Restoration Hardware Chalkboard Knockoff

For a couple of years I have had a tear out of this chalkboard from Restoration Hardware.  My inner 'frugalista' would not allow me to spend $499 on a chalkboard.  But I knew that I could build one on my own.  So finally this week, I bit the bullet and decided to do  it.  And she is glorious!  I still consider myself an amateur woodworker, so it is not perfect.  But it actually turned out even better than I anticipated!

I figured if I liked it, someone else would probably like to build their own as well, so below is a tutorial.

To get the project started I had to create a frame as a base.  For the longest, I felt stumped as to what do.  I finally settled on building a frame out of 1x2's.  These pieces were attached with screws.  The outside lengths are on edge so that the 3/4" edge is showing.  I did this so that I could later attach outer trim.  The two inside lengths are flat and flush with the front of the frame.  I did this so that it would better support the hardboard that I would later attach.  My frame was 36"x 68".  If I were to build another one,  I would add another support so that they were closer to 16" apart.  These were spaced about 23" apart.

I then attached a 36" x 68" sheet of quarter-inch (1/4") hardboard to the frame to serve as the chalkboard surface.  I used a nail gun and 1 1/4" nails to attach it.  I also used regular wood glue on the back as well.  This is where I ran into my first problem.  I got the hardboard cut at the store, but it was off by about 3/16th of an inch.  I wanted my outside trim to lie flush with frame, so I ended up buying a piece of trim that was 1/4"thick and the same width as my frame and just applied it to the overhanging edge.

Next it was time to apply the chalkboard paint.  I let the first coat dry for two hours and the second coat overnight.

The next day I went back to the store to buy trim.   Before cutting trim,  I 'seasoned' the chalkboard by rubbing chalk all over it.  I was a bit worried about the roller lines showing, but they weren't really noticeable once the paint dried.  And after 'seasoning' the board, I can't see them at all.

So now was time to add trim.  Here is where I ran into another problem.  Now the problem is that I was using a mini-miter saw.  The problem is it has a 7 1/2" blade and can only cut short widths of wood.  So I kept getting cuts that looked like this.  ( I know this a footwear violation!)

The solution was to use a coping saw to cut off that little bit of tooth.   Please tell me I am not the only one who has these problems when doing DIY!

I stained all of the wood before attaching it.  I used 1x3 clear pine for the outer trim.  This was attached with a nail gun to the original frame.  The outer trim was nailed using 1 1/4" nails and regular wood glue.   Then I attached 3 1/4" pine baseboard molding to the inside face of the chalkboard.  Since I wasn't going to be using any nails on the face trim, I used a liquid nails glue and applied two beads.  

After that I let it dry a bit and stood back and took a look.

Not too shabby for two days of work.

Cost breakdown:

3ct 1x 2 x 6 whitewood, for frame                           $10
4x8 sheet 1/4" hardboard                                          $ 9
chalkboard paint (on hand)                                       $ 0
'Provincial' Minwax stain (on hand)                         $ 0
1x3's(one 8' length, two 6' lengths) for outer trim   $17
3 ct 8' lengths of 3 1/4" base molding                      $21


                                    Total Cost                             $57

So, if you have been eyeing those chalkboards, or just love a good DIY, give it a try!  And if you do, tag me on Instagram @oakhousedesignco!  I'm off to hang this in the playroom.

Update: The chalkboard is finished off  and hung up.  Check out how!

Linking up to Beth's Tutorials and Tips Link Party at Home Stories A to Z.  Thanks Beth for the feature in 10 Tutorials and Tips Not to Miss!

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Bringing the Fall Indoors

 Every year I look forward the watching the leaves change colors in the fall, so that I can bring some clippings inside.  I love the warm colors that signal that fall is here.  We actually had some freezing temps here last week, but my trees had not turned yet.  This week we are back in 70 degree weather and my 'October Glory' maples have finally begun to change!  I brought some in and now I feel I can officially say,  "It's fall y'all!"

Maple Clippings for the Foyer & Family Room

The fall leaf colors inspired me to change out pillows in the Playroom.

Seeing a bit of nature's color makes me happy before going to sleep.

Its time for hot cocoa, cozy blankets, and warm boots.  Get out and enjoy the fall colors before they are all gone!

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Fall in the Kitchen

I got the chance to attend the Casual and Chic Entertaining workshop hosted by Ikea this weekend.  Stylist Annette Joseph was the speaker and she did not disappoint.  I was excited to attend for two reasons.  One, I am always hesitant to host parties for some reason.  I always feel like I can't pull it off.  Secondly, it was chance to meet Annette Joseph, who is a styling guru.  Needless to say, I enjoyed every minute of it!  They gave away copies of Annette's new book, Picture Perfect Parties,  to the first 12 RSVPs,  and I was excited that I won a copy.  I originally thought the book would just have tips on entertaining, which is what I was hoping for, but it also has plans and menus for about 16 different parties to get you started.  {Ahem, this is just what I need, since I never did host that party on the patio this summer.}

On the heels of this weekend, I got the urge to organize a bit in the kitchen.  Feeling and being organized helps to put me at ease for planning.  So I started some fall cleaning and organizing in the kitchen.  I pulled the stove out and cleaned behind it.  Then I reorganized half of my cabinets and got rid of some cookbooks, magazines, and dishes that I don't really use.  It also helped with being able to access my most used cookware.  My kitchen doesn't have a ton of storage, so I have found over time, that purging makes it easier keep like items together.  That was another tip Annette gave.  Routinely go thru the items that you have and purge what you don't need.  I wasn't initially planning to do any re-arranging, so I didn't snap any before pics.  But here's some shots of the results of my work.

The countertops were cleared and re-arranged, thus leading to the cabinet re-arranging...

To the left is the new location for my baking cabinet.  Previously it was in the smaller cabinet to the right, but with fall approaching, I thought I would expand to the larger cabinet since I tend to bake more  when it's colder.  

On the counter, I keep my flour and sugar and some baked treats. 

Above are all the baking add-ins, additional sugars, spices, and mixing bowls!

Below in the drawers are tools and spices.

And below, cookware and bakeware.  It was time to move that heavy dutch to the front for some yummy soups!

To the right, I transferred over my everyday cooking supplies.  These are the things I use daily for cooking breakfast and dinner.  

And in the drawer, less used cooking utensils.

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling ready to bake for the fall!  Now to just host that elusive soiree...

Linking up to Wow us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style.

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