This project plans walkthrough stays in the order the work happens.
Build an A-frame standing chalkboard easel sign for your outdoor wedding, party, or other event. The straightforward woodworking plan includes 2 sizes of wood chalkboard easel signs.
Add to your outdoor party with this Handmade long portable folding table and straightforward outdoor garden arbor arch, plus these options for straightforward outdoor string lighting.
Handmade Chalkboard Easel Sign
Hi, it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt back with another build plan. I love the look of chalkboard easels at parties, weddings and even holiday decorations.
I have had an A-Frame chalkboard easel on my To-Do list for a while. While planning a summer social with the neighborhood ladies, it was the well fitted time to mark it off my list.
At the party we served a lemonade bar inspired by this one, and the standing chalkboard is the well fitted place to show the flavored lemonade instructions.
We also built smaller easels for another party to show our theme for the party.
These standing chalkboard signs are great for welcoming guests and listing menu items or seating charts — and they make great porch decor after the party, too!
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How to Build a Handmade Chalkboard Easel
The printable woodworking plan includes full instructions for building both a large A-frame chalkboard easel and a small chalkboard easel sign (though the small easel is still plenty big for directing guests!)
Dimensions
The large chalkboard easel sign measures approximately 42″ tall x 24″ wide x 24″ deep, with a chalkboard surface of 19″ x 31″.
You can build 3 easels from one sheet of plywood/chalkboard panel. 
The small chalkboard easel sign measures approximately 29 3/4″ tall x 16 1/2″ wide x 16″ deep, with a chalkboard surface of 12 1/2″ x 20″.
You can build 7 small chalkboard easels from one sheet of plywood/chalkboard panel.
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Materials and Tools
Both chalkboard easel signs are built using affordable 1″ x 3″ x 8′ boards (actual ¾” x 2 ½”).
Read our tips for picking the straightest and best boards for building.The smaller easel features boards that were ripped to a smaller width, which is optional so you can build this without needing a table saw. (Though a table saw is a great addition to a workshop, especially if you build a table saw workbench like this!)
You’ll also need a sheet of ¼” x 4’ x 8’ plywood sheet or underlayment and chalkboard paint.
As an alternative to painting your own chalkboard, many stores now offer pre-painted chalkboard panels. You could also substitute a whiteboard dry erase panel or a chalkboard whiteboard panel.
The hardware is important for this folding chalkboard to stand! You’ll just need a pair of butt hinges and a short length of rope, string, or chain.
You’ll need the following tools to build this chalkboard A-frame sign:
- Compound Miter Saw
- Table Saw or Circular Saw with Edge Guide
- Router and Bit Set (optional)
- Brad Nailer (optional)
- Jig Saw, Scroll Saw, or Band Saw (optional)
- Drill/Driver
- Kreg Jig pocket hole jig
- Heavy Duty Staple Gun (optional)
- Rafter Square (optional)
- Woodworking Compass (optional)
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
The woodworking plans include details for using a router to cut a channel for the chalkboard panel to slide in.
If you don’t have a router, you can opt to cut the chalkboard panel a little bit larger and staple, screw, or nail the panel to the back side of each side of the easel.
The easel is assembled using pocket holes (drilled using a pocket hole jig) so don’t forget the pocket hole screws, too!
See more outdoor party decor woodworking plans hereNot sure about writing on the chalkboard once you’ve built it?
Read our tips for great chalk art here,
try this chalkboard stencil method
or use this method to make faux chalkboard signs.
Tips for Building a Chalkboard Easel Sign
Painting the Chalkboard Panel
To make the painting process easier, you may want to sand and paint the plywood with the chalkboard paint before assembling the frame.
I sanded the plywood really well, applied a coat of primer and let dry. Then I lightly sanded the primer so the surface would be fairly smooth for the chalkboard paint.
Installing the Hinges
When you install the hinges on the backside of the framed chalkboard panels, be sure to leave space for the hinges to be able to move (about 1/4″).
Mark the holes for the hinge screws and pre-drill the holes to avoid splitting the wood. 
We’d love to see how you use your standing chalkboard easel! Send us a photo here or tag #imaBekob on Instagram to show off your work.
For more build plans look at Hertoolbelt:
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Outdoor Sofa // Pallet Planter Box // Clubhouse Play set
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More Handmade chalkboard options you’ll love:
- Handmade Wall-Mount Chalkboard Wall Organizer
- Build a Divided Chalkboard Calendar
- Handmade Double Sliding Chalkboard Doors
- Build an Extra Large Wall Chalkboard
- Make Your Own Chalkboard Welcome Sign (with printable handlettered template!)
plus 50 more creative chalkboard project options!
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Published 13 June 2015 // Updated 8 March 2021
