How do you make a magnetic wall? You’ve come to the right place! This DIY magnetic wall tutorial shares all the steps you need to make your own.
When my oldest was nearly two, I wanted a magnetic wall in our playroom. However, Google searches were a black hole. Here I was, staring at so many great photos on Pinterest, and yet none had step-by-step directions on where to find the materials needed and how to attach the magnetic board to the wall.
I am determined to help your How to DIY a Magnetic Wall search become more productive than it was for me!
RELATED: You can see the magnetic wall, plus much more of our playroom storage and organization.
My Experience
When starting, my major obstacle was finding a sizeable magnetic sheet. I wanted a stainless steel wall with a smooth surface. The internet pointed me toward magnetic paint or Home Depot. After three trips, I finally gave up. Nothing was the size or high quality that I wanted.
Finally, someone suggested I visit our local fabrication shop for a large piece of sheet metal. I Googled a fabrication shop near me and checked one thing from my to-do list!
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Here we go! The only question is, how on earth will we hang this large magnetic metal sheet? Don’t worry; we’ll get to that part next.
OPTIONAL LOCATIONS: I wanted to add the play and memo board to the playroom, but this idea is also fun for the children’s bedroom and the kitchen.
Important Steps
Luckily, I had help from two great artisans: my dad and my grandpa. They were determined to secure the sheet metal to the wall and help me create the finished look I hoped for.
PRO TIP: Once I found a local fabrication shop, I purchased a large sheet of plywood to secure the sheet metal before mounting it to the wall. This would protect the drywall if we ever wanted to remove the board.
- Measure your wall.
- Determine the desired size of your magnetic wall. Depending on what the fabrication shop has, you may have to be flexible.
- Call the fabrication shop and ask if they sell customers large sheet metal or magnetic wall panels.
- Ask the shop if they deliver.
- Purchase a piece of 1/4″ plywood the same size as your sheet metal. This will act as a magnetic wall pad.
- Purchase wood to create a border around your magnetic wall. Ask your home improvement store if they will cut everything to your desired size.
- Find the studs and mount your plywood on your wall with a power drill. Remember to keep the wall at a height your child can reach.
- Use liquid nail glue and apply the sheet metal to the hung plywood. Look for smooth surfaces and no bumps.
- Smooth out your sheet metal to prevent bubbling.
- Frame the magnetic wall with the wooden border. This will help the magnetic sheet metal stay in place.
Yay! Your magnetic wall is up! Invite your toddler and preschooler to play.
RELATED: We play a lot in this room! Here are 50+ play ideas to get you going!
Magnetic Wall Toys
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Stem toys for kids make another fun addition to your new magnetic board.
Magnetic Horseshoe
This is a pack of 6. Use them all or save and gift at your child’s next birthday party.
Magnetic Wands
These magnetic wands are the BEST!
Magnetic Letters
Every magnetic board needs a great set of letters!
More Magnetic Play
But that’s not all! I love magnetic play and have more activity ideas for you and your child.
- Magnetic Tile Bowling (The Best!)
- Measuring with magnetic tiles
- Number Maze
- Prewriting with Magnets
- Fun-A-Day has Unique Ideas Here
Where will you hang your magnetic wall? Let me know in the comments below!
This is such an awesome post and so helpful!! Thank you!
Thanks, Lauren! I am so happy you found it helpful!
Thank you so much for this!! What are your thoughts about adding a lego and whiteboard section as well?
Hi, Maryann!
I think these are great ideas!
I would picture the overall vision of the room longterm and run with those ideas.
Also, having more than three sections may look too busy unless you keep the middle section one clean wall to break it up.
Looking forward to hearing what you come up with!Beth
What a great idea.
We used magnetic paint (https://www.magnet-shop.com/living/magnetic-paint/2207/magnet-paint) on our sons wall. Work just the same. He loves to play on his magnetic wall, and he loves the fact, that it is invisible:-)
Fantastic idea! Do you need the 1/4″ plywood behind the sheet metal? Can one attach the sheet metal directly to the wall or is this not recommended? Thank you!
Hi! Yes. Not required. You can glue to the wall but if you remove it at a later date the sheetrock will be destroyed and will require replacement. If you use the plywood and remove later you would only have small screws holes to patch and paint.
Also, the glue will hold better on a non painted surface and you only need a 1/4” plywood or other thin board. Only to protect the sheetrock with removal.