This guide is inspired by Keaton Beyer from Keaton Beyer Woodworking, who shares his expertise on making picture frames that are not just functional but also stylish. Whether you are a beginner or have some woodworking experience, this step-by-step tutorial will help you build your own frames easily.

Materials Needed
- Rough lumber (e.g., Ash)
- Thickness planer
- Hand plane
- Table saw
- Dado stack or single blade
- Feather board
- Ratchet strap picture frame clamp
- Wood glue
- Acrylic or glass
- Spray lacquer finish
- Sanding tools
Step 1: Mill the Lumber
The first step in crafting a picture frame is to mill your lumber. You can choose to buy pre-milled lumber, but milling your own allows you to select the perfect pieces for your project. Start by using a thickness planer to surface the faces of your lumber.
Step 2: Square the Edges
Next, you’ll need to square the edges. A hand plane is ideal for this task, as it can straighten the edge of the board and square it to the face. If you find that the board is slightly off, reposition your plane on the high side to remove more material and bring the board back to square.
Step 3: Rip the Lumber
With the stock now uniform, it’s time to rip the lumber into strips. Keaton prefers to add a bevel on the inside of the frame to allow more light to illuminate the picture, minimizing shadow lines.
Step 4: Cut the Rabbets
The next step is to cut the rabbet, which holds the frame in place. You can use a dado stack for this operation, which allows for quick cuts. If you don’t have a dado stack, use a single blade and make multiple cuts, moving the fence slightly each time until you achieve a rabbet depth of 3/8 inch.
Step 5: Measure and Cut the Frame Parts
Now, it’s time to measure and cut the frame parts. Start by trimming one end at a 45-degree angle. Use the formula: Rail length = picture length + (2 x rail width) – (2 x groove width) to determine the correct lengths for your top and bottom rails.
Step 6: Pre-Sand the Interior Faces
Before gluing up the frame, pre-sand all interior faces. This step is crucial as it becomes difficult to reach the inside corners after the frame is assembled.
Step 7: Glue Up the Frame
Use a ratchet strap picture frame clamp to apply even pressure in all four corners of the frame during the glue-up process. This clamp is highly recommended over traditional clamps for its efficiency.
Step 8: Trim the Splines
After the glue is dry, it’s time to add splines for additional strength. Mark equal distances at the ends of the miter joint, align the spline cutter, and make your cuts. This adds long grain across the joint, improving the frame’s durability.
Step 9: Prepare the Glass or Acrylic
For the glazing, Keaton prefers acrylic because it doesn’t yellow over time and is easy to cut. Ensure the glass or acrylic is cut to the same size as the frame’s opening for a perfect fit.
Step 10: Final Sanding and Finishing
Finish the detail work by trimming the splines and doing some final sanding. Apply a spray lacquer finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
Conclusion
Creating picture frames can be a fun and rewarding project. Keaton emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time for meaningful projects, especially those that hold special memories. Whether you’re making frames for family artwork or cherished photos, this guide will help you craft beautiful pieces that you and your loved ones will treasure.