Hanging a massive chalkboard in garage

[etex]

So the wife wants me to hang this 12 ft x 4 chalkboard in my shop. She said it will get the kids off of the iPads..i dont know about that but what I do know is i have to hang this thing. I estimate it weighs about 100 lbs..based off of after carrying it (actually while carrying it) I guessed that it weighed 100 lbs. I then researched a 12x4 chalkboard and one was listed at 99 lbs so..Im going with 100 lbs.

It only has three holes drilled through the metal trim at the top...im not sure how it was hung previously but it doesn't seem like three screws are enough to support the board into the studs of my shop (16 in OC). This thing is HEAVY!!

Should I run 12 feet of 2x4 to set it on and also screw it in at the top??
Interested in any suggestions.

Thanks

 

[The Cobbler]

I would run a 1x3 along the bottom edge with the 3 screws to hold it from falling frontwards and call it done
Lets see if the kids stay off the IPads

 

[The Bean]

That's "old school".

 

[csp]

French cleat

 

[WildBill]

After the kids don't use it you can make secret black light visible lists like in Gone in 60 Seconds. Or do what I do with my smaller one and keep a running list of what needs done on my approximately 2,000 stupid projects.

 

[kwb]

Three screws will be fine if that is what the maker of the board put on there to hang it.

 

[Ray-CA]

I painted one of my cabinet doors with chalkboard paint. Used it for a punch list for my car build, kept a list of shop items that I had run out of, etc. In my new shop I just used a whiteboard as a cabinet door.

 

[mikedodge]

I always thought it would be handy to have a big chalk board like that. Easy to write stuff on or hold pages with magnets so theyre easy to find. Only screws should be fine. You might want to put a couple 2x4s between the studs so that you can also put some screws on the sides too so the bottom of it doesn't stick out or move in and out.

 

[Sumboodie]

running list of what needs done on my approximately 2,000 stupid projects.

I'd need one like on Good Will Hunting with slide panels that go 10ft high!

Edit... apparently having a stroke or supper was laced with some good stuff, can't write coherently!

 

[Youngandfree]

I would have painted a piece of smooth wallboard and painted with chalkboard paint. Probably would save 90 pounds.

 

[Higgins]

So the wife wants me to hang this 12 ft x 4 chalkboard in my shop. She said it will get the kids off of the iPads..i dont know about that but what I do know is i have to hang this thing. I estimate it weighs about 100 lbs..based off of after carrying it (actually while carrying it) I guessed that it weighed 100 lbs. I then researched a 12x4 chalkboard and one was listed at 99 lbs so..Im going with 100 lbs.

It only has three holes drilled through the metal trim at the top...im not sure how it was hung previously but it doesn't seem like three screws are enough to support the board into the studs of my shop (16 in OC). This thing is HEAVY!!

Should I run 12 feet of 2x4 to set it on and also screw it in at the top??
Interested in any suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Higgins]

Forget hanging anything on the walls!

Go to HD and look at their Calk Board Paint! Works wonders. In both Green and Black!

Happy painting !!

AL

 

[etex]

I always thought it would be handy to have a big chalk board like that. Easy to write stuff on or hold pages with magnets so theyre easy to find. Only screws should be fine. You might want to put a couple 2x4s between the studs so that you can also put some screws on the sides too so the bottom of it doesn't stick out or move in and out.

blocking...good thinkin.. thx

 

[etex]

I would run a 1x3 along the bottom edge with the 3 screws to hold it from falling frontwards and call it done
Lets see if the kids stay off the IPads

1x3...much cleaner..thanks

 

[etex]

French cleat

.

 

[etex]

I always thought it would be handy to have a big chalk board like that. Easy to write stuff on or hold pages with magnets so theyre easy to find. Only screws should be fine. You might want to put a couple 2x4s between the studs so that you can also put some screws on the sides too so the bottom of it doesn't stick out or move in and out.

think i will..I'm really surprised at the weight of it.

 

[LopezBart]

And while you're shopping, pick up some multi-colored chalk - much more fun than just one color. Otherwise you'll have to listen about the kids talk about black and white TVs, too. When I was at UC Davis, the professors in the big lecture halls had vertical sliding balanced chalk boards; they'd whip the boards up and down while we'd frantically copy the diagrams and notes. Some of the students had multi-color pens; it made following the notes later a lot easier.

 

[etex]

And while you're shopping, pick up some multi-colored chalk - much more fun than just one color. Otherwise you'll have to listen about the kids talk about black and white TVs, too. When I was at UC Davis, the professors in the big lecture halls had vertical sliding balanced chalk boards; they'd whip the boards up and down while we'd frantically copy the diagrams and notes. Some of the students had multi-color pens; it made following the notes later a lot easier.

10-4....its the least I can provide to try hang with the iPad. thanks

 

[etex]

I always thought it would be handy to have a big chalk board like that. Easy to write stuff on or hold pages with magnets so theyre easy to find. Only screws should be fine. You might want to put a couple 2x4s between the studs so that you can also put some screws on the sides too so the bottom of it doesn't stick out or move in and out.

I think ill carve 1/3 of it out for me just for that type of stuff...maybe an official separator with a yardstick or something...

 

[Rc_Guy]

Too bad you just didn’t buy the chalkboard paint instead of trying to hang a chalkboard.

 

[lolaetype]

The Cobbler nailed it. A 1X3 along the bottom to carry the weight and some screws at the top to hold the board in place. Does it have a chalk tray along the bottom?

Don't forget to occasionally send the kids outside to "clap" the erasers together to clean them.

 

[bakmopar]

I think ill carve 1/3 of it out for me just for that type of stufIf...maybe an official separator with a yardstick or

Great idea.

 

[bassJAM]

I'd try to route a slight negative edge to that 1/3 so the kids have a place to leave chalk.

 

[etex]

Too bad you just didn’t buy the chalkboard paint instead of trying to hang a chalkboard.

Looks great. Does it get used? If mine doesn't at least I'll be able to take it down and post it on MP

 

[etex]

After the kids don't use it you can make secret black light visible lists like in Gone in 60 Seconds. Or do what I do with my smaller one and keep a running list of what needs done on my approximately 2,000 stupid projects.

that is probably what's going to happen with...maybe I'll use it to draw out ******* hip schematic...ha. im dealing with that now

 

[etex]

I'd try to route a slight negative edge to that 1/3 so the kids have a place to leave chalk.

researching negative edge

 

[mikedodge]

No need to add any extra material at the bottom to support weight, its not all that much to begin with.
It looks like it already has a chalk holder strip along the bottom already. Maybe not?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd finish the wall behind where it's getting hung first. The wife wants it hung up, the space gets finished first.

I'll agree with a ledger board.

 

[Zeke]

I have seen a lot of build threads with these sort of buildings. I usually stay on the sidelines.

If you are finishing out the space - starting with a carport is penny wise and pound foolish. I said something similar on question about a pole building as well. Now I am sure that someone out there is building a metal building from all this light gage material that might actually build a good building.... I just haven't seen it yet.

We all know accessory buildings (Shop, garage, mancave..... whatever you call it) don't add value to resale. So I completely understand desire to not go over the top unless you have a bunch of money, never plan to sell, are using the space to make money, or have other requirements (like zoning/HOA) that force some of these fundamental type questions. If you are looking mostly for dry storage I can see these sort of buildings fitting the need.

I also get having a job in another area of expertise, building a building is a skill and also a good chunk of time that most of us don't really have to do. So getting a quick shell up and then being able to chip away at things inside at DIY pace that allows life to happen - there is a logic to that. The important part is to know what you want at the end then take steps over 6mo or 10yrs to get there. If you are going into this as a known temporary thing then a 5-10yr effective life is reasonable, just don't think it will be the same as a structure designed for 50yrs.

As for this building- not knowing what the foundation is makes it really hard for me to even say if you really can come out ahead with a rework plan. The trusses look very light and even appear to have a sag to them already. The good news is that you appear to be building a building inside of it to finish it off, adding some structure and connecting the two might save your day but it will probably involve adding some beams/trusses and posts at the ends to make it all work.

My $0.02 (which I am way past) is at the root of this is there was not a clear matching of expectations between owner and builder at the start of the project. I doubt that if there was this would have been the builder you would have chosen.

I would run a 1x3 along the bottom edge with the 3 screws to hold it from falling frontwards and call it done
Lets see if the kids stay off the IPads

French cleat

+2 on some sort of cleat. There you have it, a quorum.

 

[BombShelter]

Maybe I'm the only one but I hate chalkboards, I'd bury this one and go with a marker whiteboard, much easier draw on.

 

[Stuart in MN]

100 lbs and three screw holes means only 33 lbs per screw, I wouldn't worry about including any extra support.

 

[rlitman]

Three screws will be fine if that is what the maker of the board put on there to hang it.

I highly doubt it was meant to hang from the upper metal trim. Those three screws were made to hold the top of the board against the wall. The weight would be carried by a leger that sits underneath. Probably matching aluminum, and probably missing, but easily replaced by wood.

And yes, I'd be comfortable attaching that leger with just three screws, provided they were into studs. But HANGING it from three screws on the top is not going to cut it.

 

[Jeff]

Once you hang it, you lose all storage in front and under it.
You could use totes with wheels to make it easier.

 

[Hohn]

A single 1/8" aluminum pop rivet is rated at 120# in shear. I think your three little mounts might be one more than needed if you anchor it to something solid.

 

[WisJim]

Is this really a real slate chalkboard? The ones that I have are a lot heavier than that per square foot. They came out of remodeled classrooms and were originally glued to the wall (construction adhesive? not sure what was used back when they were installed) and also fastened with trim all the way around. The metal chalk tray at the bottom was also fastened to the wall with screws.

Edit: Looks like this is a green board rather than slate black board, so I see how it is lighter. Probably okay with the original screw method of hanging, but a bottom support as suggested makes sense, too. I think the surface of this will hold up better than one using "blackboard" paint.
My experience with the whiteboards suggested above is that they are need very specific types of markers, and using the wrong marker almost certainly wrecks the surface as the color can't be entirely removed--based on my experience attempting to rescue whiteboards where a professor used the wrong marker.

 

[etex]

The Cobbler nailed it. A 1X3 along the bottom to carry the weight and some screws at the top to hold the board in place. Does it have a chalk tray along the bottom?

Don't forget to occasionally send the kids outside to "clap" the erasers together to clean them.

 

[etex]

Is this really a real slate chalkboard? The ones that I have are a lot heavier than that per square foot. They came out of remodeled classrooms and were originally glued to the wall (construction adhesive? not sure what was used back when they were installed) and also fastened with trim all the way around. The metal chalk tray at the bottom was also fastened to the wall with screws.

Edit: Looks like this is a green board rather than slate black board, so I see how it is lighter. Probably okay with the original screw method of hanging, but a bottom support as suggested makes sense, too. I think the surface of this will hold up better than one using "blackboard" paint.
My experience with the whiteboards suggested above is that they are need very specific types of markers, and using the wrong marker almost certainly wrecks the surface as the color can't be entirely removed--based on my experience attempting to rescue whiteboards where a professor used the wrong marker.

yeah I dont think its a slate either, but still pretty hefty..I couldnt imagine what a black slate board would weigh. Good to know about the specific markers for the others. thanks

 

[etex]

A single 1/8" aluminum pop rivet is rated at 120# in shear. I think your three little mounts might be one more than needed if you anchor it to something solid.

I went and looked at the holes..that may be what they used originally.

 

[Youngandfree]

Maybe I'm the only one but I hate chalkboards, I'd bury this one and go with a marker whiteboard, much easier draw on.

You're not the only one. My wife has one for our calender, but she uses chalk pens, not real chalk. I still prefer the white board beside it.

 

[rlitman]

Is this really a real slate chalkboard? The ones that I have are a lot heavier than that per square foot. They came out of remodeled classrooms and were originally glued to the wall (construction adhesive? not sure what was used back when they were installed) and also fastened with trim all the way around. The metal chalk tray at the bottom was also fastened to the wall with screws.

Edit: Looks like this is a green board rather than slate black board, so I see how it is lighter. Probably okay with the original screw method of hanging, but a bottom support as suggested makes sense, too. I think the surface of this will hold up better than one using "blackboard" paint.
My experience with the whiteboards suggested above is that they are need very specific types of markers, and using the wrong marker almost certainly wrecks the surface as the color can't be entirely removed--based on my experience attempting to rescue whiteboards where a professor used the wrong marker.

Yes, green board. I think it's a type of glass. Much lighter than slate.

Here's a secret for removing stains made by the wrong kind of marker on a whiteboard. Draw over it with a fresh whiteboard marker, and it should erase cleanly. The solvent in the whiteboard marker does a great job at cleaning up sharpie stains.