Do It Yourself: Chalkboard Wall

Every month, we highlight do-it-yourself projects from our readers. Do you want to see your project featured in our magazine? Email ambouthot@the-papers.com.

ChalkboardWall

This month’s Reader DIY project comes from Wendy and Adam Downing. They made use of an empty wall and created a chalkboard wall in their kitchen to use as a central hub for organization and communication.

What was your inspiration for the project?

Pinterest and that we had a lonely, empty wall that we were looking to make fun and useful. Our kitchen is small, and with an open concept, sometimes it can be challenging to find ways to make functional spaces out of areas that aren’t separate rooms. We have an empty wall just off the kitchen area, so I started envisioning ways we could use it more to our advantage. So, I took to Pinterest for chalkboard wall ideas. My hope was to build a space that could be used as a message board, weekly menu, to-do list, whatever. That current space lives in my laundry room and just wasn’t accessible when it needed to be. Now that we have a finished product, I’ve managed to create the functionality that I need, as well as a fun place for the kids to draw and show off their artwork.

How long did it take from start to finish? 1.5 days due to drying times on the paint.

Was it easier or harder than you anticipated?

It was about what I expected. Anyone casually versed in DIY could complete this project in a weekend. If you can paint a wall, you can make a chalkboard. The hardest part was probably the trim. A note from the carpentry-challenged: I would not have known where to start with the trim. To frame it the way we did, it required measuring and cutting an angle with a miter saw. I mean, I know I could do it if I had to, but I had a pretty handy helper, and I am thankful for that.

What was the total cost of the project?

Ours was about $200 by the time it was said and done. That can obviously fluctuate depending on how big you want it, what kind of lumber you purchase, and how you choose to accessorize the wall. I think it’s worth pointing out that $200 is probably the higher end of the price range for this project. I think you could easily accomplish this for $100 if you wanted to.

What did you like best about the undertaking?

I like a good project, and the finished product is always the best reward. The use of the empty wall will be convenient for us as parents and provide years of entertainment for our kids. We love the feeling it gave us to know that we were using our creativity and personalization to make better use of a space. We literally had a blank canvas and I think we made the best of it.

What was the most challenging aspect?

Probably the planning phase. You never know how something is going to look until you see it. We went back and forth on the size, and where we wanted to put everything once it was done to best utilize the space. Waiting was tough! It’s important to wait the proper amount of time between coats of paint. Then, once the painting is complete, you must season your board, wipe it down, and season again. If you follow the most conservative recommendations, it could be up to a week before you can really dig in and start writing on your board. a