Monday, February 6, 2012

DIY Slate Chalkboard

You know, there are few things I love in life more than a free project. Chocolate comes to mind, and my family of course... but anyway- Free Project!! Woo!


I had found a pile of old slate tiles that had been ripped out of building during demolition a few years ago. The foreman said I could have them since they were just going to toss them. (When in doubt about something just ask! People are usually pretty willing to get rid of stuff.) I took about 8 that were in good shape and carried them around through 2 moves. Unfortunately most of them broke during those moves but I still have 3 left. 


I decided I needed to use them ASAP before those ended up broken as well and I made a slate chalk board!





Yep, thats right- no chalk board paint here. It's the real deal. I thought it would be fun to use in the kitchen as a menu board. 


If you want to make one of these yourself it's real easy. Here's what you need:


2 Slate Tiles (if you can't find them on the side of the road like I did check your local home improvement store.)


1 piece of scrap plywood or MDF cut down to about 8" x 20" about 3/4" thick (this could vary depending on the size of your tiles, you don't want the wood to close to the edge of the tile. Otherwise it will show)


Liquid Nails


Heavy Duty Picture Hangers


Scrap piece of Molding to be used as a chalk holder


Saw for cutting wood down if need be


First lay out your tiles and determine what size wood you need. Depending on what size your tiles are the size of the wood could vary from the size I used.




Next slather Liquid Nails on the wood, then place the wood centered on the two tiles.



Now, patience. I weighted my wood down under some books and let it set over night.


Once it was all dry I screwed the heavy duty hooks into the wood. This is the reason I used 3/4" plywood- so my screws wouldn't be to long to screw into the wood.


Then I cut down my scrap piece of molding down to about 8" long. Mine was a natural wood look and I thought it looked nice with the slate color. I used Liquid Nails once again and let it set over night.


Then all done! Hang and admire.





Yay! I think it turned out super cute and it was FREE!!


17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice job!! That looks great, well done!

Sandi @ The Primitive Skate said...

Awesome idea! I Love it!

Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication said...

Love it! It looks so much better than just a chalkboard.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Have to agree -- it IS super cute and the price is perfect. Thanks for the info on making this. I've also seen these tiles at the ReStore.

Sherry said...

Great job, I like how it turned out. Thanks for sharing.

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

totally unique and totally fun! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Very creative and looks great! Stopping by from transformation thursday.

Stay Sew Creative said...

I love this idea! I'm going to pin it! Thanks for sharing!

Alison Agnew said...

such a simple idea
for using found objects
to craft a chic little chalk board

thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded
and i am now following you
via Linky Followers!

alison

Homeroad said...

Very rustic chalkboard! I love it!
Susan
Homeroad

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Love it! It's rustic and looks great! Stopping by from Inspiration Friday.

Meg said...

Love how this turned out! I'm your newest linky follower and would love a return follow. I would also love if you liked up to my party: http://www.nutmegplace.com/2012/02/show-off-saturday-1.html

Hope to see you there!!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I absolutely love this. Great tutorial.

Stone Cottage Adventures said...

We have an old rock farmhouse. Something like this would fit right in! I love it! -Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures

Unknown said...

I have a couple of pieces of slate left over from a tile job and this is the perfect use for them. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this!!! My party just started...I would LOVE to have you stop by and share your projects!!! XO Aimee

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

So darling!! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday!