After School Plans: DIY Bulletin Board Organizer

Let’s take a deep breath, shall we? We all know teens can be messy. Back to school, whether it’s virtual or in the classroom, brings missing homework, crumbled notes buried at the bottom of backpacks and the constant running around between after-school activities. Give your kid some space with this DIY Bulletin Board Organizer. We promise, your moody teen will appreciate it...even if they won’t admit it until they’re 25.

THINGS YOU’LL NEED

Materials

(1) 1/2" x 2' x 4' Plywood
(3) 1" x 2" x 8' Board
(1) 1" x 4" x 2' Board
(1) 1/4"x 2' x 3' Cork Sheet
(1) 1/4"x 2' x 4' Slate/Chalkboard OR Chalkboard Paint
(4) 3-1/2" Shaker Pegs – Click here to purchase from Walmart
#6 x 1-1/4" Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw
Sandpaper: 150g, 220g & 320g
Drill Bits: 3/8" & 1/2"
Wood Glue

Tools Used
Miter Saw or Circular Saw, Drill/Driver, Orbital Sander, Tape Measure, 20V 1.5Ah Battery, 20V 4.0Ah Battery, Charger, Safety Glasses, Drill Bits, Countersink Bit & Phillips Bit. Also need: Clamps.

DOWNLOAD PLANS

LUMBER CUT LIST & LAYOUT GUIDE

(3) 1" x 2" x 8' Boards:

Take a board and cut (1) 49-1/4" piece for the rail and (1) 23-3/4" piece for the stile per board
Follow the same cuts for board #2
Use board #3 to cut (2) 23-3/4" pieces for the stiles

1" x 4" x 2' Board:

Cut (1) 15" piece for the shelf.

1/2" x 2' x 4' Plywood Sheet:

Everyone calls it a 2’ x 4’, but, in actuality, the dimensions are closer to 23-3/4" x 47-3/4". Our plans follow those dimensions.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Cut all material using the Lumber & Cut Sheet Layout Guide.

Step 2

To make holes for the shaker pegs, find the center of the 1/2" x 2" x 4" plywood sheet, measure up 4" from the bottom and mark (4) drill points—3" apart. Use the 1/2" drill bit to drill the holes through the sheet.

PRO-TIP: Place a piece of scrap board underneath the plywood to prevent blowout when drilling.

Step 3

Glue the (2) 23-3/4" stiles to each side of the plywood, making sure the bottom edges are even.

Next glue the (2) 47-3/4” rails to the top and bottom—and drill (2) countersink holes in the ends of the rails. Make sure the holes are equally spaced 3/8” from each edge before securing the rails with the #6 x 1-1/4" wood screws.

Step 4

Next, glue down the remaining two stiles to the plywood backing following the diagram below. Once the stiles are in place, drill (2) countersink holes 5/8" from the top edge of the stiles, making sure the holes are evenly spaced. Attach using the wood screws.

Step 5

To attach the shelf, measure and mark the point that’s 16" from the top inside edge of the frame. Place the shelf on the point and draw a line where the top and bottom of the where shelf will set.

Remove shelf and mark a point in the center. Then mark another point 1-1/2" from each stile in the middle of where the shelf will set. Drill a 1/8" hole through the sheet at the (3) marked points. Flip the board over and drill countersink holes into the same 1/8" holes.

Step 6

Place the shelf back in its marked location and attach with glue and wood screws. Sand and finish all the wooden surfaces before completing the assembly.

Step 7

Cut the cork sheet and chalkboard to 14-7/8" x 23-3/4". Apply glue to plywood and put sheets in place. If you choose to use chalkboard paint, prep the area according to the manufacturer instructions and paint directly on to the plywood. Let it dry before gluing the board in place.

PRO-TIP: Place something flat on the sheets and add weight to hold them down while glue dries.

If you choose to use chalkboard paint, prep the area according to the manufacturer instructions and paint directly on to the plywood. Let it dry before gluing the board in place.