chalkboard

TM
TM
CHALKBOARD
Safety First!
Use eye protection, always!
Use ear protection with loud power tools
Stay with children while they work!
Follow tool manufacturers’ safety guidelines
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CHALKBOARD
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TOOLS
Handsaw
Japanese-style pull saw (recommended) or
traditional hand saw
Clamps
2-4 Irwin one-handed clamps
Several Bessey ratcheting spring clamps
Drill
Drill bit - 1/8-inch
Robertson square driver/countersink
bit combo
Sponge paint roller
Tape measure
Pencil
Jobs for kids and adults together
Adult-only jobs
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SUPPLIES
Frame
Other Supplies:
4 feet of 1” x 2” poplar [1.21 m]
Cut 2 pieces at 24” [60.96 cm]
Screws
6 feet of 1” x 4” poplar [1.83 m]
Cut 2 pieces at 32” [81.28 cm]
Eight 2-1/2-inch [5.08cm] wood screws for fastening the
corners of the frame
Four 1-1/4-inch [3.18 cm] wood screws for fastening the
chalk tray
Ten 1/2-inch [1.27 cm] wood screws for fastening the
chalkboard to the frame
Chalkboard
One piece of ¼-inch plywood measuring 24” x
48” [0.64 cm x 60.96 cm x 121.92 cm]
Cut 1 piece 35” x 24” [88.90 cm x 60.96 cm] or have
Lowe’s cut it to size for you
Paint
Unsanded white grout powder (to make
chalkboard paint)
Sandpaper
Carpenter’s glue
Trim:
One piece of 3/4” x 3” fluted casing (door trim) cut to 37 inches [94 cm]
One piece of 5/8” x 1-1/2” ply-cap moulding at least 84 inches in length [2.13 m]
*Cut two pieces at 22-¼” [56.52 cm]
*Cut one piece at 32” [81.28 cm]
Two corner blocks - 5/8” thick x 2-½” square [1.59 cm x 6.35 cm]
Page 6
Watch the video at: www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos
1. Cut
Lowe's will cut plywood for your chalkboard to the exact
dimensions in the cut list on Page 6. Or you can easily cut
plywood or hardboard at home using a Japanese style handsaw,
which cuts on the pull stroke so it never buckles or sticks.
2. Mix
Next, create your own chalkboard paint in any colour by adding
about a tablespoon of unsanded grout powder to a cup of flat or
satin paint. (Unsanded grout powder is available in the tile
department at Lowe's.) Stir thoroughly to eliminate lumps.
3. Paint
Roll the freshly mixed chalkboard paint onto your plywood or
hardboard using a foam roller for a smooth finish. It might take a
couple of coats to cover thoroughly.
4. Measure
Next, measure and mark the boards for the frame. The exact
dimensions are in the cut list on Page 6.
Page 7
Watch the video at: www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos
5. Cut
Now use your trusty Japanese-style hand saw to make nice
square cuts. While you’re at it, cut the trim pieces (from
plywood-cap).
6. Mark
Lay out the boards for the frame. At each corner, mark two spots
for the long screws that will fasten the frame together.
7. Clamp
Clamp the boards to your work surface to make them easier to
work with.
8. Drill
Drill pilot holes for the long screws. The bit will tend to fill up with
sawdust so remember to pull the bit backwards a couple of times
while the drill bit is spinning to clear the grooves on the bit.
Page 8
Watch the video at: www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos
9. Countersink
Next, use a countersink bit right on top of the holes you just
drilled. This bit will carve a shallow, funnel-shaped hole so the
head of the screw won't split the wood.
10. Check
Make sure that you've drilled deeply enough to allow the screwhead to sink flush with the surface of the wood.
TIP
The neat thing about a countersink bit is that it flips to give you
either a driver bit or a drill bit. Just push the collar up to release
the bit, and then pull the collar down to lock the bit in position. 11. Drive
Now drive 2-1/2-inch [6.35 cm] screws to put the frame together.
Always use a pulsing motion when driving so you can more easily
control the speed and position of the drill.
Page 9
Watch the video at: www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos
12. Fasten
Continue drilling pilot holes and fastening all four corners of
the frame together.
13. Position chalkboard
Next, place the chalkboard on top of the frame. Use your
fingertips to feel all four corners and make sure it's lined up.
14. Drill
Drill shallow pilot holes for the screws (using your countersink
bit) along the top edge and both sides. Don't drill the bottom
edge since it won’t be covered with trim and we want it to
remain unblemished by screw heads.
15. Fasten
Drive 1/2-inch [1.27 cm] wood screws into the pilot holes to hold
the chalkboard in place. This would be a great time for kids to try
driving screws. Remember to use a pulsing motion for better
control.
Page 10
Watch the video at: www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos
16. Glue
Spread a couple of lines of carpenter’s glue along the centre of
each piece of trim.
17. Clamp
Clamp the trim pieces in place for about 20 minutes while the glue
sets up.
18. Glue
Add a squiggle of glue to the exposed corner of the
chalkboard.
19. Add corner trim
Now press the square corner block trim into position and add a
clamp to keep it secure while the glue sets up.
Page 11
Watch the video at: www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos
20. Complete the trim
Glue and clamp the remaining trim pieces.
21. Remove clamps
After the glue has had about 20 minutes to set up, remove the
clamps.
22. Cut
Next, cut the fluted casing for the ledge that holds the chalk.
Don't forget to sand the ends to remove slivers.
23. Mark
Mark the underside of the ledge in three or four places where
you'll fasten it to the poplar frame with screws. (Stay away from
the outside edges where you might run into the long screws that
join the frame pieces!)
Page 12
Watch the video at: www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos
24. Drill
Drill pilot holes through each pencil mark. You don't need to
countersink this time since the screw heads will be recessed in
the fluted surface.
25. Fasten
Drive 1-1/4-inch [3.175cm] screws into the pilot holes.
26. Install hanger
Just one more thing to do! Centre and attach some
interlocking hanging hardware so the chalkboard won't ever go
crooked once it’s hung on the wall.
27. Flip it over
Check out your work - great job!
Page 13
Watch the video at: www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos
Chalkboard time!
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DISCLAIMER
Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skill will vary, as
will the conditions of your project site. Lowe’s Companies Inc., and its subsidiaries ("Lowe’s") have
made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions and other content contained in this
publication. However, neither Lowe’s nor the publisher will assume any responsibility or liability for
damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your home improvement or repair project or in
the course of your use of the item you create or repair. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating
instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all standard
safety precautions. Prices and supply may vary, so check the cost of materials and labour in your area
before beginning any home improvement project. We strive to be accurate, but unintentional errors may
occur and we reserve the right to correct any error. See a Lowe’s store for information regarding product
warranties and any available protection plans. All prices, products and promotions are limited to Canada
locations only.
This “Family Fun™” video is for informational purposes only. Lowe’s assumes no responsibility for the
accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for omissions, errors or the
outcome of any project. Lowe’s assumes no responsibility or liability for damages, losses, or injuries
sustained in the course of your project or in the course of your use of any item you repair or create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, and take proper safety
precautions when taking on any project. It is your responsibility to ensure that participants engage in
age-appropriate activities and that children are appropriately supervised. If there is any question or
doubt with regard to any element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. No part of
this video may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of Lowe’s. Lowe’s, the gable design, and Lowe’s Family Fun Projects™ and Learning Through Building are
trademarks of LF, LLC. All rights reserved.
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