One of my favorite things in the playroom is the giant ruler growth chart. It made a small appearance on the playroom mood board, but it is actually a key piece that makes this room playful. The giant ruler is functional and whimsical decor. Plus…it fits perfectly on the tiny wall between the linen closet and the guest room door.
I purchased the vinyl decal for the giant ruler from Abbie’s House on Etsy. I applied it to a 6 foot long 1 x 8″ select pine board. I mounted it to the wall at the top and bottom with screws. To get a nice exposed hardware look, I used finish washers under the screws. I think it adds to the ruler feel. I left the wood natural. It is actually the reason I want to leave the DIY console table bookshelf behind the sofa a natural color as well.
I use a fine tip permanent marker to record the boys’ heights. We mark their height at least every couple of months. I keep each of their markings in a separate “column”. I have a bunch of markings to transfer from my older son’s first growth chart. Someday when we are done marking it, I will coat it with polyurethane to protect it. I want everything on this giant ruler, because this will be our heirloom growth chart. If we move, it can move with us. It has a timeless look that I love.
I was looking at these the other day…is it ONE continuous sticker or is each mark applied to the board separately? If it’s one sticker for the whole board, it sounds perfect for my space too!
Michelle,
It is a vinyl decal, not one continuous sticker. The decal comes on transfer paper and you rub on each dash and number. I prefer this look because it appears as if the markings were printed directly on the board like a real ruler. The decal was super easy to apply and it has been very durable.
Thanks,
Jackie
Thanks. As long as I wouldn’t have to mess with measuring each line out to the right spot,I can get on board with that!
Michelle,
Minimal measuring required. The decal does most of the work for you. The only thins I did was measure my baseboard to determine I wanted to start my growth chart at 6 inches, so I could hang the board a couple inches above my baseboard.
Would you like me to post a tutorial?
Thanks,
Jackie
Thanks for the offer. I think I could figure it out, but I always love to hear the thought process that others go through so that I can, maybe, avoid some mistakes!
Hi Jackie! Abbie sent me your way- we’re getting ready to install the exact same thing in our house! Did you make sure there was a stud to screw it into, or is it just screwed into drywall? Also, did you cut some off the bottom to avoid messing with your baseboards? I’m trying to figure out how to hang ours- yours looks great! Thanks!
Welcome Natalie. I used anchors in the wall to screw into. Just the plastic drywall anchors. I started the ruler at 8″ so that I could hang it 4″ above the baseboard.
Hi there! Just wondering…
If I’m going to stain my wood should I do that before or after applying the decal?
Thanks and I LOVE ur style!
Hi Beth. I would recommend doing it before you apply the decal and make sure to give it plenty of time to dry before applying the decal.
I had been wanting this forever and when I saw it was a decal, I went over and purchased it! Now I have to wait but I’d been wanting to do a DIY ruler for my daughter and this will be perfect. I thought about free hand painting it but felt that wouldn’t give it a true ruler feel.
I just ordered mine. Can’t wait to start this project! :)