Chalkboards are an easy home project.
With the innovation of paint technology anyone can make a chalkboard with a smooth surface and some paint, but what is a chalkboard without a ledge to store the chalk. The complexity of this project varies by your needs, but it can be as simple as installing a wood shell beneath the board, or as difficult as nailing a few pieces of trim together and attaching those to the bottom of the chalkboard.
Instructions
1. Determine the size of the ledge for you chalkboard. Ledges typically run the whole length of the board.
2. Decide what type of wood you will use and what type of appearance you want. You could use plain wood stock, molding or even a wood shelf for the ledge. The type of wood will also determine how many pieces you will need. Is it just a simple ledge or will their be an apron as well? Do you need to add a lip to the ledge?
3. Measure and cut each piece of wood to length.
4. Assemble the ledge. If you are using a shelf or plain wood stock add a 3/4 inch strip or a piece of cove molding to give the ledge a lip. Attach the lip to the edge of the ledge with finish nails and hammer, or a finish gun and air compressor. The ledge will prevent chalk from rolling off and onto the ground.
5. Install the ledge to the blackboard. If you can drive screws up through the ledge and into the bottom of the blackboard, you do not need an apron unless you want it for aesthetics. Be sure to predrill holes to minimize the risk of splitting. If there is no room to attach directly to the bottom of the blackboard, attach the ledge to an apron and attach the apron to the wall with nails or screws driven into studs in the wall. If there are no studs, use wall anchors.
Tips Warnings
This project varies highly by personal preference. You can complete this project with only one piece of wood if you install the ledge directly to the blackboard; two pieces of wood if you install directly to the blackboard and add a lip; three pieces if you need an apron and a lip; or two pieces if you need an apron but no lip.
Some moldings have contours that will keep the chalk from rolling off so you could use one piece of molding rather than the two pieces of wood needed to make a ledge using plain stock and a lip.
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