How to Make a Wooden Map Display Frame
Creating a custom wooden map display frame is a great way to showcase a map in a stylish and personal way. Whether it’s a map of your favorite city, a world map, or a topographic map, a wooden frame can add a rustic and polished touch to your home decor. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of building a simple wooden map display frame from start to finish. This project is perfect for those who enjoy woodworking and want to create something functional and visually appealing.
Materials and Tools
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools:
Materials:
- 1-inch thick wood boards (pine, oak, or any wood of your choice) for the frame
- Wood glue
- Screws or nails
- Wood stain or paint (optional)
- Map (framed or unframed)
- Glass (or acrylic, for a lighter option)
- Backing board (plywood or MDF)
- Picture hanging hardware
Tools:
- Miter saw (or hand saw if you don’t have power tools)
- Drill and screwdriver
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Wood clamps
- Sandpaper or sander
- Paintbrush (if you plan to stain or paint the wood)
- Sawtooth hanger or D-ring hangers
Step 1: Measure Your Map
The first step in building your map display frame is to measure the map. If you have an unframed map, you’ll need to measure its dimensions (length and width). If your map is already framed, measure the frame size as well. This will help determine the dimensions of the frame pieces.
When measuring, it’s good practice to leave a little extra room for the frame to fit comfortably around the map, so add about half an inch to the length and width measurements.
Step 2: Cut the Frame Pieces
Using your measurements, cut the wood boards for the frame. You’ll need four pieces of wood: two for the top and bottom of the frame, and two for the sides. A miter saw is ideal for making precise angle cuts, but a hand saw can work as well.
To ensure the corners of the frame fit perfectly, you’ll want to cut the ends of the side pieces at a 45-degree angle. This will give the frame a professional look and make for tight, clean corners.
Here are the cut sizes you’ll need:
- Top piece: Width of the frame (plus extra for overlap)
- Bottom piece: Same as the top
- Side pieces: Height of the frame (plus extra for overlap)
Make sure to measure twice and cut once to avoid errors.
Step 3: Sand the Wood
Once your frame pieces are cut, it’s time to smooth the edges and surfaces. Use a medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-grit) to sand the rough edges. Once they’re smooth, you can go over them with a finer grit (like 220-grit) to give the wood a polished finish. Sanding ensures that the frame looks professional and feels smooth to the touch.
Step 4: Stain or Paint the Frame (Optional)
If you want to add color or enhance the wood’s natural grain, now is the time to stain or paint the wood. Wood stains give the frame a rich, natural look while allowing the wood grain to shine through. If you prefer a more colorful look, you can paint the frame with your choice of color.
To stain, apply a thin coat with a paintbrush and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a cloth. For painting, apply a primer first, followed by a coat of paint. Allow the wood to dry completely between coats.
Step 5: Assemble the Frame
Now that your frame pieces are ready, it’s time to assemble them. Apply a small amount of wood glue to the edges where the pieces will meet. Then, carefully fit the corners together at a 45-degree angle. Clamp the frame together and let the glue dry for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Once the glue has set, reinforce the corners with screws or nails. If you’re using screws, pre-drill small pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood.
Step 6: Prepare the Backing Board
The backing board serves as a support for your map and helps keep it in place. Cut a piece of plywood or MDF to the size of the frame opening. You want it to fit snugly inside the frame, but don’t force it if it’s a little tight. This backing board will also help you mount the map if it’s unframed.
If your map is unframed, consider using a spray adhesive or small pieces of double-sided tape to attach the map to the backing board. If your map is already framed, you can skip this step.
Step 7: Add the Glass (or Acrylic)
To protect your map, you’ll need a layer of glass or acrylic in front. Cut the glass to fit the frame or have it custom-cut at a local hardware store or glass shop. Acrylic is a lighter option and can be easier to work with, but glass gives a more polished finish.
Once the glass is cut to size, carefully place it into the frame. Be sure to handle the glass carefully to avoid breaking it.
Step 8: Attach the Backing Board
Now that the frame is assembled and the glass is in place, attach the backing board. If you’re using nails or screws to secure the backing, make sure they are positioned around the edges of the frame to avoid damaging the map. Alternatively, you can use framing clips or tabs, which are commonly found in picture frames.
Ensure that the map is secure but not overly tight—this will prevent any warping or damage to the map.
Step 9: Add Hanging Hardware
The last step is adding hardware so you can hang your map display frame on the wall. You have a few options here:
- Sawtooth hanger: This is a simple solution for smaller frames and can be easily attached to the back of the frame.
- D-ring hangers: These are more robust and ideal for larger frames. Simply attach them to the sides of the frame and connect a picture wire between them.
Make sure the hanging hardware is securely fastened to prevent the frame from falling off the wall.
Step 10: Hang Your Map
With the frame complete and the hanging hardware in place, you can now hang your framed map! Choose a wall where it will be displayed prominently, and use a level to ensure the frame is hung straight.
Conclusion
Building a wooden map display frame is a rewarding and enjoyable woodworking project that can elevate the way you display your maps. Whether you choose to stain, paint, or leave the wood natural, the process is straightforward and can be customized to suit your personal style. With a little time and effort, you’ll have a beautiful, custom frame that showcases your map for years to come.
If you’re interested in expanding your woodworking skills and learning more techniques to improve your craft, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.