How to Make a Giant Outdoor Chalkboard
If you’re looking for a DIY outdoor chalkboard that will actually last in the elements, you’re in the right place. Kids love sidewalk chalk, but the mess it leaves behind can be a headache. So instead of sweeping up chalk dust every week, I built a giant outdoor chalkboard for our fence - and it provided years of creative backyard fun.
This weatherproof outdoor chalkboard for kids lasted over 10 years with no maintenance. In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to build your own using cement backer board so it holds up to the weather and everyday play.
You'll find a complete step-by-step tutorial with photos, supply list, durability tips, and answers to your biggest questions.
Fun fact: this was the very first DIY project ever published on HeyThereHome.com! I made this backyard chalkboard for my daughter’s third birthday in 2013, and we just took it down at the end of 2023. Ten years. Zero repairs.
In This Article
Does Decorating Feel Confusing? - It's because you're starting in the wrong place.
The secret isn’t more inspiration - it’s a clear plan.
Grab my free Function First Decorating Guide and learn the simple first step that makes every decorating decision easier.
Why An Outdoor Chalkboard Is Still A Great Backyard Idea
With so many kids glued to screens these days, simple outdoor play ideas are more valuable than ever. A backyard chalkboard wall encourages creativity, writing practice, drawing, and even outdoor learning time - without expensive toys or constant setup.
The best part? It’s a DIY project that looks impressive but is relatively inexpensive and gives you years of low-maintenance fun.
Is Chalkboard Paint Waterproof?
I used regular chalkboard paint - nothing special - and it lasted outside beautifully.
We don't have snow where I live (Southern California), but this weatherproof chalkboard handled rain, cold snaps, high heat, and humidity without any issues for over a decade.
The real key to durability isn’t the paint - it’s the surface underneath.
Best Materials For A Weatherproof Outdoor Chalkboard
Can you use cement board outside?
Yes - and that's the secret.
Cement board (HardieBacker Board) is made for wet environments like showers and tub surrounds. It doesn’t absorb water, won’t rot, and won’t warp. That’s what makes it perfect for a long-lasting DIY outdoor chalkboard.
Can you paint backer board?
Absolutely. We applied chalkboard paint directly to the cement backer board with no primer.
Can you use sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard?
Yes! We only used sidewalk chalk on our outdoor chalkboard for years. The key is seasoning it properly (I'll show you how below).
Supplies List For DIY Outdoor Chalkboard
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read the full disclosure.
**Tip: Use the links below to order everything online at The Home Depot. They gather it all for you to pick up at the curb! Hooray for never wandering that giant store lost again!
- (2) 3 ft x 5 ft x .42 HardieBacker Boards
- (6) 1 x 3 x 8 boards (for frame)
- (4) 5/16 x 3 lag bolts (to attach to fence posts)
- 1 quart chalkboard paint
- 1 quart outdoor paint (color of your choice for frame)
- 1 tube Liquid Nails + caulk gun
- (28) #7 1 ¼ inch screws
- (2) hooks to hang chalk buckets (choose hooks with smooth, rounded edges that don't protrude too far so little ones don't get poked while playing)
You May Also Like
How To Build A Giant Outdoor Chalkboard (Step-by-Step)
Because cement board is heavy, plan carefully before building. If you’re attaching it to a fence, make sure you secure it directly into fence posts so it can hold the weight. Also, consider the distance between your fence posts when planning the giant chalkboard size.
Our fence measured 8 feet between the posts - that determined the 8-foot width of our chalkboard.
Part 1: Cut the HardieBacker boards
You'll cut 1 foot off each 5x3 board to create two 4x3 pieces (for an 8-foot chalkboard).
1: Measure and mark 12 inches from the 3-ft edge of each board.
2: Using the marks you just made, draw a straight line across.
3: Score deeply with a utility knife along the line until you get a groove.
4: Place a frame board under the scored line and apply pressure until the board snaps along the line. (If it's not breaking easily score the line again to deepen the groove.)
5: Repeat for the second board.
Part 2: Create the back frame
6: Lay the two cement boards together along the short edges and place the 8-foot frame boards along the long edges (trim if necessary).
7: Cut four 30-¾ inch pieces for the frame board short sides. You'll use two now and two later.
8: Recreate the frame on the ground.
9: Apply a bead of Liquid Nails on the frame board with a caulk gun.
10: With the help of a buddy, set each backer board onto the frame (chalk side facing up). Apply pressure.
11: With a power drill, screw every 18 inches to reinforce.
Part 3: Reinforce the middle seam
One of the problems you may have is the seam where the two backer boards meet may not sit perfectly flush. This was our remedy.
12: Cut 2-3 small scrap pieces of frame board and attach them with short screws along the seam from the back to stabilize it.
Optional: Apply exterior caulk along the seam and let dry for an even smoother surface.
Part 4: Paint with chalkboard paint
13: Flip the entire board over and get ready for the fun part... painting!
Optional: Caulk the middle seam on the front side and let dry before painting.
14: Apply two generous coats of chalkboard paint with a roller, letting it dry fully between coats.
Part 5: Create the front frame
15: Dry fit the frame boards just like you did on the back side.
16: Paint the frame pieces with outdoor paint (your choice of color). Allow everything to dry.
17: Attach the frame with Liquid Nails to hold it in place.
18: Reinforce with screws, fill holes with putty and touch up paint as necessary.
Part 6: Install on the fence
19: Lean the chalkboard against the fence and mark where you'll need to pre-drill holes on the frame for proper fence post placement.
**Tip: Consider the height of the kiddos who will use it.
20: Predrill holes in the frame.
21: Secure the chalkboard into the fence posts using lag bolts.
Part 7: Attach hooks for chalk buckets
22: Decide where you want to place the hooks and install them (ours are about 11 inches from the bottom of the frame).
How To Season An Outdoor Chalkboard
After the paint is dried and cured, season the chalkboard before the first use (and after it rains). Seasoning makes it easy to erase and prevents ghosting.
- Take a piece of chalk on its side
- Rub it over the entire chalkboard surface in circular motions
- With an old dry rag, rub the surface in the same circular pattern
- Wipe until it's totally erased
How Our DIY Outdoor Chalkboard Held Up After 10 Years
The short answer? Awesome!
After ten years it looked like the day we hung it up on the fence and has been outside year round with absolutely no maintenance. Well, besides replacing the plastic buckets and the sidewalk chalk supply!
Why did it last?
The HardieBacker board doesn’t absorb moisture so it doesn’t expand and contract (we also used it to tile our tub surround).
The frame added stability and airflow.
The chalkboard paint held up beautifully and we didn't need to repaint. Re-seasoning fixed any post-rain ghosting.
It stayed outside year round. Southern California doesn’t get snow, but we do get rain and humidity - and it handled it all. You can see below that there wasn't any weather damage.
Can You Have An Outdoor Chalkboard In Snow?
Yes - you absolutely can build an outdoor chalkboard in a snowy climate. You just need to make a few smart material upgrades.
Snow itself isn’t the issue. The bigger concerns are moisture buildup and freeze-thaw cycles. If water seeps into wood and then freezes, it can cause cracking, warping, or hardware rust over time.
Here’s how to make a weatherproof outdoor chalkboard that can handle winter:
- Use cement backer board (like HardieBoard) for the chalk surface - it won’t absorb water.
- Choose cedar or pressure-treated lumber instead of pine for the frame.
- Use galvanized or stainless steel screws and lag bolts.
- Seal all cut wood ends thoroughly with exterior paint.
- Make sure the chalkboard is attached to fence posts and slightly elevated so snow doesn’t sit directly against it.
You may need to reseason it in the spring or occasionally refresh the paint every few years, but with proper materials, a DIY outdoor chalkboard can absolutely survive winter weather.
Final Thoughts
This DIY outdoor chalkboard was one of our favorite projects and a great addition to our backyard. It created a fun spot for the kids create, practice their writing and play a fierce game of tic-tac-toe while we relaxed and sipped an adult beverage.
And the fact that it lasted over 10 years with almost no maintenance? That's a win.
If you love seeing simple, functional projects that actually hold up over time, be sure to check out:
👉 Tour Our Home & Our DIY Home Decor Projects
You might just find your next weekend DIY.
P.S. What if I told you there's a whole new (and way easier) way to decorate your home—without the overwhelm, indecision, or endless Pinterest scrolling.
Inside my online decorating program, Style Your Way Home, I'll walk you through the process of discovering and defining your decorating style, creating a home decor plan, and show you how to apply it in any space so each room is unique while maintaining a cohesive look that feels like YOU! - When you join now, you'll get direct support from me... it's like having a design BFF in your back pocket!
Frequently Asked Questions - DIY Giant Chalkboard
Why does a chalkboard need to be seasoned?
If you don't season it first, the chalk won't fully erase and can leave "ghosts" of previous images and words on the chalkboard. Seasoning fills the surface with a light layer of chalk dust so drawings wipe clean easily going forward.
What's the purpose of the frame on the back?
The back frame adds structural stability and keeps the two cement boards fully joined together. It also creates a small gap between the chalkboard and the fence, allowing for airflow so moisture can dry properly and not damage the fence.
Would it be okay to get an 8 ft backer board instead of using two 5 ft and adjusting?
Yes, but keep in mind that an 8-foot backer board is 4 feet tall, which was more than we needed, and significantly heavier. If you’re comfortable with the added weight/height and your fence posts are spaced appropriately, it can absolutely work.
What's the best wood for a fence chalkboard frame?
Painted pine works well in dry climates like mine in Southern California. If you live in a wetter or more humid region, cedar or pressured-treated wood provides better long-term durability and weather resistance.
How much does it cost to build a giant outdoor chalkboard?
This project cost us about $100 in 2013. Prices will vary today depending on material costs in your area.
