I started making picture frames because I couldn’t find ones I liked at a price I could stomach. Custom framing is expensive. Mass-produced frames are ugly. Making your own solves both problems while teaching useful skills.
The Basic Build
A frame is four pieces of molding joined at 45-degree miters. That’s the whole construction. The challenge is getting those miters perfect and the assembly square. I cut miters on a miter saw with a good blade—a $20 blade produces different results than a $100 blade.
Wood Selection
Poplar paints well and costs little—my default for painted frames. Walnut and cherry look gorgeous with a clear finish but cost more. The wood needs to be straight and stable. Check each board before buying.
The Miter Problem
Every frame maker eventually confronts miter frustration. A shooting board with a 45-degree fence lets you tune miters after the saw cut. This tool paid for itself on the first frame I used it for.
Assembly Methods
Whatever clamping method you use, check for square before the glue sets. Measure diagonals—if they’re equal, the frame is square. Adjust as needed before walking away.
When It’s Worth It
Custom frames from a frame shop run $100-300 for a single piece. Making your own, the material cost is maybe $20-40. If you’re framing multiple pieces, the savings add up fast. There’s satisfaction in framing your own work with your own hands.
