It’s no secret that I’ve been bit by the DIY Home project bug. My list of projects keeps getting longer and longer (thanks, Pinterest)! This year we are planning on doing a relaxed at home preschool to begin working on letter recognition, life skills, and exploring through play! I knew I wanted to have a circle time board to use each morning, but couldn’t seem to find one that fit with our playroom decor. So a DIY it was! I’m so excited to share with you How to Build a Shiplap Circle Time Board.

When I started sketching out ideas for this board I fell in love with this Framed Shiplap DIY. I knew that I wanted our circle time board to be something I could take down if necessary, so after a little bit of sketching and a quick trip to pick up the supplies I got to work! It was pretty simple to make and most of the cuts I had done at the hardware store.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• One piece of Underlayment (It comes in a 4’x8’ board and you can cut it to whatever size you’d like. I cut ours in seven 6” planks for the shiplap part and one 2’ x 1 ½’ board for the chalkboard. I used the leftover board for the backing.)
• Wood to make the frame (I used two 8 foot 1”x3” boards. From my measurements, I needed two 43” boards and two 49” boards, so I had them cut each into 43” and 49”.)
• Flat Corner Braces
• Chalkboard Paint
• Wood Stain
• Quart of White Paint (I used Alabaster White)
• Roller Kit
• Wood Glue
• Wood Screws
• Drill
• 3 Dimes
• 100lb Picture Frame Hanging Kit (if you plan on hanging it)
• 50 Small Wood Clothespins (I purchased ours at Hobby Lobby)
• Hot Glue Gun
• Metal Bin (I purchased ours at Hobby Lobby)
• Silver Sharpie
• Circle Time Printables (Download the FREE copy below!)

How to Build a Shiplap Circle Time Board

Step 1: Decide on the Size of Your Board.

First measure the space of where you want to put your board. I decided to make ours 4 feet long by 3.5 feet. You can make it as big or as small as you’d like, just adjust the measurements accordingly.

Step 2: Get your Supplies & Cut the Wood.

Since the Underlayment comes in 4 feet x 8 feet, I had the hardware store cut my board into seven 6” planks for the shiplap. I also wanted to create a chalkboard calendar, so my husband cut the leftover underlayment (2 feet x 1 ½ feet.) I then used the remaining underlayment and cut it into three equal planks that were 3.5” tall to provide stability for the backing of the shiplap. *Note: Be sure to give the planks a good sanding before you start putting it together to avoid splinters.

Step 3: Build the Shiplap.

Lay the three pieces of underlayment that you are using as your backing down on the floor. Grab one of the planks and make sure it is flush with the first backing piece. This one is the most important to get straight, because all of the other planks will be in line with this one. Use wood screws to attach the plank to the backing (you could also use wood glue in addition to the screws, but I didn’t on the first one). Repeat with the other two pieces of backing.

Once the first piece is attached the other planks are pretty simple! You’ll use the dimes to ensure the proper spacing between the planks. To attach the remaining planks, add wood glue onto the backing pieces, put the plank down on the backing pieces that are covered with wood glue, add the dimes to ensure proper spacing and drill in the wood screws on the left and right sides of each plank. Repeat until you have attached all of the planks.

Step 4: Paint the Shiplap.

Use a small roller and white paint of your choice to paint the shiplap. I used three coats to make sure it was fully covered, but I probably could have gotten away with two!

Step 5: Assemble the Frame

Lay the frame pieces out in a rectangle and secure each corner together with the flat corner braces.

Step 6: Stain the Frame

I used Minwax Wood Stain in Honey to stain the frame. This part takes the longest, but be sure to allow the frame to fully dry before assembling.

Step 7: Make the Chalkboard

Use a roller brush to paint the 2’ x 1 ½’ piece of underlayment with chalkboard paint. Repeat until fully covered. Once the board is dry, use a ruler and sharpie to draw the lines to onto your board to create the calendar. Use hot glue to attach the wooden clothespins to each square.

Step 8: Assemble

After everything has dried it’s time to assemble! Place the frame face down on a flat surface and the shiplap on top of that. Use wood screws to attach the frame to the shiplap. I probably used way too many screws, but better safe than sorry, right? Once the frame is attached to the shiplap, attach the chalkboard calendar with wood screws. You can also add a metal bin to hold the calendar pieces and other materials if you’d like.

Step 9: Add Wooden Clothespins to the Board with a Hot Glue Gun

Use hot glue to secure the additional clothespins to your board. Use as many or as few as you’d like!

Step 10: Print, Cut, and add the printables to your board!

Download the FREE Circle Time Board Printables below. Print on heavy cardstock and cut each piece out. You could also laminate the pieces for added durability. Add the printables to your board. I’m storing the pieces in the metal bin so they can be changed out easily.

We’re also using The Kindergarten Toolkit this year (the B, 3, pink pentagon and me cards that are clipped onto the board are from the kit) and I absolutely LOVE how simple it is to use! Plus, the cards are perfect to display on our circle time board.

Ta-dah! You did it! Now you have a gorgeous shiplap circle time board. I’m so excited about changing it out each month and even adding new things to learn as my girls grow. If you decide to make the board or use the circle time printables I’d love to see! 

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