Picture Frame Molding

Many woodworkers and woodworking hobbyists find that they can make their own picture frame molding with just basic carpenter's tools that they already have in their toolbox or workshop. Making your picture frame molding can save you some money as opposed to buying picture frames that are pre-made, and you will derive the satisfaction that comes with knowing that you built your picture frame molding and frame yourself.

Custom Picture Frame Molding

To make custom picture frame molding to frame any picture, you will need a table saw, a router, and several router bits in various sizes. You can buy the glass for your frame in a custom size at your local home improvement store. You will also need to buy enough length of wood to accommodate the picture, painting, or drawing that you wish to frame, and you will need to determine the width of the wood that you will use for your custom picture frame molding. For larger frames, you might consider a width of around 2 ¼ inches - but choosing the width for your frame is part of the design process of creating your custom picture frame molding - so be creative.

Measuring for Your Picture Frame Molding

You will need to determine that dimensions for your custom picture frame molding, and then add a few extra inches to the length of each to allow for any final adjustments that must be made. Using your table saw, cut the two side pieces and the two pieces for the top and bottom of your custom picture frame molding.

Constructing a Picture Frame with Picture Frame Molding

Once the frame pieces have been cut, you must select the profile bits that you will use with your router - such as a cove bit, face molding bit, or rabbet bit). Using the face molding bit, you will use your router to make the face of your picture frame molding (the front). This is called the face profile. Turn the pieces of your picture frame molding over and use the rabbet routing bit to make the rabbet profile which is where your glass will rest in your picture frame molding. You now have four pieces of picture frame molding that you will use to make your picture frame.

Using your table saw with miter guide, or a laser guided miter saw, cut 45 degree angle cuts on the ends of each picture frame molding piece, being careful after each cut that the dimensions have been met that will allow them to connect together seamlessly.

Once the corners of your picture frame molding have been cut, you can fasten the joints using corrugated nails, tack plates, chevrons, or mechanical fasteners. Your remaining step is to finish the frame with varnish, or paint.