How to Make a Picture Frame

Picture frames can be very expensive—and if you need a lot of them for a gallery wall, that money adds up. For an option that's easy on the budget and a beginner-level DIY, consider making your own frames out of pine boards. This is a simple DIY that doesn't require many tools outside of a miter saw and a screwdriver. You don't need a power saw for this project—a hand saw will work just fine—but if you’re set on making a large batch, you’ll save yourself a lot of effort (and blisters) by renting a miter saw. Otherwise, a single frame can easily be made with a mitre box and hand saw. Read on to learn how to make this simple wood frame that's versatile enough to suit any style of decor.

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To make an 11" x 14" frame, you’ll need two 14-inch board lengths and two 11-inch board lengths, each cut at a 45° angle at the ends. Be sure to measure your cuts from the furthest point (the outside edge of your angled board). Use a miter saw, or miter box and hand saw, to make the angled cuts.

Apply a bead of glue to each of the corner cuts. Then, position two wood pieces with the angled cuts meeting each other to form a right angle. Tuck a Swanson speed square into the corner to ensure a perfect 90° angle. Use a drill or screwdriver to screw in the first corner brace.

Repeat for the other side. Attach the corner braces to the remaining corners and wipe away any excess glue.

After you flip the frame over you might see a slight gap where the two angled cuts meet. Fill all gaps with wood filler, wiping away any excess. Once the wood filler is dry, lightly sand until smooth.

Paint your frame and add a sawtooth picture hanger to the back side to hang. Add your art to the frame by securing it to the back side of the frame using acid-free tape.