I saw some of the new items online at Potterybarn yesterday…as you can tell from our set of plans posted here. I thought it would be fitting to do continue with a few other “big kid” toys for those of us who love all things chalkboard related (me…you too?) and all things storage and organization-centric! I'm a sucker for labels and bins…and chalkboards, oh my!
Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!
- Tape Measure
- Square
- Sander
- Drill
- Miter Saw – or miter box and hand saw, jig saw, or circular saw.
- 2 – 1×2 at 8'
- 3/4×3/4 square at
- 1/4 x 2 1/2 at
- 1/2 sheet 1/4″ Plywood or other thin paintable material
- 7/8″ Wood Screws
- S Hooks in oil rubbed bronze – optional and can also be in any other finish.
- Picture Frame Hanging Hardware
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- Sandpaper
- Finishing Supplies
- Chalkboard Paint – can choose magnetic chalkboard paint to more closely resemble the original
- 1 – 1/4″ Ply at 35 1/2″ x 47 1/2″ Chalkboard surface
- 2 – 1/4×2 1/2 at 35 1/2″ Top Frame Surround
- 2 – 1/4×2 1/2 at 48″ Sides Frame Surround
- 2 – 3/4×3/4 at 34″ Top for step 2
- 2 – 3/4×3/4 at 47 1/2″ Sides for step 2
- 2 – 1×2 at 34″ Top and Bottom for step 3
- 2 – 1×2 at 9 1/2″ Top Pieces on sides for step 3
- 2 -1×2 at 11 3/4″ Bottom Pieces on sides for step 3
- 6 – 1×2 at 8 3/4″ Middle Pieces on sides for step 3
- 2 to 4 – 1/2″ dowel rod at 35 1/2″ the number you use is entirely up to you
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.
Cut your Chalkboard to size and surround with your 1/4″x2 1/2″ Lattice Board. It is wise to finish your pieces here before assembling so you don't have to worry about tricky edges. You will almost be creating a little pocket for the chalkboard. Use 7/8″ screws and glue. Use the glue carefully and sparingly so it doesn't ruin your finish.
Carefully fasten your 3/4″ square pieces to the inside right up against the Chalkboard surface. This is going to create a stopper of sorts for your dowel rods. Use glue (sparingly and carefully) and 7/8″ screws to secure in place.
You are going to add a second layer of wood now, right on top of your 3/4″ square pieces only you will be using 1×2's on their sides for this layer. For the 1×2's down the sides you will want to cut your boards to the dimensions shown below, then miter both ends (except on the top and bottom pieces) at a 25 degree angle as shown in the example piece adjacent to the organizer diagram below. The dimensions provided are the longest dimensions or your cutting dimensions prior to mitering and will be your measurements from farthest point to farthest point once you have mitered.
Add the Dowel Rods and S Hooks till your heart's content. My recommendation on the rails is to use 1/2″ dowel rods, cut to size and spray painted in bronze. This is likely what I will do for mine, which I will be building this afternoon along with my Mitchell Cubby Organizer.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! 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.
