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I have been looking for a large chalkboard for a few weeks now.  I have a wall space between our dining and living areas, and I convinced myself that said wall needed a chalkboard.

After completing a little bit of shopping research, I concluded that large chalkboards are way overpriced.

I really liked the look of this Schoolhouse Chalkboard from Ballard Designs…

…but with a price tag of over $200, it was definitely out of the budget.

So, I did what I usually do, and I put on my DIY thinking cap.  Apparently you can purchase 2-foot by 4-foot chalkboards at The Home Depot for under $10. Sold!

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to make a large chalkboard with weathered, farmhouse style trim. See how I made a large chalkboard for under $20.

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Here’s what you need to DIY this Large Chalkboard

• 2 foot by 4 foot chalkboard
• 1 length of oak stop moulding
• masking tape – optional
• paint brushes
• chalkboard paint – optional
• saw
• wood stain – golden oak
• white and gray chalk paint
• wood glue and clamps
• hanging hardware – I used saw tooth hangers

 

DIY Large Chalkboard – Instructions

Step 1 (optional) – Paint edges of the chalkboard

Here’s the deal with this piece of chalkboard that’s super inexpensive.  It’s just a piece fiber board painted like a chalkboard.  Because of this, the edges are unfinished.

Since I just happened to have chalkboard paint in my craft supply stash (obviously!) I decided to paint these unfinished edges.  I taped off the edges of the board and then added a coat of paint.  You want to tape off the edges and paint crisp lines here, because there is a really good chance that your chalkboard paint won’t exactly match your store-bought chalkboard.

Step 2 – Cut, stain, and paint the wood trim

Cut two pieces of the wood trim to the width of your chalkboard.  Lightly sand the ends if need be.

Painting and staining is really a matter of personal preference.  I stained with golden oak.  Then I used a dry brush to lightly paint on gray and white chalk paint.

Step 3 – Glue

Use wood glue to attach the wood trim to the top and bottom edges of your chalkboard.  Clamp and let dry for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4 – Add hanging hardware

This step is much easier if you have an adorable helper!  If not, you can go it alone… Just add two of your picture hanging hardware of choice.  I used two little saw tooth hangers.

DIY Large Chalkboard – The Finished Project

Here it is!  We love our latest home decor addition.  At some point, I think I will add seasonal sayings and test my chalk-lettering skills.  For now, enjoy this picture of a “monster” courtesy of my daughter!