Handyman DIY: How to make your own picture frame

Step 1: Choose your frame type and timber
Decide which type of picture frame you would like to make. You should take into consideration where the frame will be hung and what will go inside of it. Always hang a picture with the rest of the room in mind. If you are making the frame for a specific picture of photo, write down the measurements of the picture. It is easier to use picture frame moulding as it comes with the groove for glass insertion. If you select timber you will need to use a router to create the groove for the glass.

Step 2: Square the Moulding
Use a handsaw to cut and square the moulding into 4 pieces. (1 for each side of frame)

Step 3: Mitre Box Cuts
Using a Mite box and handsaw, cut the corners one at a time at 45 degrees making sure the timber is orientated correctly. Practice using the mitre box on a few pieces of unwanted timber first before tacking your picture frame creation.
Step 4: Putting the pieces together
Lay the cut frame pieces out onto a flat work surface and arrange them so that they form the correct frame shape and joints. Use wood putty to fill any gaps at the mitered corners.

Step 5: Glue & Clamp
Use wood glue and corner clamps to join the corner sections of the frame. Apply the wood clue along the cut edges, press the pieces together, and hold the pieces in place with a corner clamp. Glue and Clamp all four corners. Check setting time on your glues packaging to see how long to wait before handling the frame again.
Step 6: Flip the frame so that the back is facing up.

Step 7: V Nails
Apply V nails along each glued corner seam with a hammer. Place one nail toward the inside edge. The midpoint of the nail should rest on the seam and the open portion of the V should be pointed toward the inside edge of the frame.

Step 8: Drying and staining
Remove the clamps and allow the frame to dry overnight. Only sand and stain or paint once the glue is completely dry. To achieve a natural wooden look for your frame, varnish the wood, apply 2- 3 coats. Varnishing ensures the wood is protected from the environment making it long lasting and with an elegant shine.


Step 9: Test Glass
Test that the thin glass sits in the frame groove.

Step 10: Place Art
Insert artwork or photo and hammer nails into the backing, securing it around the edges of the frame.

Step 11: D Rings
Attach the D rings on the side of the frame about 1/3 down from the top of the frame. Tie the picture wire or string allowing enough length to adjust the height as needed when you hang the picture.

Should you need help hanging pictures you should consult a professional picture hanger.