Large or Small Format Photo Frames

Put your favourite photos on display with these easy-to-make photo frames. Use 6 or 9mm plywood and clear acrylic or glass sheets to make each floating photo frame. The nice thing about this project is that you can make these DIY frames in a variety of sizes at a very affordable price.

You will need:

Tape measure and pencil
Clamps
Drill/Driver and 5mm wood bit
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Square plywood cut to size
2 x 5mm thick glass squares cut to same size as plywood
Pine offcut
4 – hex-head bolts 7cm long
4 – lock nuts for hex bolts
4 – steel spacers (or cut chrome pipe to length)
D-ring picture hangers
Safety glasses

Here’s how:

Step 1

Have the plywood and glass squares cut to the exact size that you require at your local Builders Warehouse.

Step 2

Place two squares of acrylic or a single sheet of glass on one square of plywood and clamp together.

Step 3

Measure 3 centimetres in from each corner and slowly drill a 5mm hole through the acrylic and plywood. Repeat for the second square of glass.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you have a drill press, using a clamp-on fence and a stop block will make this quick and easy.

Step 4

Sand the plywood faces and edges with 100-grit sandpaper. Wipe off dust with a cloth.

Step 5

Cut a batten to a length that is shorter than the total width of your photo to use as centered support. This will keep the glass squares firmly in place and prevent the acrylic from sagging in the centre of the frame.

Step 6

Glue the end of the support to the middle of the plywood’s front side. (The artwork will hide the support.) Weigh down the support while the glue dries to ensure a good bond.

Step 7

Mount a large D-ring picture hanger to the back of the plywood with a screw.

Step 8

Centre and tape your photo or artwork to one acrylic or glass square. Top with the second acrylic or glass square. Then connect the acrylic and plywood pieces using the hex-head bolts, steel spacers, and lock nuts. Don’t lock too tightly or you will crack the glass.