Tutorial: Easy DIY Picture Frame That Doesn't Need a Router
Try this simple way to make a picture frame that doesn't require a router! If you have any art that is an unusual size, this is a great way to save money on a custom frame! If you just need a standard-size picture frame, this DIY will probably not save you any money unless you already have most of the materials lying around.
*This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
The tools you need are:
TOOLS:
A Miter Saw (or miter box)
A Table Saw
(optional: pin nailer instead of hammer and nails)
OTHER MATERIALS:
wood screws (the brackets may come with these, but make sure they aren't too long)
*depending on the size of your art, you may opt for a deeper frame, but here is what I used:
WOOD:
I am writing the "common" sizes here, but the actual varies slightly. See picture below for exact sizes.
1/2" x 2" x by 3' for the frame wood
1/4" x 4" x 4' for the wood that will hold your art in place
*Shorter, thinner wood is usually found in the "hobby wood" aisle underneath the long boards
TUTORIAL:
Length of art minus 0.5" = L
Width of art minus 0.5" =W
Measure the length and width of your art, then subtract 0.5" from each. This is because 1/4" of your art will be covered on all sides by the frame. This is how the art stays in place. I will call these frame lengths "L" and "W" from here on out.
Cut your thinner 1/4" board using a table saw. It needs to be 1/4" narrower than your 1/2 " board. If you are using the exact size wood I linked above, then the 1/4" board needs to be cut to 1.25" wide.
Next, we will attach the two boards using the wire nails. I find it easier to do this first before cutting the frame to length and width. Clamp the two pieces of wood together and to the table, making sure to have your wood flush on one side, with 1/4" gap showing on the other side. Roughly mark the length of your art so you don't have any nails where you are going to be sawing through the wood. Then nail the wood together, using the needle-nose pliers to hold the nail in place and the hammer to hammer the nails in.
Once your boards are screwed together, cut them using your miter saw to L and W at a 45° miter. Make sure those two measurements are the length of the smaller inside measurement of your miter. The outside length of your miter should be around 3" longer than the length of your art. To be safe, cut a little longer, and then check against your art. The art should fit snugly inside the frame, with 1/4" of the art covered by the frame in all directions
To attach your frame together, we will be using flat corner braces and wood screws. Use a small amount of wood glue in the corner first.
Once the frame is fully assembled, use wood clamps to clamp in all directions and leave it for an hour or two, or until the glue has dried.
Sand off any excess wood glue, and stain or paint your desired color.
Attach a picture-hanging bracket to the back of your art, then use painter's tape (or framer's tape if you want to be fancy!) to tape the art securely to the back of the frame.
Hang your art and enjoy!
Like learning DIYs like this?! Join our Cozy Home Collective, where you can learn how to use tools, try DIYs with friends, and finish decorating your home! Read about the Collective here.
xoxo,
Melissa
PS. I'd love to see your finished creations! Tag me @MelissaAshleyMeares on socials!
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