Projects / Picture frame plans / 16×20 photo

16×20 picture frame

A mitered frame for a 16×20 photo, cut from 1×3 stock, with a rabbet for the glass.

Intermediate2 hours4 parts1× board
1×3 · 2½″ × 96″B Side railB Side railA Top and bottom railA Top and bottom rail

Cutting diagram

1×3 · 2½″ × 96″B Side railB Side railA Top and bottom railA Top and bottom rail

Bright pieces are your parts; the dimmed wood is left over. Every cut allows ⅛″ for the saw blade.

Cut list

PartQtyWidth × lengthCut from
ATop and bottom rail22½″ × 20½″64 × 521 mm1× board
BSide rail22½″ × 24½″64 × 622 mm1× board

How to build it

  1. Rout or saw a ⅜″ × ⅜″ rabbet along one edge of a 1×3 board before cutting it into pieces. It's much safer on a long piece.
  2. Miter both ends of each piece at 45° so the long edges measure 20½″ and 24½″. The glass pocket then measures 16¼″ × 20¼″, which gives the 16×20 glass a little room.
  3. Dry-fit the corners and adjust until the joints close with no gaps.
  4. Glue the miters and hold them with a band clamp or masking tape until dry.
  5. Finish the frame, then fit the glass, photo and backer, and hold them in with turn buttons.