Hey, hey, hey! Today I’m sharing a fun project I did for my workshop area. Inside this tiny approx. 30 sq foot room, there’s a tiny utility closet that’s been grossly underutilized–we literally just put our broom in it and occasionally our iron. So over the next week or so, I’m going to be adding some shelves and organizational items to put this little closet to work.
But first, I focused on the old louvered door. I have nothing against louvered doors, just everything against our old louvered door. It was a bit dingy, had multiple coats of paint from the previous owners, and tons of thick paint drips. So I decided to cover it up. While there are tons of ways to update a door with trim, I wanted mine to be updated and add function just like this closet will (eventually). I came across this image on Pinterest from Ames Interiors :
And was inspired to turn our dated louvered closet door into a chalkboard.
Okay, you may be thinking, chalkboard door? That’s so 2008, lol. Well, doing this will allow me to write notes, shopping lists, and reminders for my family, and it’s sort of tucked away so it’s not BLAM, in your face–and will work wonders for our family. But, other variations of this project could be a white board or even a pinboard as seen in the pic above. For this project, I used my new Arrow Fastener Electric Nailer. It’s a great tool to add to your collection, and it’s at a really affordable price point (just under $60), so it’s great for first time DIYers. Arrow Fastener products are must-have items for every pro, maker and DIYer.
What I Used
- 1/4″ Sheet of Sandeply Sande plywood (or underlayment)
- Wood Glue or Liquid nails
- Arrow Electric Nailer
- Arrow 5/8″ Brad Nails
- Chalkboard Paint
- Foam Roller
- Angled Trim Brush
- Lattice for trim
- 1/4 in x 4 in poplar board
- Jig Saw
- Miter saw
- Sanding block
- paint for trim
What I Did
First I measured my door and had my plywood cut to size at the store.
I removed the door from the hinges, and sanded it lightly.
I added glue to the border of my door, and placed the plywood on top, lining up the edges. (You may have to trim or sand any areas that are uneven.)
Next, I grabbed my Arrow Electric Nailer and 5/8″ brad nails and secured the plywood to the door, nailing along the outside edge of the door.
Next, I measured and cut my lattice for the side trim, and my poplar for the top and bottom trim.
I then decided to create an arch out of the top trim.
To create the arch, I used a large pizza board to trace, and then cut it with my jigsaw.
Next, it was time for paint! I used a high density foam roller to apply the chalkboard paint in two coats, allowing it to dry between coats.
I let the chalkboard paint cure overnight, and then “seasoned” it, by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over the chalkboard. This will prevent writing from being “stained” into the chalkboard paint. Next, it was time to add the trim. I first added my wood glue and then used my Arrow Electric Nailer to secure the side trim pieces, making sure they lined up with the edges of the door. Then I secured the top and bottom pieces.
Once everything was secure, I used a nail punch to sink the brad nails . . .
and then I filled the nail holes with wood filler and allowed it to dry. Once it was dry, I sanded it lightly and finished it off with paint.
I just love this louvered door upgrade! Thank you to Arrow Fastener for sponsoring this post! To learn more about Arrow Fastener products , visit www.arrowfastener.com.
