This project was built and designed by David from dk builds. It features a pair of elegant picture frames made from walnut—perfect for displaying cherished wedding memories in style.
David set out to make custom 5×7 and 8.5×11 frames ahead of his wedding, combining precision, efficiency, and a bit of personal flair. The result is a refined and meaningful project that balances utility with craftsmanship.
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Milling and Preparing the Frame Pieces
The project begins with selecting and prepping walnut boards for the frame sides. David cuts and planes the material, taking care to ensure that all faces are smooth and edges are square.
Using a miter sled—built from plans by Steve Ramsey—he cuts precise angles for the corners of the frames. Matching length is more important than exact dimensions, and marking each piece carefully helps maintain consistency during assembly.
To make sure each piece was cut from the correct side of the sled, David labels them right after cutting. This step helps avoid confusion during glue-up and ensures tight 90-degree corners that look clean and professional.
Creating a Recess for the Artwork
Once the sides are cut, the next task is cutting a rabbet along the inside edge of the frame. This groove allows the photo, glass, and backing to sit snugly within the frame without sticking out or shifting.
David uses a router table set to a shallow depth to make this cut. Keeping the groove uniform across all four pieces is essential for a flush and stable final assembly.
The rabbet also helps reduce stress on the backing, which is especially helpful if the frame is used for larger prints or mounted to a wall.
Reinforcing the Corners with Splines
With all sides prepared, it’s time to assemble the frame using glue and clamps. To increase the strength of the miter joints, David adds decorative splines—a woodworking method that’s both functional and visually appealing.
After letting the glue dry, he cuts slots across each miter using a spline jig. Into each slot, he fits a thin maple strip, creating contrast with the darker walnut and locking the joints together securely.
This technique not only reinforces the corners but also gives the frame a subtle handcrafted detail. Once the splines are glued in place and dried, the excess is trimmed and sanded flush with the frame edges.
Sanding and Surface Prep
With the frame assembled and splines added, David moves on to sanding. He starts with a disc sander for the larger, flat surfaces and transitions to hand sanding for the corners and edges.
This stage is all about smoothing out any unevenness left over from the glue-up and prepping the surface for finishing. The corners are carefully rounded and cleaned up to avoid any harsh edges that might catch or splinter over time.
Attention to this step ensures the final piece has a professional feel and looks just as polished up close as it does from a distance.
Choosing and Applying the Finish
Because of a tight deadline and high temperatures in his workspace, David opts for a spray lacquer finish. This method allows multiple coats to be applied quickly while keeping the workspace time to a minimum.
Each coat is applied evenly, with drying time in between, creating a clean satin finish that enhances the walnut’s rich tones. The lacquer also helps protect the wood from moisture and wear, giving the frame durability for long-term use.
Once the lacquer is fully dry, David begins the process of final assembly by prepping the back side of each frame.
Attaching Hardware for the Backing
To secure the backing and allow for easy photo changes, David pre-drills holes for small fasteners. Rather than measuring every piece individually, he uses a story stick—a repeatable measuring tool—to quickly and accurately mark screw locations.
This simple trick saves time and ensures each piece of hardware is placed consistently. The result is a secure, user-friendly frame that can hold photos tightly in place without fuss.
Personal Touches and Display
Although he didn’t have his wedding photos yet, David tests the frames with a few favorite images, including a lighthearted tribute to Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation. The contrast between the maple splines and the dark walnut makes each frame pop without being flashy.
Each frame is built with intention and precision, making them not only practical but also sentimental. Whether they end up on a wedding guest table, hanging on the wall, or gifted to family members, they carry a unique story.
A Meaningful Wedding Project
This project is a great example of how woodworking can add a personal touch to a big life event. The frames are functional, beautiful, and filled with thought—a perfect complement to any special occasion.
If you’re considering making something similar, David’s video walks through each step with clarity and helpful tips. It’s an excellent resource for woodworkers looking to try their hand at detailed, purpose-driven projects.
Please support David by visiting his Etsy Store and buying his plans.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Picture frames are one of those projects that look deceptively simple but really showcase your attention to detail. Every little gap or misaligned corner will be visible once you hang these on the wall, so David’s approach of taking time with setup and labeling really pays off. That miter sled from Steve Ramsey is a game-changer for this type of work—having repeatable, accurate cuts makes all the difference when you’re trying to get four pieces to come together perfectly.
The spline reinforcement is a smart move that I always recommend for picture frames. Miter joints look clean but they’re essentially end grain to end grain, which isn’t the strongest glue joint. Those maple splines aren’t just decorative—they’re adding real structural support by creating long grain to long grain connections across the joint. The contrast between the light maple and dark walnut gives it that custom furniture look too.
Working under a wedding deadline adds its own pressure, and David’s choice to go with spray lacquer makes perfect sense. When you’re up against the clock, you need a finish that builds quickly and dries fast. That said, if you’re not comfortable with spray equipment or don’t have proper ventilation, a wipe-on poly would work great for frames like these—just plan for more drying time between coats.