How to Make Easy Plywood Art Frames

These art frames are not traditional in any way, yet they are super-easy to make! These frames are made with a plywood base, which has been stained, then finished off with a piece of Plexiglas secured to the base with finish washers and screws.

Finish washers are cupped  washers that add a decorative or “finished” look to screws that will be exposed. They usually come in a chrome finish and can easily be spray painted to suit the project.

Materials to make one frame to hold an 8x10 photo:

·         1/2” plywood cut to 13” x 16”

·         Sander with 150 & 220 grit sandpaper

·         Plexiglas cut to 11” x 14” (I bought mine pre-cut in the framing department of my local hobby store)

·         Drill with 1/8” drill bit

·         4 – 1/2” screws

·         4 - #8 finish washers

·         Sawtooth hanger

The plywood can be purchased in 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 4’ sheets. Most home improvement stores will cut them to size for you at no or minimal cost.

Start by sanding thoroughly sanding the plywood using 150 grit sand paper followed by 220 grit sandpaper. Stain or paint the plywood as desired. I used a stencil and a glue-resist technique on the plywood piece, then stained it using a dark brown stain. I finished with two coats of a polyurethane sealer.

Next, position the Plexiglas sheet on the plywood piece with a 1” border around all sides. Use a drill with a 1/8” drill bit to drill holes in each corner of the Plexiglas approximately 1/2” in from each end. When drilling holes in Plexiglas, use very gentle pressure or the Plexiglas will crack. Do not drill all the way through the plywood base.

Thread a finish washer over the end of each screw, then carefully drive the screws through the holes in the Plexiglas into the plywood. Do not overtighten the screws because this will also crack the Plexiglas.

Insert the photo or artwork desired prior to securing all of the screws. Install a sawtooth hanger on the back of the plywood base.

The plywood base of these frames can be stained or painted to match any décor. The size is easily customizable as well… 

Plexiglas can be purchased in large sheets at any home improvement store then cut to the size desired using a straight edge and a utility knife. A great idea would be to create a really large frame then add photos in a collage! With the holidays coming up, these frames will make great gifts and several can be made inexpensively!