This is the finished product.
Each week we are using the chalkboard as a way for people to respond to the parables of Jesus and the dramas performed in Worship. Different phrases are put at the top each week and people are encouraged to come and write on the board during a song. After two weeks people are already looking forward to the next week and the chance to continue their Lenten journey together.
Building it was fairly simple and inexpensive. Here is how I did it.
What you will need:
Three (3) sheets of plywood. I used chip board because it was the least expensive. 1/2 inch thick
2x4s (12) for the supports - 10 feet long
Primer (2 cans)
Chalkboard Paint (2 cans)
Circular Saw (for cutting 2x4s)
Paint brush (4 inch worked great for me)
Wood Deck Screws
Drill
Safety Glasses
Painters Plastic
Carpenters combo square (45 degree angle)
Fan (to help it dry faster)
Sand paper / Palm sander
Tube sand bags (2)
Wet rag
Sidewalk Chalk
1. Begin by preparing the surface of the plywood. Sanding it help the wood absorb the primer and creates a flatter surface. Try to get rid of any bumps that people might run into when writing on the board. The palm sander works faster and is less straining on the arm.
2. Wipe off the sawdust with a wet rag to help the primer absorb better.
3. Put down painter's plastic so you don't ruin the floor. (the biggest work space I had was in the sanctuary. We don't have carpet but the primer and chalkboard paint don't easily come out of anything.)
4. Apply primer and let dry. The fan will help the first board be dry by the time you are done with all three.
5. Apply chalkboard paint. Let dry. Their may be streaks and texture with the brush application but it drys flat.
Once finished I would let the chalkboard paint dry for a few days. I left them over the weekend and finished the legs on Monday.
The Legs
1. Cut the support braces that connect to the back of the chalkboard to 6 foot lengths. 2 for each board.
They need to be this long because people going to press up agains the board and you want it to be sturdy enough to hold up agains the pressure.
2. Attach boards to the back of the board. Leave 1/2 inch from the side and the bottom. Drill from the chalk board side into the 2x4 so to not have any of the screw where it could hurt someone.
3. The remaining 4 foot pieces will be the feet of the support.
4. Attach the feet with 2 screws. Once again drill from the front.
5. You will also need cross braces. Cut two (2) braces for each chalkboard, one for each side to four (4) foot lengths.
6. You will need to cut a 45 degree angle at the end of the support brace. Use the combo square tool for this.
Make sure the angles are facing in the correct direction before cutting. The long end of the angle should be on the same edge of the board.
6. Attach the support to the chalkboard. Use multiple screws on each end.
Double check to see if you have a 90 degree angle from the floor so the chalkboard will stand up straight.
You are finished and have a giant chalkboard! I used two (2) tube sand bags so they wouldn't fall over on people.
The last step is to prepare the chalkboard for writing. The best way is to get sidewalk chalk and use the side to cover the whole board. This "primes" the board with chalk dust so it is easier to write.
When finished use a wet rag to wipe off the board and you are ready to go.
I will continue to post pictures of the board and what people write here. You can also check out the Word of Peace Pinterest page or Facebook page for pictures as well.
Enjoy and happy building,
Dain
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