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How to Make an Oversized Outdoor Chalkboard
Every backyard needs a giant chalkboard! It's perfect for keeping score, showcasing kids' artwork and letting guests know what's on the menu.
DIY Chalkboard Scoreboard for Games
If you’re keeping score, do it on an oversized outdoor chalkboard. They’re easy to DIY and we love how multipurpose they are. When you’re not keeping score, it’s an art canvas or menu display for more formal get-togethers.
Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions
Flynnside Out Productions
Materials Needed
- 1/2-inch plywood
- (3) 1x2x12
- (1) stainless steel eye hook
- hack saw
- miter box
- drill
- chop saw (optional)
- circular saw (optional)
- 1/4-inch masonry bit
- 3-inch masonry screws
- 1-inch wood screws
- wood glue
- 1 quart chalkboard paint
- 1 can exterior spray paint
- paint roller
- paintbrush
- dropcloth
- pencil
- measuring tape
- eye protection
Cut Plywood
With your dimensions in hand, have your local home improvement store cut the plywood to size. This saves you the step of having to cut it at home using a circular saw.
Step 1 - Cut Plywood
With your dimensions in hand, have the home improvement store cut the plywood to size for you before you leave the store. This saves you the step of having to cut it at home using a circular saw and makes it easier to transport.
Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions
Flynnside Out Productions
Pre-Paint Plywood
Paint the smoothest side of the plywood with chalkboard paint using a paint roller (Image A), then set aside to dry. Next, paint the trim white. We went with an exterior-grade spray paint, but you can use traditional latex paint (Image B). (Paint the exposed edges of your plywood the same color as your trim pieces; we overlooked this and had to go back and do it after the fact.)
Cut Trim
Measure, mark and cut 1x2 pieces to frame out the chalkboard. These will sit on top of the plywood, so keep this in mind as you measure. If you skip the miter cuts, you could have the home improvement store cut these for you, too.
Step 3- Cut Trim
Measure, mark and cut 1x2 pieces to frame out the chalkboard. These will sit on top of the plywood, so keep this in mind, as you measure. HINT-If you skip the miter cuts, you could have the home improvement store cut these for you, too!
Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions
Flynnside Out Productions
Secure Trim
Secure the trim pieces to the front of the chalkboard using wood glue (Image A) and screws. Drill through the back of the plywood, so there are no exposed screws on the front (Image B).
Secure to Wall
Once the location of the chalkboard is determined, drill pilot holes in each corner through the plywood and into the wall behind it. Next, secure to the wall with 3-inch screws or anchors appropriate for your home’s exterior. Touch up the top of the screws with a bit of chalkboard paint so they blend in. Add extra screws if your chalkboard is really large and the weight requires it.
Step 5 - Secure to Wall
Once the location of the chalkboard is determined, drill pilot holes in each corner through the plywood and into the wall behind it. Next, secure to the wall with 3-inch screws or anchors appropriate for your home’s exterior. Touch up the top of screws with a bit of chalkboard paint so they blend in. Add extra screws if your chalkboard is really large and the weight requires it.
Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions
Flynnside Out Productions
Add Hook
Add a simple hook to the trim so you can hang a bucket to keep chalk and a rag handy for game score-keeping, kid murals and more.
Step 6- Add Hook
Add a simple hook to the trim so you can hang a bucket to keep chalk and a rag handy.
Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions
Flynnside Out Productions
