Today I’m sharing a project I promised on Instagram a few weeks ago: how to make a DIY magnetic board for a stainless steel fridge to use as a play area for your little one, a menu planner, organization center – really whatever you want!
Lincoln’s at an age (19 mo) where he wants to be with either Ben or me pretty much all the time, so it can be challenging to get dinner made, for example, when he’s tugging on my pant leg every minute. I’ve filled a few drawers with funnels, towels, plastic spoons, and strainers that keep him occupied for a bit, but was craving a magnet board for the front of the fridge to not only keep him busy but give him an opportunity to learn something too. Only problem is that we’ve got a stainless steel fridge which isn’t magnetic!
Determined to find a way to make this happen, I headed to Lowe’s and within 5 minutes of searching I had my solution.
Materials Needed:
I was searching for sheets of magnet board to cut with tin snips to fit the fridge doors when I stumbled upon these pre-cut MD Magnetic Chalkboards that were the perfect fit. Bonus: they’re chalk friendly, too!
I bought two boards plus two boxes of medium command picture hanging strips that hold up to 12lbs. I knew the magnets I was going to buy wouldn’t be heavier than a pound or two, and the boards themselves are pretty light. All I had to do was attach a pair of strips to each corner of the magnet boards, then peel off the back and stick the whole kit and kaboodle onto the fridge.
Next I bought the magnets. I found the cutest Doug and Melissa ABC magnets and Doug and Melissa Animal magnets at Target. As you can see we’re already missing a few letters as Lincoln loves squirreling things away – I’m always finding odd things in random places!
What I’m really excited about though is finally having a home for our LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnet Letter Set. My Mom bought one of these at Kohls several years ago and the grandchildren go nuts for it. It plays a catchy little song for each letter while sounding it out, which seriously works wonders. I’ll ask Lincoln what sound “B” makes, for instance, and he’ll say “buh buh buh”. I’d like to say I taught him that, but nope – all LeapFrog!
I also need to tell you I finally found a stainless steel cleaner I love – this sprayable Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish. Before I was using wipes, which just weren’t working. With this spray I can use as much or as little as I want and it’s completely streak free.
Have fun!
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Your little boy is beyond adorable, and the happiness and excitement on his face over his play board is just a joy to see! I will be tryibg this idea or to post pics and drawings from our beautiful grandkids. Thank you for being so innovative.
wondering if the command strips are ok to use on stainless steel. If it will scratch when removed We are in a rental and don’t want to chance scratching the fridge. Anyone try removing the command strips yet and see if it scratched? Thanks! Such a great solution!
This is such a great idea! We’re planning to do the same for our curious little one to keep her busy in the kitchen. I’m having trouble finding the same magnetic chalkboards you used from Lowe’s, what was the original sheet you wanted to use? Trying to find alternatives. Thanks so much!
Hi…I tried this and bought everything you mentioned but no luck it doesn’t stick to my fridge. Any tips? I see it’s been a while since thisnpots how is it holding up?
Hi Len! Mine is still holding strong 4 years and two more kids later! Does your fridge have a coating to prevent fingerprints or anything? That’s the only reason I can think of as to why the hanging strips wouldn’t stick to your fridge.
Are the boards flexible? Have a new stainless steel fridge and we really want to put magnets on it, but the door is contoured so it has a bit of a rounded bend in it. Would these sheets work on something like that?
Hi Steve! Yes the boards are flexible, but more so the long way vs the short way, if that makes sense?
[…] Get tutorial here: DIY Magnetic Board for Stainless Steel Fridge […]
This is so awesome. I’m on amazon as we speak getting ready to order this for our daughter. I’m looking forward to all the fun. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! I only wanted to post my grocery shopping list on my refrigerator and couldn’t with my stainless door. This solved the problem!
This is a great idea. Just what we are looking for. One question though.. are the edges and corners sharp? Our fridge is slightly rounded so wondering if the metal will bend at all or if the corners will stick out and potentially hurt little hands. Thanks for the idea!!
I wouldn’t say they’re sharp, but they’re also not rounded. We have never had a problem with them scratching Lincoln or anything like that!
[…] Alphabet board: I love this alphabet board very much. It can serve as a great play area for our younger ones, a menu planner, organization […]
thank you thank you thank you… this post about the refrigerator magnetic chalkboard is a lifesaver and i found the galvanized steel sheets on your IGE site that will work perfectly for another project. very excited to get myself to Lowes!
[…] Should you be a bit if a scatter brain and want to have all your notes, recipes and reminders in one place, why not make a DIY magnetic fridge board? […]