This plan is super duper inexpensive and simple to make. I just adore the Industrial Chic Style of this piece. Sure to bring a little nostalgic industrial era fun to any kiddo room or adult home office, or any other room for that matter! Go forth and build this, it will take less than an hour (give or take), promise!
Showcase: Built From These Plans
Under $25
- Tape Measure
- Sander
- Drill
- Kreg Jig – this is optional but will make some of your connections much much easier…recommended.
- Saw – Optional if you have your local lumber supply cut your boards.
- 2 – 1×2 at 8’
- 1 – 1×2 at 6’
- 1 – 3/4” x 3/4” square dowel at 24”
- 1/2 Sheet 1/4” Plywood at 4’x4’
- 2 1/2” Wood Screws – not necessary if using a Kreg Jig
- 1 1/4” Pocket Hole Screws
- 7/8” Finish Nails or Brad Nails
- Hardware: Butt Hinges and perhaps a Large Lid Hinge like this to keep it from collapsing shut.
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- Sanding Supplies
- Finishing Supplies
- 4 – 1×2 at 38 1/2” Legs
- 4 – 1×2 at 15” Rails
- 2 – 3/4” x 3/4” Square Dowel at 12”
- 2 – 1/4” Ply at 16” x 31 1/2” Chalkboards
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Build your Frames: You will need 2 of these. Fasten the Rails to the Legs using your pocket hole system set for 3/4” stock and your 1 1/4” pocket hole screws and glue. If you aren’t using a pocket hole system, use 2 1/2” screws and glue and secure from the outside of the legs into the rails (blue). **Finish (paint, stain, weather, etc.) the Frames at this point if you haven’t already. This will keep you from having to work around funny edges and angles.
Paint and then Attach the Chalkboards: Paint the Boards with Chalkboard Paint and allow to dry fully before fastening them to their frames using 7/8” brad nails or finish nails and glue.
Finish and then Fasten the Chalk Stand to the Frame: Use your 1 1/4” Finish Nails and Glue and Fasten to the Frame.
Attach the Hardware: You have a couple of options here: butt hinges for the top of the easel, connecting the 2 sides and allowing them to open and close, and you might use a chain at the bottom to keep it from opening to far, or perhaps a large lid or drop front hinge at the bottom connecting the 2 sides and keeping it open at a certain distance without fear of it closing. I am thinking something along these lines here, Large Lid Hinge attached sideways.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
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**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
