Create a Family Message Center
Build a custom-framed chalkboard to hang in your kitchen and create a central location for everyone to leave messages, write to-dos and keep up with each others' schedules.
![Kitchen Chalkboard Family Message Center Kitchen With White Cabinets and Family Message Center](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/9/16/0/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-beauty_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400951073440.webp)
Materials Needed:
- 20" x 46" x 1/4" sheet hardboard
- 23" x 51" x 1/8" sheet hardboard
- (2) 49-1/2-inch lengths 3-1/2-inch wide primed MDF baseboard
- 20" x 3-1/2" primed MDF baseboard
- extra strength wood glue
- caulk and caulk gun
- extra fine sanding pad
- painters' tape
- roll masking paper
- white spray paint
- 27" x 4-1/2" primed MDF baseboard
- 28-1/2" x 3-1/2" primed MDF baseboard trimmed down to 1 1/2–inch
- 28" x 3-1/2" primed MDF baseboard trimmed down to 1 inch
- clear protective spray
- chalkboard paint (in black or tinted to desired color)
- chalk
- 2 ring hangers
- picture wire
- 2 picture hooks and nails
Cut and Lay Out Pieces
Cut primed MDF baseboard and hardboard to size. Lay out cut pieces of MDF around hardboard on flat working surface. Tip: Have materials cut at a home improvement store and consider purchasing trim that matches your home's door casings for a consistent look.
Glue Together
Apply extra strength wood glue to both sides of adjacent cut edges. Press together firmly. Repeat for all sides.
![Glue Pieces Together Glue frame](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/1/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step02_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400952539191.webp)
Let Frame Dry
Let glue dry for 24 hours. Tip: Place stacked magazines along outer edges of frame to help pieces dry in position.
![Let Frame Dry Allow the frame to dry one day](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/1/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step03_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400952539091.webp)
Attach Backing
Turn message board over. Attach sheet of hardboard to back side with glue to stabilize frame.
![Attach Backing Attach hardboard backing for stability](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/0/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step04_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400951725779.webp)
Tape Corners
Temporarily tape corners to secure backing while turning. Turn message board over.
![Tape Corners Tape corners temporarily](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/0/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step05_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400952258310.webp)
Apply Caulk
Run a bead of caulk around inner edges of message board and fill in any gaps between joints. Let dry two hours.
![Apply Caulk to Frame Caulk inside frame](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/0/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step06_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400952375001.webp)
Protect Hardboard Surface
Apply painters' tape along edges where hardboard meets frame. Cover hardboard with masking paper. Tape in place.
![Protect Hardboard Surface Cover hardboard and tape](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/0/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step07_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400950895734.webp)
Paint and Seal Frame
Spray paint frame. Let dry one hour. Spray protective finish on painted frame. Let dry one hour. Remove protective tape and paper.
![Paint and Seal Frame Paint chalkboard frame](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/0/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step08_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400952374706.webp)
Tape Edges and Paint Chalkboard
Apply painters' tape around inner frame edges. Paint hardboard with chalkboard paint.
![Tape Edges and Paint Chalkboard Tape edges and paint chalkboard](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/1/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step09_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400952491417.webp)
Attach Hardware and Hang
Screw two ring hangers into back of chalkboard with picture wire strung between rings. Nail picture hooks into wall and hang.
![Attach Hardware and Hang Attach hanging hardware to chalkboard backing](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/0/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step10_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400949994899.webp)
Prime Chalkboard Surface
Treat chalkboard by covering entire surface using large chalk stick on its side. Rub into chalkboard and wipe away with rag. Tip: This allows future chalk marks to be fully erasable.
![Prime Chalkboard Surface Rub chalk all over surface](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/12/0/original_janell-beals-kitchen-chalkboard-step11_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400951671413.webp)