How to Make a Simple Picture Frame

We are currently experiencing a high volume of online orders. Our teams are working hard to process all orders as fast as possible. However, please expect some delays in order processing for both curbside pickup and delivery. For curbside pickup, please wait for the email confirming that your order is ready for pickup. Thank you for your understanding. For customer service, inquiries on shipping status, click here.

Welcome to Lowe's

Weekly Flyer

Steps

Difficulty

Easy

Time Required

1Afternoon

Estimated Cost

$$$

Wood frame on wall shelf with mirror above it

What You Need for This Project

Tools

Jigsaw

Router

Dust Mask

Safety Goggles

Ear Protection

Materials

Sandpaper

Paint or Stain of Your Choice

1 inch x 10 inch Lumber

3/8 inch Dowel Rod

Glazier Points

Thumb Tacks

STEP ONE

Cut the Frame

Cut a piece of 1x10 into a 9 in. x 9 in. square. Make a slight arc or round-over at each corner to give the frame a softer look.

STEP TWO

Cut a Space for the Picture

Use your tape measure and square to draw a 4 in. x 4 in. square centred on the board. If 4 n. x 4 in. is too small, adjust the square to be 3/4 in. smaller on each side than your picture.

STEP THREE

Bore Corner Holes

Bore a hole at each corner of the square and use the jig saw to cut the hole out.

Person drilling a hole in the side of a piece of wood

STEP FOUR

Make Rabbets on the Back

Use a piloted 3/8 in. rabbeting bit to make a rabbet in the back face of the frame, around the centre hole. If you don't have a router, just push thumb tacks into the back of the frame to hold the picture in place.

STEP FIVE

Bore a Hole on the Back

Bore a 3/8" diameter hole 1/2 in. deep in the back of the frame. The hole should be centred from left to right and 5/8 in. in from the edge.

Person drilling a hole in a piece of wood

STEP SIX

Sand Things Smooth

Sand the frame, paying special attention to the rounded edges.

Person using sandpaper on a piece of wood

STEP SEVEN

Make the Frame Stand

Cut a piece of 3/8 in. dowel rod 3 in. long. When you push the dowel into the hole, it serves as a stand for the frame.

Person putting a dowel into a small wood frame

STEP EIGHT

Finish the Frame

Use paint, stain, or a faux technique to finish the frame.

Person using a rag to apply stain to wood

How To Terms

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.