This project was built and designed by Brady Hommel. It’s a rustic picture frame made from old pallet wood—offering a mix of sustainability, charm, and DIY creativity.
Brady walks through the entire process of turning discarded pallet boards into a functional and attractive piece of home decor. The frame highlights the beauty in reclaimed materials, giving wood with history a fresh purpose.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Brady’s channel:
Breaking Down the Pallet
The build begins with taking apart a standard pallet using a pry bar and hammer. Patience is important here, as the goal is to remove the boards cleanly while avoiding splits or damage.
Once the boards are separated, Brady removes old nails and inspects each piece for usability. Pallet wood can be unpredictable, but its imperfections are what make the final product feel authentic and unique.
Prepping the Reclaimed Wood
After sorting through the slats, the boards are cleaned to remove dirt and debris. A quick sanding helps smooth out rough spots while preserving the rustic look.
Instead of milling the boards to perfect dimensions, Brady embraces the texture and variation. This keeps the project low-effort and true to its reclaimed character while still being safe to handle.
Cutting the Frame Pieces
Measurements are taken based on the desired photo size, and the boards are cut accordingly. Brady uses a miter saw to create 45-degree corners, giving the frame a classic shape.
For this style of frame, small gaps or irregular edges are welcome. They enhance the rustic appearance and reinforce that the frame is handmade from reused wood.
Assembling the Frame
Each piece is joined using wood glue, and clamps are applied to hold the corners tightly as they dry. Brady avoids over-sanding or trying to square everything perfectly, allowing the natural lines of the pallet boards to shine.
The joints are left simple, but pocket holes or small brad nails could also be added for extra strength. In this project, the glue holds just fine and maintains a clean outer surface.
Staining and Sealing
With the frame assembled, Brady applies a dark wood stain that brings out the grain and highlights the character of the aged wood. The stain also deepens the color for a more dramatic rustic look.
After drying, a sealer or clear coat can be added to protect the wood from dust and damage. This step is optional depending on whether the frame will be used indoors or in more humid conditions.
Adding the Backing and Hardware
To hold the picture in place, a simple piece of hardboard or cardboard backing is cut to size. Small metal tabs or flexible points can be installed to keep the photo and glass secure inside the frame.
Brady also adds basic hanging hardware, such as a sawtooth hanger or wire kit. The frame is now ready to be displayed, whether it’s on a wall or standing upright on a shelf.
Why This Frame Stands Out
What makes this project special is the use of reclaimed wood. Each board carries its own marks and texture from past use, giving the finished frame more visual interest than something bought off the shelf.
It’s a great beginner-friendly woodworking project that requires minimal investment and tools. Even without a full workshop, most people can complete this build with a saw, some glue, clamps, and sandpaper.
A Meaningful DIY Addition
Frames made from pallet wood are an ideal way to personalize your home decor. Whether you’re framing family photos, scenic prints, or even handwritten notes, the rustic wood gives your memories a fitting and timeless border.
And if you’re thinking about selling your work, rustic picture frames are a popular item at local markets and online shops. They’re quick to make, inexpensive to produce, and always in demand.
Support Brady by visiting his website, buying his plans, and viewing his offerings: https://bradyhommel.com/.