Fast Fix: Kitchens

Create a Family Message Center

Build a custom-framed chalkboard to hang in your kitchen, creating a central location for everyone to leave messages, write to-dos and keep up with each others' schedules.

By Janell Beals, Isabella & Max Rooms
Filed under: Kitchens, Handmade, How To

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Materials Needed:

20" x 46" x 1/4" sheet hardboard
23" x 51" x 1/8" sheet hardboard
(2) 49-1/2-inch lengths 3-1/2-inch wide primed MDF baseboard
20" x 3-1/2" primed MDF baseboard
extra strength wood glue
caulk and caulk gun
extra fine sanding pad
painters' tape
roll masking paper
white spray paint

27" x 4-1/2" primed MDF baseboard
28-1/2" x 3-1/2" primed MDF baseboard trimmed down to 1 1/2–inch
28" x 3-1/2" primed MDF baseboard trimmed down to 1 inch
clear protective spray
chalkboard paint (in black or tinted to desired color)
chalk
2 ring hangers
picture wire
2 picture hooks and nails

Cut and Lay Out Pieces

Cut primed MDF baseboard and hardboard to size. Lay out cut pieces of MDF around hardboard on flat working surface. Tip: Have materials cut at a home improvement store and consider purchasing trim that matches your home's door casings for a consistent look.