Cedar-Framed Magnetic Chalkboard

Forever now, we’ve had a large piece of wood, painted with chalkboard paint, that we would use during the holidays. I’ve been promising Jamie a nice framed chalkboard for a long time now that could stay on the wall year round. One feature that I really wanted to add was a magnetic surface. When I found this inexpensive sheet of galvanized steel at Home Depot I knew I could do it very easily. Plus the tongue and groove cedar boards, make this simple to build, decorative, and smell amazing! Enjoy these DIY plans and be sure to share with your friends!

DIY Cedar-Framed Magnetic Chalkboard | Rogue Engineer

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Tools Required



Materials



Framed Magnetic Chalkboard Plans


Step 1: Cut Frame and Underlayment

First, cut your underlayment down to 36″ in length so that it is the same size as your sheet metal.

Next, mark the depth of your groove on all four sides of the underlayment as shown in the picture below.

Then, measure from inside corner to inside corner for both short and long sides. Take that measurement and add 1/8″-1/4″ to give your underlayment a little breathing room. Write these down! These lengths will be the inside lengths of your cedar boards.

DIY Cedar-Framed Magnetic Chalkboard 1

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Step 2: Cut Frame and Underlayment

First, using the measurements from the last step, cut both of the short sides and only ONE of the long sides, mitering both cuts at 45 degrees.

Then, drill opposing pocket holes at each miter and screw the three boards together as shown using 1-1/4″ course pocket screws.

DIY Cedar-Framed Magnetic Chalkboard 6


Step 3: Apply Chalkboard Paint

Using a foam mini-roller, apply at least 3 coats of chalkboard paint to the 24″ x 36″ sheet metal, allowing ample dry time in between coats.

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Step 4: Install Underlayment and Sheet Metal

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Step 5: Cut and Install Final Cedar Board

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Step 6: Add Hanger Support

The cedar is far to soft to hold a sawtooth hanger with only two small nails. Oak however, is a hardwood, and plenty hard enough to work. Using a long oak board you can distribute the load across five 1″ wood screws that attach the oak board to the soft cedar frame.

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Questions? Comments?


As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to comment below and especially don’t forget to post pictures of your finished products in the comments! ENJOY!

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