DIY Growth Chart

Ever since I had my first son Mikaeel, I wanted to have a growth chart that we could measure how tall he was getting at every milestone – birthdays, Eid, First day of school.

Fast forward 4 years and one more kid – I still hadn’t made one. Once I finally got around to making one, I wish I had done it sooner. I used scrap wood, but this project will cost you under $25!

What you need

• wood (I had scrap pine that was 6 inches wide by ~60 long)
• Wood conditioner
• Stain (I used Minwax Early American)
• Oil based Paint pen
• sander and sandpaper (P220/P240)
• Paper and pencil

Let’s get building

1. Sand you’re a piece of wood so it is smooth. Are used P240 sandpaper
2. Apply wood conditioner in the direction of the wood grain
3. Using a rag apply your wood stain

1. Find a font you like and blow it up on your computer. I traced the numbers on a piece of paper through the computer screen. You could alternatively use a stencil
2. Using a measuring tape mark your ruler on your wood. I marked every inch. Are used different sizes for my markings. My foot was the largest marking
3. Time to transfer your numbers. Cut the numbers and place them on their markings. Use a pencil or a pen and press firmly into the wood. Pine is a soft enough wood that it will make an indent
4. Peel back your numbers and colour them in with your oil based sharpie

1. when hanging your ruler make sure to measure off the floor. I measured 1 foot off the floor and that’s where my ruler started when hanging your ruler make sure to measure off the floor. I measured 1 foot off the floor and that’s where my ruler started
2. I used black drywall screws. I made a pilot hole in the number and screwed directly into the wall (an anchor might be required)