How to Make a Frame for a Large Cork Bulletin Board

Create a framed family message center.

A large cork board can be the message center in your home. A calendar, schedule of after-school activities and shopping list can all be visible in one central location. The family message center is a necessity for busy lives; however, large cork boards are rarely attractive enough to hang prominently on the wall for the world to see. Upgrade yours by adding a decorative frame. Shaker style frames are made of plain wood that require few cuts to assemble. A simple Shaker style frame can be easily installed over the cork board to make it more attractive.

Things You'll Need

• Paint or stain Large cork board Shaker style trim Circular saw Tape measure Finish nails Nail gun or hammer

Instructions

1. Lay the wood trim pieces out on a tarp. Paint or stain the trim. It is much easier to paint the trim before hanging it on the wall. Let the pieces dry completely.

2. Hang the cork board on the wall with finish nails. Place the nails around the perimeter of the cork board. Keep the nails an inch from the edge so they will be covered by the frame.

3. Measure the length of the cork board. Cut trim pieces to match this length. Make a straight cut across the width of the lumber. Repeat to make the bottom of the frame.

4. Hang the top and bottom pieces of the frame. Place nails through the wood, the cork board and the wall. Hammer a nail every 12 inches.

5. Measure the height of the cork board from the inside edges of the new frame pieces. Cut trim pieces to fit inside the top and bottom frame on both sides. Cut straight across the width of the lumber.

6. Set the sides of the frame in place over the cork board, lining them up so they form the frame. Nail the frame into the wall with finish nails every 12 inches.

7. Patch the nail holes with wood putty. Spread the putty in the nail hole, sliding across the top to remove the excess putty. Let the putty dry completely.

8. Touch up any the patched nail holes and any other scratches with a small paintbrush.

Tips & Warnings

• You can choose a more ornate style of trim. The cuts will be only slightly more complicated. Cut the trim at a 45 degree angle to match the corners. Cut all four pieces and lay them out to test your cuts before installing them on the wall.

References

• Mahalo.com: How To Make Picture Frames
• Bob Vila: Build a Picture Frame Wall Hanging