How to Convert Wood Furniture to Picture Frames

Many tables have beveled edges that can be recycled into picture frames.

Choosing just the right picture for you artwork is a difficult decision. Your choices become more limited if the artwork doesn't fit a standard frame. Custom framing shops can be very expensive. Building a frame isn't difficult. But carving the beveling and decoration into the sides of the frame requires special tools and training. Unless you have some old furniture lying around. Tables with broken legs still have beveled and carved edges that can be turned into lovely frames. Choose a hardwood table top an inch thick.

Things You'll Need

• Table top
• Table saw
• Craft knife
• Mitre box with saw
• Tape measure
• Straight edge
• Drill
• 1/4 inch drill bit
• 1/4 inch wood pegs
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Set the rip fence 3-inches from the blade of your table saw. Place the table top on the saw and rip a 3 inch board from the longest side of the table. Turn the table around and rip the same size board from the other side of the table top.

2. Move the rip fence 3/8 inch from the blade. Set the blade to cut 1 inch into the wood. Stand the piece of wood on the freshly cut edge. With the face of the wood against the rip fence, cut a 1 inch groove the length of the wood. Repeat with the second piece of cut wood.

3. Move the rip fence 1 inch from the blade. Set the blade to make a 1/2 inch cut. Lay the wood face up, with the freshly cut edge against the rip fence. Cut a 1/2 inch groove the length of the wood. Repeat with the other piece of wood.

4. Remove the 3/8-by-1 inch piece of wood. This is the groove for the glass and artwork. Use a craft knife on the last 1/8 inch if the wood becomes stubborn.

5. Place the edge of one piece of wood in the mitre box. Cut off one end at a 45 degree angle. The longest part of the angle should be the decorative, beveled edge. Measure 30 inches across the freshly cut edge and make another 45 degree cut so that the beveled edge is longer than the freshly cut edge. Repeat three more times, using the second piece of wood when necessary.

6. Lay the four pieces of wood, face down, on the work surface. Match up the corners to make a square. Using a straight edge, draw a line across each of the corners.

7. Place the 1/4 inch drill bit in the drill. Using the lines as guides, drill a 1/2 inch hole diagonally into the center of each of the 45 degree angles. Cover one side of the wooden peg with glue and insert the peg into a hole on one of the corners. Spread glue on the other side of the peg and attach the next piece of wood to create a corner. Repeat for the other three corners.

Tips & Warnings

• These plans are for a 30-by-30 inch frame to demonstrate making a unique size. But your frame can be any size you wish.

• Always be careful when using a table or mitre saw. Be sure to engage the guard before turning on the saw.

References

• Knitty Plans: How to Make Your Own Custom Wood Frames
• Ron Hazelton's Housecalls: How to Build Your Own Picture Frame
• Wayne of the Woods: How To Build Picture A Frame