Garden bar menu boards and chalkboards: surfaces, pens and weatherproofing

Nothing says "this is a bar, not a shed" like a board listing tonight's drinks. A chalkboard by the hatch also saves the host answering "what have you got?" forty times a night.

Boards, surfaces and pens

Chalk versus chalk pens

Traditional chalk wipes off with a damp cloth, suits genuine slate and chalkboard paint, and looks properly old-school. It smudges and does not survive rain.

Liquid chalk pens give bright, neat lettering that lasts longer. They work best on non-porous surfaces such as glass, sealed boards and some chalkboards. On porous surfaces, including some painted boards and real slate, they can leave a ghost image that does not wipe off. Check the pen maker's guidance and test a corner first.

Surfaces

• Chalkboard paint on a ply board or directly on a wall. Prime and follow the paint maker's instructions on curing before writing.
• Real slate looks lovely, is heavy and suits traditional chalk.
• Glass or acrylic works with chalk pens and suits modern bars.
• Old window frames or mirrors make great boards for rustic bars.

Weatherproofing

Rain, frost and sun are tough on boards.

• Put it under cover. Inside the bar, under a canopy or by a hatch with a drip edge. See awnings and canopies.
• Seal the back and edges of timber boards so they do not warp.
• Use exterior-grade paint and ply for outdoor boards.
• Bring A-frames in when not in use.

Chalk pens are usually more water-resistant than chalk, but not waterproof. Check the pen description.

Placement and lettering

Where it goes

• By the hatch or behind the counter, at eye level, so people can read it while they queue.
• Out of direct glare from lights. See lighting for placing a spotlight above it.
• On the route from the house for an A-frame welcome sign.
• Fixed securely so it cannot fall on anyone. Use proper fixings into solid timber, or freestanding boards if you rent; see garden bars for renters.

What to write on it

• The bar's name. See garden bar names.
• Tonight's beers, wines and spirits.
• An alcohol-free section near the top.
• Food if you are cooking.
• A cheeky line or two.
• The opening hours, for fun.

Keep the board easy to read. A short list is better than a crowded one.

Lettering tips

• Sketch the layout in pencil or chalk first.
• Use a ruler or a straight edge for lines.
• Mix one fancy font with a simple one.
• Leave space around each item.
• Practise on a spare board.

Our garden bar signs guide covers permanent signs and decor ideas for the rest of the bar.

Looking after it

Wipe chalk with a damp cloth. Chalk pens need a wet cloth or the maker's cleaner. Re-coat chalkboard paint when it gets shiny or patchy. Check fixings each spring as part of the cleaning routine.

A board that has been written on with chalk pen for a whole summer may need more than a wipe. Try the pen maker's cleaner first, then a little warm soapy water. If a ghost image still shows through, a fresh coat of chalkboard paint usually covers it. For real chalk on a new board, many people "season" it first by rubbing the side of a stick of chalk over the whole surface and wiping it off, which stops the first menu burning in; check the board or paint maker's advice.

Over winter, bring freestanding boards and A-frames inside or into the bar. A timber frame left out in the wet will swell, and a board that has spent months in the rain rarely looks crisp again.

Paint a spare offcut of ply with chalkboard paint, prop it by the hatch and write tonight's drinks on it. Upgrade once you know where people actually look.