depending on your needs. Then, cut your 1×3 boards to form the frame:

• Two pieces at 38.75 inches for the top and bottom.
• Two pieces at 58 inches for the sides.
• Now, it’s time to sand everything. Sand the plywood thoroughly with progressively finer grit sandpaper until it’s smooth to the touch. Don’t forget to sand the frame pieces for a polished finish.

Paint and Stain Your Chalkboard Frame

Apply chalkboard paint to the plywood. I found that three coats provided the best coverage, with a smooth, even finish. Let each coat dry fully before applying the next.

While the paint dries, stain your 1×3 boards. Be sure to stain all sides, including the back, so no raw wood peeks through once the frame is attached.

Assemble the Oversized DIY Chalkboard

Lay the painted plywood on a flat surface. Arrange the 1×3 boards around the edges, creating a frame. To ensure a seamless look, offset the frame boards by about an inch so the plywood edges are hidden when viewed from the side.

Next, apply wood glue to the underside of each frame piece and press it into place. Clamp everything down securely and let it dry for a couple of hours.

Optional – Add a Built-In Chalk Holder: For added functionality, attach a cup-shaped drawer pull upside down to the bottom frame board. This creates a convenient chalk holder, keeping everything you need within arm’s reach.

Secure the Chalkboard to the Wall

Find the studs in your wall and mark their locations. Hold the chalkboard up to the desired spot, using a level to ensure it’s straight. Drill four 2-inch screws through the chalkboard—two of these should go directly into studs for extra stability.

For a polished finish, touch up the screw heads with chalkboard paint to blend them into the surface.

Tips for Customizing Your DIY Chalkboard

• Choose a Bold Stain: Opt for a stain color that complements your home or kitchen’s decor.
• Size It to Your Space: This design can easily be scaled up or down depending on your wall dimensions.
• Add Personal Touches: Consider stenciling or adding a small shelf below the chalkboard for erasers and other accessories.

Why We Love Our Kitchen Chalkboard Wall

Our oversized chalkboard has become a focal point in the kitchen. It adds texture to our otherwise sleek white walls and serves as a conversation starter for guests. We can’t wait until our little artist is old enough to create her masterpieces while we cook dinner.

This DIY project is ideal for busy families looking for a creative solution to organize and personalize their home.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Chalkboards

How Long Will This Project Take?
This is truly a one-day project! Most DIY enthusiasts can complete it in 4-6 hours, including:

• Cutting and sanding: 1 hour
• Painting and staining: 1-2 hours (including drying time)
• Assembly: 1 hour
• Mounting: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Can I Customize the Chalkboard Size?
Absolutely! The beauty of this DIY project is its flexibility:

• Measure your wall space carefully
• Adjust plywood and wood frame dimensions to fit
• Smaller options work great for kids’ rooms
• Larger versions are perfect for home offices or kitchen command centers

How Do I Maintain My Chalkboard?

• Erase regularly with a clean, dry cloth
• Avoid using wet cloths that can damage the paint
• Reseason the chalkboard periodically by rubbing the entire surface with chalk dust, then erasing
• Touch up paint every 1-2 years if it starts to look worn

Is This Project Suitable for Beginners?
100% yes! This project is requires minimal cutting, simple painting techniques, is straightforward assembly and is forgiving if you make small mistakes.

Can I Use a Different Type of Paint?
While chalkboard paint works best, you could explore:

• Magnetic paint as a base layer
• Colored chalkboard paint for more personality
• Chalk-compatible wall paints for a different look

Safety Considerations

• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Wear protective glasses when cutting
• Use wood glue and paint in a space with good air circulation
• Keep tools away from children

Troubleshooting Tips

• Uneven paint? Use long, smooth strokes
• Wood not fitting perfectly? Sand edges carefully
• Screws showing? Use wood filler or touch-up paint

Creative DIY Chalkboard Uses Beyond Grocery Lists

• Family message center
• Kids’ art wall
• Monthly calendar
• Weekly meal planner
• Inspirational quote display
• Home office brainstorming board

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