How To Build Your Own Picture Frames – DIY Picture Frames

By The Creative Mom
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Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

This is a quick and simple picture frame build. It uses just one 1x4 board, which you can find at most home improvement stores. It is the perfect project for a beginner woodworker. These plans are for an 11x14 frame. But can be easily adapted for any size photo or poster.

Difficulty easy

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Router
    Router
  • Cordless Drill
    Cordless Drill
  • Straight Router Bit
    Straight Router Bit
  • Keyhole Router Bit
    Keyhole Router Bit
  • Measuring Tape
    Measuring Tape

Materials

Wood Products

  • 1 Board , 1x4x96"

Hardware & Supplies

  • 8 1 ¼” pocket hole screws (see tool list)
  • 1 Wood glue
  • 1 Sandpaper, stain or paint, polyurethane
  • 1 Eye & ear protection and other safety gear
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 2 Long sides , 20 ½” mitered at 45 degrees on both ends (from 1x4 board)
  • 2 Short sides , 17 ½” mitered at 45 degrees on both ends (from 1x4 board)
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Step 1. Route first side of frame

    Using a straight router bit, route a ¼” x ¼” groove into one edge of a 1x4 board. This will be the groove on the back side of your frame that your picture will sit inside.

    Step 1

  • Step 2. Add optional decorative edge

    Optional: If you want a decorative edge on your frame, run the opposite edge through the router with a decorative bit.

    Step 2

  • Step 3. Cut frame pieces

    Cut your frame pieces. All cuts should be 45 degrees. See next steps for more detail.

    Step 3

  • Step 4. Create short sides

    For the short sides, you’ll need two pieces cut at 17 ½” on the long side, and 10 ½” on the short side. The short side will have the ¼” groove that you created in step one.

    (These measurements are for an 11x14 frame. If you wanted an 8x10 frame, these pieces would be 14 ½” on the long side and 7 ½” on the short side.)

    Step 4

  • Step 5. Create long sides

    For the long sides, you’ll need two pieces cut at 20 ½” on the long side, and 13 ½” on the short side. The short side will have the ¼” groove that you created in step one.

    (These measurements are for an 11x14 frame. If you wanted an 8x10 frame, these pieces would be 17 ½” on the long side and 9 ½” on the short side.)

    Step 5

  • Step 6. Drill pocket holes

    Using the Kreg 720 pro pocket hole jig, drill pocket holes in both sides of your long boards.

    (Note that the ¼” groove you created in step one should be on the back- the side you drill your pocket holes on.)

    Step 6

  • Step 7. Attach sides

    Clamp your pieces together. Use wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws to attach the wood pieces to create the frame. Fill holes with wood putty, let dry, then sand. Either stain or paint the frames.

    Step 7

  • Step 8. Create groove for hanging

    Use a keyhole bit on your router to create a groove for hanging your picture frame.

    Step 8

  • Step 9. Create groove for hanging (second side)

    Use a keyhole bit on your router to create a groove for hanging your picture frame. I did this on two sides, in case I want to change the way I hang my photo.

    Step 9