2.4 KiB
+++ categories = ["build"] tags = ["diy", "whiteboard", "woodworking"] date = 2025-05-02T12:00:00-06:00 description = "Building a sturdy, inexpensive medium-sized whiteboard from readily available materials instead of buying a small commercial board." draft = false slug = "whiteboard" title = "🧼 Whiteboard Build" author = "nicholas" +++
I need a sturdy, medium-sized whiteboard, and I would not like to pay much money. Mostly because I won't feel as bad when it is inevitably damaged or degraded as is inevitable with any cheap whiteboard. I can either buy a very small whiteboard of poor build quality, or I can make a fairly large one for roughly the same price. Easy decision.
Plan
I will buy a piece of hardboard with a smooth gloss whiteboard finish. Uncut, this would give me a 8′ × 4′ whiteboard, which is enormous for the space I have. 3′ × 3′ will be ideal.
{{< image src="images/home-depot-tile-board.jpg" caption="Home Depot whiteboard material" >}}
I will have a Home Depot employee to cut the board for me in the store. It will be divided into 4 pieces:
- (1) 3′ × 3′ — main whiteboard
- (2) 2.5′ × 3′ — bonus whiteboards
- (1) 1′ × 8′ — TBD
{{< image src="images/home-depot-store-boards.jpg" caption="Home Depot store cart" >}}
Materials
- Carpenter’s square
- Permanent marker
- Drill
- Drill bit (sized for anchor screws)
- Drywall anchors
- Pin punch
- Hammer
- Washers
- Screwdriver
- Bubble level
Procedure
-
Mark Pilot Hole Locations
Measure and mark pilot hole positions 1.5" from each edge in all four corners of the board. -
Drill Pilot Holes in Board
Drill holes at marked positions using drill bit sized for anchor screw shank. -
Transfer Hole Positions to Wall
Hold board in position on wall. Use level to align board. Using board's holes as a template, tap small pin punch through each hole to mark wall for drywall anchors. -
Install Drywall Anchors
Remove board. Install plastic drywall anchors at marked wall locations. -
Prepare Mounting Screws
Slide a washer onto each of four screws. Pre-thread screws into board so that the tips protrude ~ 1/16" from back surface. This will make alignment easier during mounting. -
Mount the Board
Align board with drywall anchors and drive screws into plastic anchors at all four corners.
Images
{{< gallery name="whiteboard-gallery" >}}
Done.