How to Build Overhanging Pictures

Overhanging pictures have deep set frames.

Overhanging pictures utilize wide moldings to impart an extended edge that sets a picture into a deep frame. The added overhang of the framing gives the picture depth and can be aesthetically pleasing on landscapes or scenery pictures. It is often done with older wood to create a rustic appearance. It can also be built with opulent moldings to create a regal design. The easiest way to create overhang in pictures is by building two frames and stacking them together.

Things You'll Need

• Miter saw
• Oak, 3/4 x 3 x 24 inches
• Colonial oak molding, 1 1/4 x 2 1/4 x 24 inches
• Glue
• Nylon strap clamps
• Pin nailer
• Pin nails, 1 1/4 inches
• Craft glue
• Picture
• Plywood, 1 1/4 x 18 x 18 inches
• Pin nails, 3/4 inch

Instructions

1. Set a miter saw at 45 degrees and miter the four pieces of 3/4 x 3-inch oak at 18 inches from long point to long point of the miter. The oak should be laying flat when mitered.

2. Miter all four pieces of the colonial molding at 16 inches from long point to long point. Lay the molding flat to miter it.

3. Spread glue on all of the mitered corners. Lay all eight pieces flat on a worktable in their respective places. Put the 18-inch pieces together and the 16-inch pieces together to form two frames.

4. Place nylon strap clamps around each frame and tighten until glue oozes out from each corner. Let the glue dry for one hour and remove the clamps. Shoot one pin nail through each corner of both frames with a pin nailer and 1 1/4-inch pin nails. You should now have two frames, one flat 18-inch frame and one 16-inch colonial frame.

5. Spread a layer of glue on the back of the colonial frame. Place it on top of the flat frame in the center so that there is even space on all four sides. Shoot two pin nails evenly spaced down through each side to secure it to the bottom frame.

6. Spread some craft glue on the back of the picture. Place a picture on the plywood. Place the overhanging frame on top of the plywood and the picture. Carefully turn the frame upside down. Shoot two 3/4-inch pin nails down through each side of the plywood to secure the plywood and picture to the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• You can install glass on the front of the overhanging picture if you want, but typically, overhanging pictures or "shadow box frames" do not use glass. The reflective qualities in the glass do not lend themselves to deep overhanging picture frames.

• The measurements of the molding and frame are for examples. You can use almost any size or type of moldings or hardwood to make an overhanging picture. For even more overhang, you can install another layer of molding on top of the second layer.

• Wear safety glasses when working with wood.