Build a Divided Chalkboard Calendar

Hi, it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt back again with another build project.  If you missed it, you’ll want to check out last weeks House Frame Bed.  As my kids are getting older, I find it harder to remember everything we are suppose to do between school, activities, work and church.  I love the big family calendar idea, to keep everyone in the loop.  I like the twist on the standard calendar with this divided chalkboard calendar that was available from Rockett St. George in the UK.  This calendar is the inspiration for this weeks plan.

image via Rockett St George

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How to Build a Divided Chalkboard Calendar

Materials

• 4′ x 4′ x 3/16″ plywood or MDF
• 2 – 1″ x 4″ x 96″ board (actual 3/4″ x 3 1/2″)
• Chalkboard paint
• 1 1/2″ – 2″ brad nails
• 3/4″ brad nails
• 5 coat and hat hooks
• picture hangers
• wood glue
• wood filler
• sand paper
• stain/top coat

Cut List

Step 1

Cut the 3/16″ plywood to 32 1/2″ x 35 1/4″.  Paint the plywood with chalkboard paint according to the directions on the container.  Allow the paint to dry.

Step 2

Cut the rest of the wood according to the cut list.  We need to cut a couple of dados for the chalkboard to sit in.  On the board that is 3/4″ x 15/16″ x 32″, cut a dado 1/4″ deep and 3/16″ wide.

On the 2 boards that are 3/4″ x 15/16″ x 35 3/4″, cut a dado 1/4″ deep and 3/16″ wide.

Step 3

Grab the 3 boards that were dado’d and the 2 1/2″ wide board.  Now we’ll assemble the outer frame.  The 32″ boards are the top and bottom, and the 35 3/4″ boards are the sides.  Arrange the boards, so the dados are in the back and the chalkboard will fit into the groove.  Glue each joint and secure the frame together with 1 1/2″ – 2″ brad nails.  Make sure the frame is square and the front edges are all flush.

Place the chalkboard in the back dado grooves.  Secure into place with glue and 3/4″ brad nails.

 Step 4

Next to add the dividers.  We will glue these, you may need to clamp them in place until the glue is dry.  Measure over 6″ from the left inside edge.  Glue the 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 32 1/2″ divider into place, add nails at the top if you want.

Measure every 4″ down and glue the horizontal dividers into place.  Add nails if you want.

If desired, add coat/hat hangers to the bottom.  Secure 1 or 2 picture hangers to the back of the chalkboard.

 Step 5

Remove any excess glue, apply wood filler to nail holes, cracks and blemishes and allow to dry.  Sand the wood filler and wood frame until smooth, finishing with 120-150 grit sand paper.  You may want to mask the chalkboard before painting or staining.  Stain or paint and prime as you like.

Enjoy your new Divided Chalkboard Calendar!

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Organize your family even more with a dry erase board like this:

or a bulletin board like this:

And put them all together in a great command center like these!

Published: October 25, 2014Filed Under: Contributor, Office, Project Plans, Sketches/Renderings, Tutorials Tagged: building plans, chalkboard, Contributors, DIY, Office, Organization

About Amy Baesler

Amy is the tool lover at Hertoolbelt. On Hertoolbelt, Amy shares DIY furniture plans, handyman tutorials, and craft patterns. She has two pint sized 'helpers' that help fix things around the house and build fun projects.