DIY: Pallet Frame

My apartment walls are full of cool art prints but I’m getting tired of the same boring frames. I decided to use the wood from an old pallet I found to make a rustic frame. This project requires a few power tools and saws, so I got a little help from my handyman boyfriend and his dad.



What you’ll need:
Pallet
Jigsaw
Table saw
Mitre Saw
Wood glue
Plexiglass
Metal ruler
Sharp utility knife
Staple gun
4 push points
 Picture hanging hooks
Piece of cardboard

1. Use the jigsaw to cut off the planks on the skid.

2. Decide on the size of frame you would like. I made mine large enough to fit an 8 x 10-inch print. The outside of my frame measures 15 ¼ inches by 13 ¼ inches.

3. Use the table saw to cut 4 pieces of wood for each side of the frame to the desired width. The width of each of my boards is 2 ¾ inches.

4. Set the depth of the table saw blade to ¼ of an inch and cut a step into one side of each wood board (this is where the plexy glass will sit). Please see picture below for example.

5. On a mitre saw set the angle to 45 degrees and cut one side of each board making sure the step is on the inside of the shorter side of the angle.

6. In order to cut the other side of your wood board, place a ruler on the shorter side of the angle and measure 8 ¼ inches. Mark this spot with a pencil. Flip your wood board over and using your marking cut a 45 degree angle on the side that hasn’t been cut. Repeat on one more board.

7. Repeat step 6 for the remaining two boards but this time measure 10 ¼ inches instead of 8 ¼ inches.

8. Use wood glue to attach each piece of wood together so it forms the shape of a frame. Set aside to dry.

9. For extra support use staples on the back side of the frame across the seams. Please see picture below for an example.

10. Trim the plexiglass and piece of cardboard to size (use the same measurements as the inside of the frame) using the metal ruler and utility knife.

11. Turn the frame right side down. Place the plexiglass into the frame. Next put your art print and then top it off with the cardboard. To hold it all in place push the pointed end of the push points into the frame – one on each of the sides.

12. Add picture hanging hooks and hang up your new frame!