January 13, 2023

Tic-Tac-Toe Wall Art

Summary

I have an affinity for giant games, like oversized Jenga, chess, etc. We purchased an oversized Connect Four game for Century View Lodge but I wanted to build something myself that fit within that realm. I decided that a huge Tic-Tac-Toe board that could hang on a wall fit the bill.

Do you have an unscratched itch? In other words, is there something you really want to make or have wanted to explore but just never have?

This is not a life-changing thing, but I have an affinity for giant games, like oversized Jenga, chess, etc. We purchased a really big Connect Four game for Century View Lodge but I wanted to build something myself that fit within that realm. I decided that a huge, wall-mounted Tic-Tac-Toe board fit the bill.

This project has a magnetic metal sheet on a plywood base with wooden frame. The game pieces are made from repurposed pegboard with magnets attached but can be made from anything, really. One thing I love about this particular project is that it can be double as art. If you want to make one for yourself, you have two options: 1) Schedule a Chics With Tools Private Event and I will prep everything for your group and guide you through the process, step-by-step, or 2) Read on.

MATERIALS

1-24″ X 24″ magnetic sheet metal (Lowes)

2- 1″ x 2″ x 8′

1- 24″ x 24″ x 1/2″ plywood

9- 1″ round magnets

Pegboard or other thin, strong material

Wood Glue

Clear Gorilla Glue

Stain

Paint

INSTRUCTIONS

Use a clamped straight-edge to cut the plywood to the exact dimensions of the metal.

Create a rabbet on the 1″ x 2″s by running them through a table saw set at a height and width of 1/2″. (A rabbet is the ledge on which the glass, artwork, and backing of a picture rest upon.)

Keep the thin offcuts to create the grid.

If your plywood backing board is exactly 24″ x 24″, cut the rabbeted 1″ x 2″s on a miter saw set to 45 degrees. The over all length should be 25″ and inside length 23 1/2″.

NOTE: I assembled my project before staining. But I recommend staining first in case glue gets on the wood which prevents stain from sinking in properly.

Using a corner clamp, glue two sides together and tack with a nail gun.

Repeat with the other two sides.

Finally put both ‘L’ shapes together.

To create the grid, use the offcuts and saw 2 pieces to 23 1/2″ and 6 pieces to 7 1/2″. (Be sure to double check your measurements.)
If you have not already stained the frame, do so at this point along with the grid pieces.

With the frame face down, insert the sheet metal and plywood back. Secure in place with finish nails.

Flip the frame over. Mark the inside of it with chalk at 7 1/2″ from each corner. Using Clear Gorilla Glue, attach the long pieces of the grid.

Use the long grid pieces to mark guidelines for remaining pieces. Attach them.

Now for the playing pieces. You can actually purchase wooden letters at craft stores but I was using up materials in my garage, namely pegboard.

First cut 9, 5″ x 5″ pieces using a miter saw or table saw. Sand off the rough edges. Find the center.
Using a drill and a 1″ Forstner bit, drill about half-way through the back of each game piece.

Spray paint the pieces. You will notice that mine have holes all the way through. That was because my initial idea was to have the pieces reversible. But one-sided pieces only need a magnet on the back.

Glue the magnets into the holes with Gorilla Glue.

Now it’s time to get creative. I decided on the classic ‘X’ and ‘O’ but there’s no need. You can do sheep and cows, flowers and butterflies, fun patterns, or just different solid colors. You can even do each one like a tiny little barn quilt. Let your imagination run wild!

Add some hanging hardware and you are done!

The result? Art that puts the fun in functional. Enjoy!

This does take quite a few tools. So if you want to make one but do not have what you need or feel a little unsure, reach out and schedule a private event!