I’m going to go where The Almond Eater has never gone before…… I’m going to do a DIY “how to” post. AHHHH. I figured after I showed off my new photo board in this post that it might be helpful to show you how to go about making one 🙂 There are several ways to make these type of boards, but I like to think this way is the easiest because it doesn’t involve any tools. NONE. You may be shocked to know that me+hammer+nails=disaster. Also, I’m not usually into crafts and DIY type things. In fact, in most cases I would rather pay a little extra and have someone build something for me/buy something that’s already built rather than doing it myself, but this board is SO easy I would have been mad if I didn’t make it myself. 

Here is a brief overview of the supplies you’ll need to purchase in order to make your own food photography board:

The first thing you’re going to want to do is go to the nearest Home Depot and purchase tongue and groove planks. If you can’t find them, just ask! Home Depot employees will most likely be able to find them more quickly than you will. …..not that I’m doubting you, because I’m not. 

Once you find the right boards, be sure to get a Home Depot employee to cut the wood for you. I grabbed three 8’ boards and cut them in half, creating six 4’ boards. HOWEVER, feel free to cut yours to whatever size you desire.

You will place the wood glue inside of the groove and, when properly aligned, both boards should fit into one another perfectly—no tools required! The glue is conveniently located in the same aisle as the wood—woohoo!

It’s most helpful if you have someone with you to help glue the boards together, unless you cut them smaller than I did, which in that case, it may be doable on your own. Place the glue inside and then place the one board’s “tongue” into the other board’s “groove”. 

Be sure to use a paper towel to wipe away any excess glue.

Wait a few minutes for the glue to dry, and then paint a thin layer of the stain overtop. After that, wait 10-15 minutes and then paint the actual paint overtop. In order to get that “rustic” or older look (if that’s what you’re going for), my suggestion is to paint as though you are the complete opposite of a perfectionist. You want some of the brown stain to show through, but you also want the color to show. So, in my case, I painted the brown stain on, waited 10 minutes or so for it to mostly dry, and then sloppily painted a white coat overtop.

Viola! It is THAT easy. And, if you’re really feeling awesome, buy two different paint colors so you can paint a different color on either side. Sort of like two for the price of one…. sort of.

This is what my final product looks like in action….

This is a preview of a  recipe that’s coming next week… stay tuned! 

YAY. Hopefully this was helpful. *Note: Everything together cost me approximately $30. This cost covered the wooden boards, the wood glue, the stain, paint and paint brushes. If you want to learn more money-saving tricks to improve your blog, check out my eBook on food photography & styling. 

Q: Are you a DIY-er?