Upcycled Cabinet Door Chalkboard Organizer: DIY Farmhouse Style

Updated at: 06/02/2025

Give your kitchen a charming farmhouse makeover with this easy DIY project! Transforming an old cabinet door into a functional and stylish chalkboard organizer is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. This upcycled masterpiece will not only add rustic elegance to your space but also provide a practical solution for keeping your kitchen essentials organized and within easy reach. Say goodbye to cluttered countertops and hello to a beautifully organized, personalized command center. Imagine the satisfaction of creating something beautiful from something discarded, breathing new life into a forgotten piece of furniture.

This upcycled cabinet door chalkboard organizer is perfect for those who love a touch of rustic charm and appreciate the value of repurposing. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, this project is achievable and fun. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create your own farmhouse-style chalkboard organizer.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cabinet door
  • Paint (chalk paint and other colors)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Brackets (Dollar Tree)
  • Gel glue (Dollar Tree)
  • Basket
  • Spray paint
  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Chalk
  • Paper towel/Eraser
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use appropriate safety glasses when sawing, sanding, or using power tools to avoid eye injury from flying debris.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation when working with paints and primers, as fumes can be harmful. Wear a respirator mask if necessary.
  • If using old cabinet doors, check for any loose hardware or sharp edges before beginning the project to prevent cuts and injuries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabinet Door

    • Clean the cabinet door thoroughly.
    • Apply one coat of paint to the entire cabinet door. Allow for some distressing by not perfectly covering the surface.
    • Let the paint dry completely, ideally in the sun.
    Let the paint dry completely, ideally in the sun.Let the paint dry completely, ideally in the sun.Let the paint dry completely, ideally in the sun.
    Prepare the Cabinet Door

  2. Apply Chalk Paint

    • Apply two coats of chalk paint, allowing each coat to dry completely.
    Apply two coats of chalk paint, allowing each coat to dry completely.
    Apply Chalk Paint

  3. Attach Brackets and Basket

    • Paint the brackets black and attach them to the cabinet door using gel glue.
    • Spray paint the basket (if needed).
    • Drill holes in the cabinet door for the basket hooks.
    • Bend the basket hooks straight and insert them through the holes.
    Bend the basket hooks straight and insert them through the holes.Bend the basket hooks straight and insert them through the holes.Bend the basket hooks straight and insert them through the holes.Bend the basket hooks straight and insert them through the holes.
    Attach Brackets and Basket
    • Touch up any paint that was removed during drilling.
    Touch up any paint that was removed during drilling.
    Attach Brackets and Basket

  4. Prepare the Chalkboard

    • Cover the entire surface with chalk, then buff it in with a paper towel or eraser to cure the board.
    Prep the chalkboard surface: Cover the entire surface with chalk, then buff it in with a paper towel or eraser to cure the board.
    Prepare the Chalkboard

Read more: DIY Upcycled Bed Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use chalk paint for a quick-drying finish.
  • Source discarded cabinet doors from home improvement stores or cabinet makers for a cost-effective project.
  • Curing the chalkboard surface with chalk prevents ghosting and ensures smooth writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Priming

Reason: Skipping or inadequately priming the cabinet door surface before painting chalkboard paint can lead to uneven paint absorption and a chalky, patchy finish.
Solution: Apply at least two coats of high-quality primer, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

2. Using the Wrong Chalkboard Paint

Reason: Not using actual chalkboard paint, or using a low-quality version, results in a surface that's difficult to write on, easily smudges, and doesn't erase cleanly.
Solution: Invest in a reputable brand of chalkboard paint specifically designed for smooth surfaces like wood.

3. Ignoring Proper Curing Time

Reason: Not allowing the chalkboard paint to cure completely before using it can lead to the chalk scratching or smearing the paint, ruining the finish.
Solution: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing time (usually 2-3 weeks) before using the chalkboard.

FAQs

What kind of paint do I need for the chalkboard surface?
Use chalkboard paint specifically designed for furniture. It provides a better writing surface than regular paint and is more durable.
Can I use any type of cabinet door?
Almost any cabinet door will work, but solid wood doors are best. Avoid doors with intricate carvings or fragile glass panels, as they may be difficult to work with.