How to Make Barn Wood Picture Frames

Barn wood frames add character to a favorite piece of art.

Using barn wood to create handmade picture frames is one way to add a rustic touch to the walls of your home. The weathered wood will add character to family photos, paintings, photographs or a favorite piece of art. The wood can be painted, whitewashed, or stained before assembly to add a personal touch to your creation. Adding barbed wire, rope or horseshoes to your frame will create a western flair. Barn wood frames are perfect to give as gifts to family members or friends.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Barn wood boards
• Table saw
• Combination square
• Power miter saw
• Sandpaper
• Brown acrylic paint
• Black acrylic paint
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Paper towel
• Electric screwdriver
• Screws
• Woody putty
• 2 acrylic panels
• 4 to 8 turn buttons

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the picture frame by measuring the piece of art to be displayed. Subtract a 1/2-inch from both the length and width measurements of the art work to determine the dimensions of the inside of the frame. This will cause the picture's edges to extend behind the sides of the frame by 1/4 inch to ensure that the picture completely fills the frame's opening. Decide how wide the sides of the frame are going to be and double this measurement. Add this number to the inside width and length dimensions to calculate the length of the outer edges of the frame. The extra length will allow the ends to be cut at a 45 degree angle without losing length on the inner edges.

2. Gather wooden boards from a run down barn or other dilapidated outdoor building. Ask for permission beforehand if you do not own the building. Choose boards that are sturdy, sound and without any large cracks. Look for boards that are weathered and contain knotholes or nail marks. These will add character to your frame. Remove any screws or nails from the board.

3. Lay the boards on a flat surface and determine which portions you want to include in your frame. Mark the board with the width and outer length measurements to create the four sides of your frame. Cut out the pieces for your frame using a table saw.

4. Measure and mark a 45-degree angle using a combination square on each end of the four frame sides. The line should run from the top corners of each piece to the bottom edge. Measure each board's bottom edge between the two marks to check that the lengths equal the measurements of the frame's inside edges. Adjust the angle on a power miter saw to 45 degrees and make the cuts along the marks on all four pieces. Smooth the cut edges with sand paper.

5. Mix brown and black acrylic paint together and add water until the color matches the natural color of the wood. Apply the paint mixture to the cut edges of the frame pieces with a paint brush. Let the wood sit for one hour or until the paint is dry.

6. Apply wood glue to the corners of the frame, align the sides and press the corners together. Hold the four corners in place with clamps. Wipe off excess glue with paper towels. Let the frame sit for 30 minutes to allow the glue to dry.

7. Remove the clamps and use an electric screwdriver to insert screws into the sides of the frame at each corner for reinforcement. Apply wood putty over the tops of the screws. Sand over the putty when it is dry to smooth. Paint over the sanded area with the paint mixture to disguise.

8. Attach one to two turn buttons along the back of each side of the frame with screws. A turn button is a small metal or plastic button that rotates over the back of the picture to hold it in place. Position the turn buttons one inch from the inner edge. Layer your photograph or art work between two acrylic panels. Make sure the panels extend at least 1/2-inch past the piece of art. Lay the sandwiched art work, face down, on the back of the frame. Adjust the piece until it is centered. Twist the turn buttons until they are over the acrylic panels, holding them in place.

References

• "Picture Framing for the First Time"; Lee Bartholomew; 2004
• "Basic Picture Framing: All The Skills And Tools You Need To Get Started"; Amy Cooper, et al.; 2005