Luke loves to figure things out, he is constantly asking what’s that noise, what does that do, how does that work, and don’t get me started on things he can open, latch, tinker with. I am not sure if this is a normal toddler thing or boy thing as he’s my first but it makes for some fun and dangerous times. :)

So….I made him a latch board. I have wanted to make one for the past year for him but after seeing Young House Love’s they made their daughter this year I put it on the top of the New Year’s list.  Young House Love’s DIY is super comprehensive so if you are looking for detailed pictures of the actual process check out there post.

I simply grabbed some of the cabinet grade finished plywood I had left over from Luke’s train table and cut it down to 23″wide x 30″ tall. I then sanded the heck out of it reducing my sandpaper grit a couple times to make sure it was super smooth with no splinter possibilities since I am not planning on sealing it.  Once it was smooth and ready to go I marked out the strips and used Frog Tape (seriously amazing) and taped off the stripes. I rubbed all the edges of the tape nice and good so there was no bleeding.

Once the stripes where dry (two coats Martha Stewart craft paint in satin Meadowlark) I laid out all my latches and handles and screwed them all down.  I used  a couple Utility Handles, Key Locking Hasp, Barrel Bolt, Gate Hook and Eye, Adjustable Staple Hinge Hasp, Sash Lock, Door Chain, Several Carabiners, and Screw Eyes. I found some in my miscellaneous junk and bought the rest at Home Depot. There is probably a ton of other stuff you can use.

I had it sitting out for him when he came downstairs one morning and he played with it for a good 30 minutes straight. Several days later he is still loving it. It will be mounted to a wall in his play area in the basement and the top stripe is empty because I am going to add numbers across the top.

Have you made a latch or gadget board for your munchkin? Leave me a link so I can check it out.

I have several boards pinned on my Luke Danger Board on Pinterest if you would like to check out some others for inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by!