Builder's Studio: DIY Picture Frames Using Moulding
This Builder's Studio video demonstrates how to build a picture frame utilizing moulding and trim from Osborne! This is a simple DIY project but it will make all the difference when you your cherished photos or posters are hanging up in a custom frame. It is also easy to create a frame perfectly sized for your needs, as well as match the design to the rest of your decor. This frame was built using our Rope Panel Moulding (Part #891676) but with a large collection of moulding and trim to choose from, the possibilities for this project are endless!
Assembly Instructions
Overall Dimensions: 52 ⅛” x 32 ½”
What we used:
Two Rope Panel Moulding sticks (Part #891676)
Plexiglass
Poster
Other items needed:
| • Framing Square | • Router Table | • Wood Blocks |
• Safety Glasses | • Writing Utensil | • Wood Glue |
| • Push Stick | • Miter Saw | • Tape Measure |
| • Strap Clamp | • Featherboard (optional) | • Paint/stain (optional) |
Instructions:
Source the materials and supplies needed for this project. We used two 96” Rope Panel Moulding sticks.
Set up your router table to route/dado out the back side of the moulding to accommodate for the thickness of the plexiglass. Make sure your router is unplugged, then adjust the router to desired settings.
Put on safety goggles then insert your wood into the fence. To effectively separate yourself from the blade, set the fence back the correct distance while still unplugged. Then, adjust the gauges and featherboard for your safety. Put a little bit of pressure on the featherboard touching the wood to safely secure it.
As you get ready to push the wood through, you can locate a push stick to use which will help safely push the wood through the router. Route the
Now repeat steps 1-4 with your other piece of moulding.
With the first piece, measure where you want the corner of the frame to be cut and draw a diagonal line. Then, use a miter saw set to 45 degrees to cut through this line.
Align these pieces together that were the result of the cut and make sure the corners are at 90 degree angles before proceeding.
Now that the first side of the frame is down, insert the plexiglass into the frame to make sure it is in the corner. Draw a pen mark on the wood where the plexiglass ends. From the pen mark, take your square and place it on the line so it forms a diagonal. This is where you will cut your moulding for the other side of the frame. You can draw this diagonal line to make your cut on the miter saw more efficient. You can even add a little room for the plastic if you are worried about having difficulty sliding into the frame.
Now use the miter saw to cut the wood on the diagonal mark just drawn.
Lay all of the pieces out to ensure they fit well together. Make sure each corner is at a perfect 90 degrees before adding glue.
For something lightweight such as this moulding, you can use good quality wood glue and a strap clamp to join the frame together. You want your frame to be sturdy and support what is in it along with holding up to wear and tear that might occur over time.
Apply wood glue on the ends of the moulding where the corners join. You might need an extra set of hands for this step depending on the size of your frame. Apply pressure and a strap clamp to the corners where the glue was applied to ensure that the frame is effectively joined together. You may also need to use something such as wood blocks to help hold up the corners of the frame while pressing together.
Let the frame sit and dry. After drying, you can touch it up as needed.
You can pick out a stain or paint and finish the frame as desired.
Lastly, lay the plexiglass in the frame and then attach the poster to the back side of the frame using staples or pins.