I was honored to be asked recently by RYOBI Tools to have a project featured on their RYOBI Nation site. Since I am still a power tool “novice,” I knew I had to come up with a relatively easy and manageable project for them to feature, especially since I would be using a few power tools that were totally new to me. I opted to make this DIY Framed Chalkboard, and I’m excited to share a my framed chalkboard tutorial with you today!
What I used:
- A leftover scrap of PureBond Plywood (My chalkboard size is 19″x42″ because that’s what I had on hand.)
- Door Frame Moulding
- Spray Primer
- Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Spray Paint
- RYOBI Orbital Sander
- RYOBI 10 in. Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser
- RYOBI 18V One+ Cordless Brad Nailer
- 18 GA 5/8″ brad nails
- Staining Cloths
- Minwax American Walnut stain
- Minwax Polycrylic
- Paint Brush
Step 1
Cut your PureBond Plywood (or whatever material you choose to use) down to the desired dimensions. The home improvement store will do this for you if you give them your measurements, or you can do it yourself. I used a scrap of leftover plywood and just left it “as is.” Sand it smooth.
Step 2
Spray the wood with a coat of primer, and then spray with 2-3 coats of Chalkboard Spraypaint. I used Rust-Oleum.
Step 3
Measure and cut your moulding for the frame using a miter saw. Use 45 degree miter cuts to form the corners.
Step 4
Stain your frame. I used a pre-conditioner and then applied one coat of Minwax American Walnut stain, and added a topcoat of Minwax Polycrylic.
Step 5
Attach your frame to the chalkboard using wood glue and a brad nailer.
Step 6
Lean or hang your chalkboard. I opted to lean mine against the wall, but you can also add D-rings and hang it. Another option is to add thin moulding around the edges to hide the raw edge of your wood. I chose not to do this since it isn’t noticeable where I placed it in my home.
Note: Always wear proper safety gear and use extreme caution when using power tools!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Will you be giving this project a try? What would you write on your chalkboard? Let me know!
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Love the chalk board! Aren’t power tool great! 😀
I didn’t even know they made chalkboard paint, but I plan on making one of these for my wife, and then I know my daughter will want one, then my two nieces, then my nephew’s wife, then………. Anyway, I really think this will be a big hit around this family! Love the ideas here, Thanks and keep up the good work.
Thanks, Russ! I love chalkboard paint. I really like the Rust-Oleum spray kind for smaller projects, and I’ve also used Benjamin Moore. You can get it in any color under the sun! I did a blue chalkboard table top on my boys’ kid-sized table and they love it.