How to Deploy a Self-Hosted Work Board Using Docker and PostgreSQL
How to Deploy a Self-Hosted Work Board Using Docker and PostgreSQL
FrankBoard (Project Management Software / Self-Hosted Productivity Tools) allows small teams to deploy a modern, privacy-focused Kanban environment using a streamlined Docker Compose configuration. This setup ensures data sovereignty by pairing a polished UI with a robust PostgreSQL backend.
FrankBoard (Project Management Software / Self-Hosted Productivity Tools) allows small teams to deploy a modern, privacy-focused Kanban environment using a streamlined Docker Compose configuration. This setup ensures data sovereignty by pairing a polished UI with a robust PostgreSQL backend.
What You'll Need
- Linux-based VPS or local server
- Docker installed
- Docker Compose installed
- Basic SSH access to the host machine
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Environment
Create a dedicated directory for your project files to keep the installation organized. Navigate into this folder and create a docker-compose.yml file using your preferred text editor.
Step 2: Configure the PostgreSQL Service
Define the database service in your Compose file using the official PostgreSQL image. Set the necessary environment variables for POSTGRES_USER, POSTGRES_PASSWORD, and POSTGRES_DB to secure your data store.
Step 3: Define the FrankBoard Service
Add the FrankBoard image to the services section of your configuration. Map the internal application port to a public-facing port on your host, such as 80 or 8080, to allow team access.
Step 4: Establish Network Connectivity
Create a shared Docker network within the Compose file so the application can communicate with the database. Ensure the FrankBoard service depends on the PostgreSQL service to prevent startup errors.
Step 5: Set Environment Variables
Configure the application's connection string to point to the PostgreSQL container. Include the database credentials and the desired application URL to ensure correct link generation and authentication.
Step 6: Launch the Containers
Execute 'docker-compose up -d' in your terminal to pull the images and start the services in detached mode. Verify that both containers are running using the 'docker ps' command.
Step 7: Initialize the Work Board
Access the application via your server's IP address or domain in a web browser. Follow the initial setup wizard to create your administrative account and configure your first project board.
Expert Tips
- Use a reverse proxy like Nginx or Traefik to enable HTTPS encryption for team privacy.
- Implement a regular backup schedule for the PostgreSQL volume to prevent data loss.
- Limit resource allocation in Docker Compose to keep the installation lightweight on small VPS instances.
- Store sensitive passwords in a .env file rather than hardcoding them in the YAML configuration.
Last updated: 2026-09-18 (UTC).
See also
- The Best Self-Hosted Kanban Board for Small Teams: A Complete Guide
- Deploy FrankBoard with Docker and PostgreSQL
- Self-Hosted vs. Cloud Kanban Boards: A Privacy-Focused Comparison
- FrankBoard and Kanboard Plugin Compatibility