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Craft
Five homemade D.I.Y. Mother’s Day gifts
How to make a busy board
Overview
A busy board (also known as a sensory board or Montessori busy board) is a hands-on activity board designed for babies and toddlers to explore safely. Using everyday hardware items mounted onto a solid board, it provides interactive elements that encourage fine motor skills and independent play. Making a D.I.Y. busy board at home allows the layout and features to be customised while ensuring everything is secure and age appropriate.
Steps
Choose a sturdy base
Start with a solid base such as a piece of plywood or a timber panel. The board should be thick enough to securely hold screws and fixtures without bending. Lightly sand the edges and surface to remove splinters and create a smooth finish, then wipe away any dust before attaching items.
Paint the base
If adding colour to the base, now is the time to paint the board before any hardware is attached. Apply primer first if needed, allow it to dry, and then apply an even coat of paint. Allow it to dry fully before applying a second coat if needed.
Select safe hardware
Choose sturdy hardware pieces that are safe for babies and toddlers to handle. Look for smooth-edged items such as barrel bolts, pad bolts, gate latches, sliding bolts, hinges, castors, cupboard handles, drawer pulls, taps and large light switches. Avoid sharp edges, small detachable parts or anything that could pinch fingers.
Plan the layout
Lay all the hardware pieces out on the board before fixing anything in place. Space them evenly so there is enough room for little hands to move between each item and avoid placing pieces too close to the edges. Once the layout feels balanced and easy to use, outline the hardware with a pencil and mark the fixing points.
Add colour if desired
If adding paint, draw blocks of colour around each hardware position. Paint in any colours, applying an even coat, and allow it to dry fully before installing the fixtures.
Secure the hardware
Attach each item using screws suited to the thickness of the board, making sure they are tightened properly and sit flush with the surface. Turn the board over to check that no sharp screw tips are exposed. If needed, use shorter screws or attach a backing panel to cover the rear.
Position the busy board
Decide whether the board will be wall-mounted or used flat on the floor. If mounting it, fix it securely into wall studs or use suitable wall anchors so it cannot be pulled loose. Position it at a height that allows easy access while keeping it stable during use.
Before giving the busy board to a child, check that all items are firmly attached and move smoothly. Make sure there are no loose screws, sharp edges or parts that could come away. The board should feel solid and stable.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.