Menu Board

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each piece

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking and checking right angles

• ✓

  Saw

  Using home center cutting service recommended

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two kinds: #120 and #240

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking horizontal during assembly

• ✓

  Clamp (two or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining

• ✓

  Brush and Paint Tray

  Used for applying wood preservative coating

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Decide Design and Installation Location

   ≈ 30 min

   Decide the design and installation location of the menu board (600×20×900mm). Sketch the layout of letters and patterns in actual size on graph paper or plain paper. Decide beforehand whether it will be hanging or wall-mounted.

   Measure

   W 600 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 9

   Tip

   • Letter size should be readable from a distance at eye level. Recommend 50mm or larger
   • If letter spacing is too narrow, it becomes hard to read. Leave spacing about the width of each letter
   • Overlay the layout sketch on the board and use carbon paper to transfer for accuracy

   Watch out

   • If you draw the design directly on the wood, corrections are impossible. Always prototype on paper first
   • Neglecting wind conditions and rain exposure at the installation site causes deterioration within a year
2. 2

   Prepare Materials

   ≈ 15 min

   Prepare one piece of solid cedar board (20×900×600mm), two reinforcing stretchers of SPF lumber 1x2 (19×38×580mm), two stainless steel hanging brackets, ten 30mm coarse-thread screws, a woodburning pen (or router), and outdoor paint (such as Osmo Color).

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 9

   Tip

   • Solid cedar board has rich grain. Place the face with beautiful knots and grain on the front side
   • Check warping on 25mm thick solid boards at purchase. Warped boards cause curved signage
   • Woodburning pens (wood burning) can be obtained for about 1000 yen

   Watch out

   • Avoid plywood. Layers may delaminate outdoors
   • Boards thinner than 15mm risk burning through when engraving letters
3. 3

   Sanding

   ≈ 20 min

   Sand the cedar board progressing through #120→#180→#240 grit sandpapers. The sign surface will be engraved/written on, so make it especially smooth. Chamfer edges 1-2mm to prevent injury. Sand the reinforcing stretchers similarly.

   Sand

   #120 → #180 → #240

   SandSTEP 3 / 9

   Tip

   • Surface smoothness determines letter beauty. Sand carefully
   • Finishing with #240 makes woodburning pen lines clearer
   • Also sand end grain so paint absorbs well

   Watch out

   • Insufficient sanding causes letters to be faded or uneven
   • Sanding produces large amounts of dust. Do this in ventilated places like a balcony or garage
4. 4

   Transfer Design

   ≈ 20 min

   Transfer the full-size design onto the board surface using carbon paper. Trace over outlines heavily with pencil and check for any misalignment. The faint lines serve as a guide for wood burning or engraving.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 4 / 9

   Tip

   • Carbon paper is available at 100-yen shops. Trace firmly with pencil
   • Make multiple copies of the design for retries if needed
   • Check letter horizontality with a level or ruler

   Watch out

   • If carbon lines are too dark, they are hard to erase later. Transfer lightly
   • Do not wet the board after transfer or lines will run. Ensure the board is dry before painting
5. 5

   Engrave Letters (Woodburning or Router)

   ≈ 60 min

   Trace over the transferred lines with a woodburning pen or carve grooves using a trimmer/router. For wood burning, heat at 300-400°C and touch for 5-10 seconds each. For router, carve grooves 3-5mm deep. Practice on scrap wood first.

   Drill a hole

   下穴 φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 5 / 9

   Tip

   • For wood burning, move gently without pressing hard to avoid excessive darkening
   • When routing, secure the board firmly to avoid shaky lines
   • Engrave letter outlines first, then fill interiors to create depth

   Watch out

   • Using a woodburner hot enough to produce flames risks fire. Ensure ventilation and keep a bucket of water nearby
   • Routing too deep may pierce through the board
6. 6

   Attach Reinforcing Stretchers

   ≈ 25 min

   Attach two reinforcing stretchers (19×38×580mm) vertically or horizontally on the back of the board using wood glue and four 30mm coarse-thread screws each. This prevents warping and serves as a base to mount hanging brackets.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 9

   Tip

   • Place stretchers aligned with where hanging brackets will be installed
   • Drill 3mm pilot holes before screwing to prevent wood splitting
   • Apply wood glue first, then drill pilot holes and drive screws

   Watch out

   • Incorrect placement of stretchers will not prevent board warping
   • Ensure 30mm screws do not pierce through the board. Aim for clamping strength of 25mm board plus 19mm stretcher (44mm)
7. 7

   Surface Preparation and First Coating

   ≈ 30 min

   Lightly finish sand the whole board with #240 sandpaper and remove dust. Apply Osmo Color (clear or colored) with a brush. Clear paint enhances the wood grain and burned lettering. Let dry naturally for 2-3 hours.

   Paint

   Watco oil / varnish

   PaintSTEP 7 / 9

   Tip

   • Osmo Color is a natural material-based paint that preserves wood texture
   • If using color paint, mask the letter areas with masking tape before painting
   • Choose paint with UV protection for outdoor use to prevent fading

   Watch out

   • Applying paint too thickly may fill in letters
   • Avoid painting under direct sunlight as surface dries too quickly while inside remains damp. Paint in shade or cloudy weather
8. 8

   Second Coating

   ≈ 30 min

   After the first coat dries, gently sand with #400 sandpaper and remove dust. Apply a thin second coat. Ensure a robust film formation for outdoor durability. Allow drying for at least 24 hours.

   Paint

   Watco oil / varnish

   PaintSTEP 8 / 9

   Tip

   • Two coats greatly improve resistance to UV and rain
   • Light sanding with #400 suffices to smooth fibers
   • Keep in a dust-free area during drying

   Watch out

   • Rain exposure before drying can cause paint to run. Check weather forecast before painting
   • Applying the second coat too thickly can fill in the lettering
9. 9

   Attach Hanging Brackets and Installation

   ≈ 30 min

   Install two stainless steel hanging brackets on the top edge, aligned with the reinforcing stretchers. Secure each bracket with four 30mm coarse-thread screws. For wall hanging, use chain or wire to hook onto wall hooks. For wall mounting, fix directly into wall studs with screws.

   Done!

   Done — nice work!

   DoneSTEP 9 / 9

   Tip

   • Choose stainless steel brackets to avoid rust stains on the board
   • Adjust chain length to set the board angle to suit the design
   • Use a stud sensor to locate wall studs when mounting

   Watch out

   • Weak brackets may cause the board to fall in wind. Select brackets strong enough for board weight plus wind load
   • Drywall alone cannot hold brackets. Always fix into studs

Warnings

• ⚠️If used outdoors, wood preservative coating is essential (recoating recommended once a year)
• ⚠️Use stainless steel screws (iron screws will rust)
• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before screwing to prevent wood splitting

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