Homemade Picture Frames

We recently designed a picture frame that you'll find simple to create at home. It is made without special cutting, such as mitering (angle cutting) or dadoing (notch cutting). And, the design eliminates the need for connectors such as nails, screws, dowels and biscuits.

We recently designed a picture frame that you'll find simple to create at home. It is made without special cutting, such as mitering (angle cutting) or dadoing (notch cutting). And, the design eliminates the need for connectors such as nails, screws, dowels and biscuits. The frame can be made to hold just about any size photo. As for materials, you'll need wood for the frame and glue to hold it together. If you don't own clamps, we'll show you how you can use scrap wood to make your own.

The key to this project is simplicity. The most simple direction to cut across a piece of wood is at a 90-degree angle to its length (a "straight cut" or "butt cut"). Although we do not want to dissuade more experienced readers from using power equipment, this project is directed at the beginner whose workshop is still in its developing stages.

Our unique picture frame is made from two simple, individual wood frames glued together.

To begin, the wood you have selected must be measured and cut to create the two individual frames. Each frame is assembled by "butting" pieces together. Glue is used to make the connections permanent. Once the two frames have dried, they should be sanded and a thin coat of glue applied to one face of each. At this point, the glued surfaces are clamped together overnight or until the glue has dried. Clamps or heavy weights can be used.

The overall size of the frames should be different from one another, in both height and width. This difference creates a stair-step edge. At the rear of the frame, a dado-like offset is produced that is perfect for holding a sheet of glass, a picture, backing and retainers a must for any first-rate picture frame.

The inside dimension of one frame should be about the same size as the picture. In this example, 11 by 14 inches. A second smaller frame is built so that its inside dimension is approximately three-quarters of an inch less than that of the first frame 10 1/4" by 13 1/4". This difference is not critical. However, by using our suggested size differential, a margin of three-eighths of an inch will exist when the larger frame is centered over the smaller one. When viewing the frame from the front the margin is seen at the outside perimeter. When viewing the frame from the back the margin is seen surrounding the inner opening of the frame.

Note: The outside measurement of the frames will depend on the width of the material with which you elect to build. There are no rules here. Also, varying the thickness of the wood used for one of the frames can add interest and dimension.

This is one of our less expensive projects. The frames actually can be made from scrap wood. However, clear dry wood is nice if you can get it. Soft woods such as pine and cedar are easier to work with. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are more difficult to work with, but provide interesting texture and color.

Clamps are normally used to hold glued connections together. Unfortunately, clamps can be expensive. If you don't already have clamps don't go out and purchase any until you've tried our technique. All you will need is a piece of old scrap plywood. Build your own clamp by attaching a wooden block onto the face of the plywood. Align the long side of the block with any one of the four edges of the plywood. Glue and assemble the frame so that its two long sides are parallel to the block. With one long side of the frame against the block, wedge another block against the opposite side of the frame and nail the block in place. Driving a couple of nails through the block and into the plywood base is all you should need to hold everything tightly together until the glue dries.

Finally, sand and finish your new picture frame.

See more weekly projects in the Building, Remodeling, and General Repair category!