I needed a practical yet fashionable option for a tackboard in my home office. This is a simple do-it-yourself option that is quick, easy, and doesn’t involve power tools.

Materials Needed:

PLYWOOD BASE:Lumber or home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowes offer pre-cut pieces of plywood in various sizes. I opted for a 24 x 48 because it fit perfectly with the corkboard squares I used for the tackable surface. Tip: Use plywood or another softwood instead of MDF because it will take the staples more readily.

CORK SQUARES: Home office supply stores sell packs of four 12 x 12 cork board squares that come with the double-sided adhesive stickers for application. You will need two packages to cover a 24 x 48 surface.

FABRIC:One yard of fabric should be more than sufficient. Pay attention to the direction the print. If it is a railroad print verify that the width of the fabric will cover the 48” width of the tackboard. Most designer fabric is 54” in width which is just right.  

PICTURE HANGERS:There are multiple options in this department. I selected the saw-tooth hangers. Make sure that your selected picture hanger will support the weight of your tackboard (to be on the safe side 15lbs and up).

STAPLE GUN/STAPLES:This will be used to secure the fabric to the tackboard. Great option if you decide to change the fabric in the future because all that you have to do is pull the staples out to remove the fabric.

With all the tools and materials in place it should take you no time to complete the project. To complete the project use the following quick steps:

1. Attach the cork to the surface of the plywood. Tip: Layout the squares first to make sure they will fit and then apply one by one using the double-sided stickers provided with the cork square.
2. Lay the fabric out on a flat surface
3. Lay the plywood face (cork side) down on the fabric and center according to your print
4. Begin stapling the fabric from the center out
5. When folding the fabric over the edge of the plywood staple one to two inches away from the edge of the plywood
6. Alternate from the top to the bottom of the tackboard and pull taught as you go.
7. To create tight and finished corners fold the fabric as though you are wrapping a present
8. Attach the picture hangers to the back of the plywood
9. Hang on the wall and you are done… as simple as that! 

For less than $30 I now have a stylish tackboard that brings a little color and pattern to my home office. Posted among my work documents are images that keep me inspired…inspired to paint my dining room, workout, and to daydream once in a while.

If you have been following along you know that my home office has been an ongoing project. I’m getting there in baby steps. For more on ideas that have inspired the overall project check out Home Office Uninspired… it helps to remind myself where I started and where I would like to land. A few more finishing touches and I will share the whole space… coming soon!

If you have questions about this DIY project post a comment here (I will respond) or email me at questions@theidesignbox.com

P.S. Check out other transformations and projects at Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!