How to Build a DIY Wooden Picture Frame

A picture frame is a simple structure used to display art on walls. A picture frame usually includes four sides, with the picture set behind a piece of glass, plexiglass, or plastic. Some people choose to make custom picture frames because the photo or art they want to frame does not fall under a standard size.

You can make a simple picture frame at home with a few items that you can buy at your local hardware store. This includes a few small pieces of wood, a miter saw, and a hot glue gun. Making your own picture frame also allows you to customize the piece in ways that you might not be able to if you bought a frame from a store.

You can buy all of the items you will need to make a DIY picture frame from your local home improvement store. Here is a detailed list of those materials.

1. 1. Wood: The easiest way to make your own picture frame is with wood, which is also the easiest material to cut and paint. You can obtain cheap scrap wood, pine boards, or plywood at many home improvement or hardware stores. You can either buy wood from the hardware store that is cut to your desired dimensions, or you can cut the wood yourself with a saw.
2. 2. Saw: If you decide to work with uncut wood, you will need a miter saw or a hand saw to cleanly cut the pieces down to specifications.
3. 3. Hot glue gun: You’ll need a strong wood glue or another industrial adhesive to bond the corners of your picture frame together.
4. 4. Paint: You can use a variety of paint types to customize your picture frame. Consider using acrylic or spray paint to coat your frame, because both are easy to work with and hold up well.
5. 5. Turn buttons and screws: You can find these at any hardware store. These are what you will be using to hold your mat or image in place inside the picture frame.
6. 6. Matting board (optional): Depending on the dimensions of the item you want to frame, you may need to use matting to fill in the extra space between your picture and your frame. You can buy pre-cut matting from a craft store or you can create your own out of cardboard. You may also customize the dimensions of your frame to fit your item, in which case you will not need matting.
7. 7. Glass panel (optional): Once you make your frame, you can insert a glass panel over your woodwork to give it a classic picture frame look. If you are not experienced with cutting glass, invest in custom cut glass (or build a frame around a slab). Keep in mind that placing glass or plexiglass behind the frame is common for photographs or paper-based artwork such as watercolors, but oil and acrylic paintings release gases as they age and are usually not framed behind glass.
8. 8. Hardware (optional): There are many ways to secure your frame pieces together if you don’t want to use glue. Metalworkers can use tools like soldering irons, and those who make wooden frames can use nails or bolts to keep their frames holding, as well as turn buttons and screws to secure the piece in place.

Once you determine the size and type of frame you want to make, it’s time to start putting it together. For an easy DIY picture frame tutorial, see the step-by-step guide below.

1. 1. Prep your materials. Cut each piece of wood for your frame to your desired length, width, and thickness. Keep in mind that the frame corners should be cut at a 45 degree angle so that they can fit together. If you plan on adding glass or plexiglass later, you’ll need to rabbet your cuts to create a groove in the piece of wood so that the glass fits in the frame once it is assembled. Cut a hole in your mat board that exposes how much of the art or photograph you want to display.
2. 2. Glue your pieces. Apply your strong glue to the whole edges of your frame (not just the center), pressing each outside edge of the frame corners together to form 90 degree angles. Clean away any glue that squeezes out with a toothbrush or paper towel. Use heavy materials or clamps to hold the frame pieces in place until they are dry and hardened.
3. 3. Reinforce your frame (optional). You can use a hammer and nails to reinforce the corners of the frame if you want them to have extra support beyond your glue. Drive a nail through the outside of each corner of the frame, taking care not to crack your assembled frame.
4. 4. Paint your frame. Paint and embellish your picture frame with whatever colors or details suit your home decor.
5. 5. Insert your glass. Place the frame upside down so that the back of the frame is facing up. Carefully place your cut glass or plexiglass into the inside of the frame, and place your mat on top. If you don’t have mat, simply place the picture inside the frame.
6. 6. Mount your photo or art. Place your work on top of the mat, securing with tape or another clear adhesive of your choice. Cover the backside of the display with another piece of cardboard, cut so that it snugly fits the opening of the frame. Install the turn buttons and screws—the slidable tabs that hold picture backs in place—to ensure the back of the frame stays secure.

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