How to Make a Picture Frame
Picture frames are generally easy to construct and make great personalized gifts for friends and relatives. Here are instructions on how to make a picture frame. (All measurements are in inches.)
Materials
Wood glue
4 brass hinges (1 x 1/2)
12 retaining clips
Sandpaper
Paint or stain
Construction Materials Quantity Lumber 1 3/4 x 3/4 x 8 birch 2 1/4 x 2 x 12 birch 1 1/8 x 8 x 8 hardboard 1/8 x 21/2 glass
Cutting List Key Part Dimensions Pieces Material A Frame sides 3/4 x 3/4 x 7 3/4 6 Birch B Frame top/bottom 3/4 x 3/4 x 3 3/4 6 Birch C Mullion 1/4 x 3/4 x 2 1/4 3 Birch D Backer 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 3 Hardboard E Glass 1/8 x 2 1/2 x6 1/2 3 Glass Cutting the Parts
Use a router table and a straight router bit to cut the rabbets on the inside edges of the frame pieces.
- Set the fence of the router table to 3/16”.
- Cut the rabbets on the frame pieces by making multiple passes until you achieve a depth of ½”.
- Cut the frame sides (A) and tops/bottoms (B) to length using a power mitre saw. Mitre the ends at 45 degree angles.
- Clamp a stop block to the fence of the mitre saw to ensure that all cuts are even.
Frame Assembly
- Glue frame sides, bottoms and tops together securing them with band clamps.
- Make sure all frames are square.
- Do not remove excess glue right away. Wait until glue hardens and remove with a sharp chisel.
- Rip-cut ¼” stock to 7/8” width then cut the mullions to length.
- Mark a “sand-to” line on the mullions.
- Clamp a belt sander onto your work surface in a horizontal position to grind down the mullions to the marked lines.
- Test-fit the mullions in the frames.
- Attach with glue and clamp until dry.
Attach the Hinges
- Align appropriately and clamp frame sections together to make accurate hinging easier.
- Measure, mark and drill pilot holes that will be used to attach the hinges. Do not attach right away.
- Allow for the width of the hinge barrels when aligning the frames for marking and drilling pilot holes.
- Hinges that connect the first and middle frames are attached to the frame sides.
- Hinges that connect the middle and last frames are attached to the back face of the frames.
Finishing Touches
You are making your own picture frame so personalize it with the finish of your choice. You can use an aniline dye to stain the wood and really highlight the grain or simply paint it.
- Finish-sand the project
- Finish as desired.
- When the finish is dried you can install the hinges.
- Cut the hardboard to size.
- Insert the glass, photos and backers.
- Use cardboard as a spacer, then secure with retaining clips.
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