How to Create a Frame From Scrap Lumber

Written byMichelle Dickson Updated

Welcome to another quick and easy tutorial. Today I would like to share how we created this simple frame for a piece of vintage glass. We were out searching for yard sales and found this window on the side of the road with a note on it that said FREE.  I did have my hubby with me and he of course wants to know what in the world I’m going to do with it. At that time, I had no idea, but when I like it and it’s FREE, it’s going home with me!

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laying out photos on the floor

This is what it looked like, when I found it. It had a metal frame and metal details on it, but I felt like it needed a wooden frame. So I rummaged through my stash of scrap lumber for a board that was long enough, bingo I had one. This project was totally free. I had everything I needed right at home.

Items needed

table saw

I determined how wide I wanted the width of the board to be for my frame and set the fence on the table saw to 1 3/4″

cutting the wood

I then ripped 4 strips of the wood to my desired width.

1/2 inch router bit

We used a 1/2″ straight router bit to cut a recessed area for the back side of the frame. This is where the window would fit in.

cutting with router bit

We used a router table, setting the bit to cut 1/2″ deep and 1/2″ wide. 

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cutting wood with router bit

We then slowly pushed each board through.

finished piece of wood cut now repeat for all 4 pieces

This left a 1/2″ x 1/2″ notch out of the wood. Repeat this process for all 4 pieces of wood.

cutting at 45 degree angle

Using a miter saw set at a 45 degree angle cut one side of each of the boards.

putting wood together and putting glass in the notched out areas

Place the boards on a flat surface and align 2 of the mitered corners. Then place the window into the notched out area. 

showing where to cut the corner

Make a mark with a pencil showing where the edge of the window meets the board. Adjust the miter saw to a 45 degree angle pointing the opposite direction and position the board on the saw such that the blade will pass through the mark placed on the board.

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putting wood clue in the corners

Once all 4 boards are cut to the correct length, place wood glue on the mitered corners.

putting all four sides together

Align the corners and secure in place with a nail gun.

using nail gun to secure frame together

We placed 2 nails in each corner. Repeat for the other side.

glazer push points to attach window

We secured the window to the frame with glazer push points.

staining frame

I wanted the wood to have an aged weathered look so I chose to use my homemade vinegar and steel wool stain. My bottle looks pretty gross. It has been sitting around for more than a year, but it still works great!

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vinegar and steel wool stain method

To make the stain, simply place a steel wool pad into a glass jar and fill with vinegar. Let it sit for several hours to let the magic happen. Then simply brush it on the wood with a paint brush. I let the vinegar stain dry overnight before I added the final finish.

applying wax

My final step was to add a white wax, I wanted it to have an aged look with white areas in the knots and imperfections in the wood.

wax

I used the Behr White Wax. To apply it dip a stiff waxing brush into the wax and rub it into the wood. I like to use a circular motion to push it into the crevices in the wood. Let it dry.

buffing out wax

I usually let it set overnight before I buff. To buff just take a clean cotton rag, like an old t-shirt and buff until it has a smooth finish.

 We were able to cut and assemble the frame in less than an hour. It took about 5 minutes to put the stain on and another 5 minutes to add the wax. Of course there was drying time in between.

We hope that you have found this inspirational. Please let us know if you make a frame and how it turns out! We would love to hear from you! This would be a fun way to frame some farmhouse style art also. 

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This blog’s content is for entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. By reading this blog and attempting to recreate a project, you assume all responsibility for any injuries or damages incurred. Read my full disclaimer here.

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I have always had a passion for transforming spaces and creating organized, functional homes. Even as a child, I loved rearranging furniture and decorating my childhood home. In fact my dad would comment he was afraid to come home from work and sit, for fear the furniture would be rearranged. I enjoy the challenge of turning ordinary items into extraordinary pieces, whether it’s a piece of furniture or an entire room. My creativity and attention to detail drive me to find unique ways to breathe new life into any space.

As a wife (to a supportive and patient husband, Steve), mother of three, and grandmother of five, I balance my love for home improvement with family life. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and exploring nature. I also frequent yard sales, thrift stores, and vintage markets, always on the lookout for my next project.

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