Wall Ruler

DIY Saturday: Make a Decorative Growth Chart to Track Your Kids’ Height

A while ago, I saw a wood growth chart at Pottery Barn and thought, “Wow, I could totally do that!” And then of course I forgot about it, until I saw it pop up again on Pinterest. This is such a fun way to keep track of your child’s growth throughout the years — and it also makes a great wall hanging!

What you will need:

  •  6-foot wooden board, 12 inches wide, one inch thick
  • Sandpaper
  • Paintbrush
  • Wood stain
  • Old dust rag (something you don’t mind throwing away.)
  • Tape measure
  • Ruler
  • Sharpie marker
  • Wall hanging kit

I was lucky enough to find a 1 x 12 board that was 5-1/2 feet long in our shed. However, you can buy a piece of wood at any home improvement store, and they will cut it to your specific size. It is up to you on how big you would like your piece of wood. I wish I would have used a 6 1/2 foot board but that is my own preference. Once, you have the wood cut to size, go over with sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

For the stain, you can use any color that will match your decor. Again, you can purchase at the home improvement store, and they’ll show samples of wood so you can see the different colors of stain. The one I used was a red oak stain. Read directions on the stain can on how to apply — I chose to use a paintbrush. When you have finished applying the stain, wait 5-15 minutes and wipe down with the old rag you have on hand. The longer you leave the stain on, the darker the color will get. Set the board aside until it’s dry. Make sure you stain in a well ventilated area.

When the stain is dry, you are on the home stretch! Lay out a measuring tape on the board (stain-side up), along the length of the board. I secured mine with a couple of small pieces of tape so the measuring tape did not move. From here you will start marking each foot, inch and half inch. I started with marking each foot with a three-inch line with a black sharpie marker. Then I marked every inch with a two-inch line and the half-inch with a one-inch line.

For the numbers, I found a font I liked on the computer, printed off and cut out. I used these cut outs as stencils. I first outlined each number with a black sharpie marker and then colored it in.

Once complete, turn the board over and attach your hanger for the wall. What do you think? Would you make a height-marker like this for your home?