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Mitered Corner 1x2 Frames

A layered picture frame built from two mitered 1x2 rings, one nested inside the other, so the frame reads as two-tone even in a single wood species.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Inner frame pieces Both ends cut at 45° miter, ends not parallel — long point measurement.	4	3/4" × 1 1/2" × 12"	Pine	☐
Outer frame pieces Both ends cut at 45° bevel, ends not parallel — long point measurement.	4	3/4" × 1 1/2" × 13 1/2"	Pine	☐

Item	Qty	✓
Pine, 1x2, 9 ft total Length needed is roughly twice the perimeter of your desired frame size.	9 ft	☐
Brad nails, 1-1/4"	1 box	☐
Wood paint or stain	1 each	☐

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

Brad Nailer
Hearing Protection
Miter Saw
Every cut on this project is a precise 45° miter — a sharp blade and a stop block make the four corners match.
Random Orbit Sander
Safety Glasses
Speed Square
Tape Measure
Circular Saw — optional

1. Cut the inner frame pieces
Tools: Miter Saw. Materials: Pine, 1x2, 9 ft total
Cut the four inner pieces to 12", mitering both ends at 45°.
2. Cut the outer frame pieces
Tools: Miter Saw. Materials: Pine, 1x2, 9 ft total
Cut the four outer pieces to 13-1/2", with a 45° bevel on both ends. Mark the pieces to keep track of which side faces out before you move on to assembly.
3. Assemble the inner frame
Tools: Brad Nailer
Dry-fit all four inner pieces first to confirm the miters close cleanly at every corner. Once satisfied, nail through each corner into the perpendicular board to form the inner frame.
4. Assemble and attach the outer frame
Tools: Brad Nailer
Nail the outer frame's corners together the same way. Then nail the outer frame to the inner frame, keeping both frames' faces flush and aligned.
5. Sand and finish
Tools: Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Wood paint or stain
Sand all edges and corners smooth, then paint or stain as desired.