Easy DIY Ruler Growth Chart

Easy DIY Ruler Growth Chart. This post contains detailed instructions and pictures to demonstrate how to make an easy DIY ruler growth chart. One afternoon and a few supplies is all that is needed to make this cute décor piece.

Isn’t it amazing how fast kids grow? Sometimes I think they wake up taller than they went to sleep.

I have been looking for something to document how tall my girls are each year and have finally found the perfect project: a Ruler Growth Chart. This ruler growth chart was very easy to make and coast around $20 (vinyl and board).

Below are the materials and instructions needed to that you too can make an easy DIY ruler growth chart.

For another DIY décor piece check out this post, How to Make an Address Number Planter. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the exact products I used for full disclosure statement, click here.

Materials

• Sawtooth Hanger(and nails)
• 1″ x 10″ x 6′ board
• Stain (I used American Walnut) or paint
• Sealant
• Stencil or vinyl stickers (for tick marks and numbers)
• Painters tape

Tools

• Saw (Maybe. I bought a 6′ board that measures 6′ .5″, you can always have the lumber store make the cuts)
• Drill /drill bit
• Sander (or sand paper)
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level

Step 1. Find a Good Board

Search the lumber aisle for a good board. A good board for this project will be one that isn’t bowed, too knotty, rough, or split. Choosing a 6′ board should be tall enough for most families (this will provide a 6′ 8″ ruler growth chart).

Step 2. Cut Board to Size

I could have gotten away with not cutting the board, but I wanted clean edges and an exact 6′ measure to work with. To do this I took .25″ off each end of the 6′.5″ board.

Step 3. Sand

Using a 220 grit sanding block or palm sander, work with the grain of the board. Sand until smooth to the touch. Wipe off board with microfiber cloth or tack cloth removing all dust and debris.

Step 4. Stain or Paint

Once sanded smooth and wiped clean, apply a wood conditioning product such as pre-stain wood conditioner if using stain. If painting, paint desired color and let dry overnight.

I know, I know. You are probably wondering, is using a wood conditioner necessary? In my opinion, yes. Using a wood conditioner before staining allows the stain to be applied more evenly preventing blotches. It is especially important because most of the wood used for the projects I do are pine (a soft porous inexpensive wood = blotchy for staining).

Wait 3-5 minutes after applying pre-stain and then wipe off any excess. Apply desired stain letting it penetrate the wood for a few moments and wipe off excess.

Let the stained board dry 24 hours. Then apply a sealant, let dry for 24-48 hours.

Step 5. Mark Board

Once sealant is dry, apply vinyl decals or paint on tick marks. If using the vinyl decals like I did, this project will take very little time. If you choose to paint on the tick marks, this could take an hour or more. I recommend using the vinyl decals here. So far they have held up well and were easy to use.

Step 6. Apply Tick Marks

Using Vinyl Cut Outs

Based on hanging the ruler growth chart 8″ off the floor, measure 4″ from the bottom of your board and mark (using pencil). Then mark again at the 16″, 28″, 40″, 52″, and 64″ spot.

Once each “foot” is marked, take a section of the vinyl decals and remove the backing. Line up the longest vinyl tick mark where the 4″ area was marked; apply vinyl section.

Press firmly on the backing with a plastic card removing air bubbles.

Peel off transfer paper at an angle ensuring none of the vinyl tick marks come off.

Repeat for each section starting at the 16″, 28″, 40″, 52″, and 64″ marks. At the top do a dry measure and cut off excess tick marks (save these). Apply tick marks all the way to the top of the board. Using the cut off sections, apply those tick marks at the bottom of the board (the first 4″).

Painting on Numbers

If you choose to paint, mark off your board at 1″ increments. Go over pencil marks with white (or black ) paint at each 1″ mark. Be sure to have the tick mark at the foot be longer (like a ruler).

Step 7. Apply Numbers

Vinyl Numbers

Using the same method as applying the vinyl tick marks apply the vinyl numbers. Secure each number on the chart with the corresponding tick mark. Peel off backing and secure vinyl number to the board. Using a plastic card (credit card) smooth out air bubbles, peel off transfer paper carefully.

Paint Numbers

Print out numbers the size you would like, carefully cut (scissors or exacto knife) out the number leaving the outer edge like a stencil. Use painters tape to secure the “stencil” to the board at the foot marks. Paint as desired, let dry.

I recommend sealing the board again if using paint so it does not chip off.

Step 8. Hang Ruler Growth Chart

To hang the DIY ruler growth chart to the wall, screw ruler growth chart directly into the wall (stud) or attach a sawtooth hanger on the back of the growth chart in the middle.

Be sure to measure 8″ off the ground if starting tick marks 4″ up board like I did.

Using a level, hammer, and nail, secure the board to the wall with sawtooth hanger and nail.

Tip: Use painters tape to mark on where I think I want to hang things so I do not mark or damage the wall.

Step 9. Measure Kids

Once completed and hung, measure from the floor to the top of the board to ensure markings and measure tape match up. If they do not match up you may need to move the board up or down for an accurate measure.

Now it’s time to measure and mark kids heights! Paint pens or a colorful Sharpie are perfect for marking on this type of board.

Look how easy this project is to complete! The stain and sealant dry times are what make this project take a weekend. Otherwise, the tick marks and hanging take less than an hour. This simple and easy DIY décor project will look adorable hanging in any home.

Do you prefer the stained look for a DIY Ruler Growth Chart or painted? Let me know in the comment section below!