Building a wooden shadow box for displaying military medals is a great way to honor service and create a lasting, personalized display. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create a sturdy and elegant wooden shadow box for showcasing military medals.
Materials Needed:
- Wood (Pine, oak, or maple are common choices)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Miter saw or handsaw
- Measuring tape
- Clamps
- Hinges
- Glass or acrylic sheet for the front
- Backing material (corkboard or foam board)
- Decorative trim (optional)
- Nails or brads for securing the medals
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Wood filler (optional)
Tools Needed:
- Miter saw or handsaw
- Drill with bits for pilot holes
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper or electric sander
- Clamps
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Design the Shadow Box
- Decide on the size of your shadow box based on how many medals you want to display. A typical shadow box for military medals might be around 18″ x 14″, but you can adjust based on your needs.
- The box should have a depth of at least 2″ to ensure the medals can be displayed properly with enough room for any ribbons, patches, or other memorabilia.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- Use your saw to cut the following pieces from your chosen wood:
- Back panel: This is the base of the box. If you’re making a 18″ x 14″ shadow box, cut a piece of wood to this size.
- Sides: Cut four pieces for the sides of the box. For an 18″ x 14″ box with a 2″ depth, cut four pieces to the appropriate dimensions (two 18″ long pieces for the top and bottom, two 14″ pieces for the sides).
- Front frame: If you want a decorative frame, cut four pieces to create a frame that will cover the front of the box. These should be slightly larger than the back panel to allow the glass to fit inside.
3. Assemble the Frame
- Begin by assembling the box frame. Use wood glue and clamps to hold the pieces together. Drill pilot holes and use screws to secure the sides to the back panel for added strength.
- If you’re adding a decorative trim, assemble that as well. The frame should sit on the edges of the back panel, and the inside should remain clear to display the medals.
4. Prepare the Backing
- Cut a piece of corkboard, foam board, or felt to fit the inside of the box. This will be where you attach the medals and create a stable background for them.
- If using foam board, you can add extra padding to make the medals stand out more prominently. Secure it inside the box using a few dabs of glue.
5. Install the Glass or Acrylic Sheet
- Cut a piece of glass or acrylic sheet to fit the frame. You can have it cut at a local hardware store or do it yourself if you have the right tools. This piece will protect your medals from dust and damage.
- Install the glass in the frame, securing it with small nails or clips along the sides of the frame.
6. Display Medals
- Plan how to arrange the medals before securing them in place. You can use nails, brads, or small hooks to attach the medals to the foam or corkboard. For a neat, organized look, consider creating a grid pattern or placing the medals based on rank or significance.
- If you want to add any additional items, such as patches, ribbons, or photos, now is the time to position them and secure them along with the medals.
7. Finishing Touches
- Sand any rough edges and smooth the surface of the wood to ensure a polished finish.
- If desired, stain or paint the wood for a more polished appearance. Allow the finish to dry completely before proceeding.
- Attach any additional hardware, such as a hanging bracket or stand if you plan to display the shadow box on a wall or a shelf.
8. Mounting the Shadow Box
- Attach a hanging hardware on the back of the shadow box, making sure it is centered for a balanced display.
- If you want the box to sit on a shelf, consider adding small wooden feet to the bottom for extra stability.
Tips:
- Custom Backgrounds: Consider adding a custom background to the shadow box, such as a flag, military insignia, or meaningful phrase, to personalize the display further.
- Protection: If you’re displaying valuable medals, consider using UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent fading from sunlight.
- Custom Compartments: You can add small shelves or compartments for other keepsakes like challenge coins, ribbons, or photos.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful, custom wooden shadow box that will proudly display military medals and serve as a lasting tribute to your service or the service of a loved one.
For detailed plans and even more advanced woodworking ideas, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.