About our Chalkboards

Chalkboards are an age old essential for any cafe or restaurant menu. Chalkboards have stood the test of time in an ever evolving technological world. Perhaps it’s their simplicity or ease of use or maybe its just that timeless, rustic, “written by hand” aesthetic that everyone loves. Regardless of the reason its safe to say that chalkboards are here to stay on our busy streets, and in our cafes and restaurants. Chalkboards are not out of place in folks’ home kitchens either, especially if the kitchen rocks that rustic vibe.

We started out making very simple frames for our chalkboards and over time we have grown our offering and now make many different styles in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Almost all of our chalkboards, like most of the products at The Timber Shack are made from recycled Victorian Ash fencing. We use all parts of the fence, from the palings, through to the rails and posts and ensure we keep as much of it from landfill as we can. The nature of the timber means that no two chalkboard frames will look the same and the years of weathering in the harsh Australian elements all add to the character of these beautiful pieces of timber.

We use only the highest quality chalkboard paint on our handmade chalkboards and because they are all handmade in our Melbourne workshop we can custom make any size or shape to fit any space you need filling. The surface of the chalkboard has a slightly gritty texture to allow the chalk to stick true to the board. Our chalkboards are meant to be used with traditional chalk as the surface is porous to liquid chalks, however we are able to use alternative paint for use with liquid chalks if desired.

Conditioning your chalkboard

If you intend to change the wording or artwork on your chalkboard it is essential you condition the board before you write or draw on it otherwise the initial text/graphic will remain on the chalkboard as a faint outline, this is known as ghosting or shadowing. To season your board use the side of your chalk and gently rub it across the entire board ensuring the whole surface is covered. Then simply use a firm damp sponge to wipe it clean and your chalkboard is ready to roll!

Please get in touch with any questions, ideas or concepts you have, we’re here to help 🙂 Contact Us