DIY Network

Murphy's Law: Wall Frames Murphy's Law: Wall Frames From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-405F

Wall frames add interest to this bare wall.

Wall frames are boxes built out of molding that we installed between the chair rail and the baseboard. They are also known as picture frames, picture frame molding and shadow boxes. Our homeowners painted a slightly darker accent color inside the boxes at depth and character.

Materials:

Molding
Tape measure
Pneumatic nailer
Hammer
Miter saw
1 1/2" finish nails
Framing square
Paintable caulk
Nail set

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

There are many different schools of thought in planning the size and spacing of each box. From complicated geometric calculations to guessing, there area few common rules that apply.

• First, establish your pattern by starting on the wall that will be the focal point of the room. This will be the wall where the most of the wall frames will be seen when the room is furnished. The goal is to achieve a balanced and symmetrical look.

• Your margins (the space between the boxes) should always be consistent and whatever size boxes you choose should be repeated throughout the entire room. A margin of 2 3/4 inches is usually best. Sketch out your design on paper, then transfer your design to the wall.

Installation:

1. Using a tape measure, framing square and level, transfer your design to the wall (figure A). Remember, you will be attaching the molding pieces on the inside of the lines you transferred.

2. Measure your pieces of molding from your transferred plan. In most cases you will only need to get a couple of measurements as you are just repeating the pattern.

3. Set your miter saw at a 45-degree angle (figure B), then move through your cut list making sure that you are reversing your cut angle when necessary. It's helpful to lye out each box on the ground to make sure they fit correctly.

4. To start attaching the boxes to the wall, start with the top piece and align the molding with the bottom of the upper line (transferred earlier). Attach each piece using 1 1/2 inch finish brads about every 12 inches. Be sure to put the nails in the high part of the molding. This will help avoid splitting. Then, install the sides followed by the bottom (figure C).

5. When all your molding is installed, use a nail set to hide any nails and then fill any holes and the corners of your boxes with paintable caulk. Finally, apply a bead of paintable caulk where the molding meets the wall (figure D).

Resources:

Hitachi Power Tools
3590 Steve Reynolds Blvd.
Norcross, GA 30093
Phone: 800-HITACHI (800-448-2244)

Porter Cable Power Tools
4825 Hwy. 45 North
Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: 888-848-5175
Delta Power Tools

Klein Tools
P.O. Box 599033
Chicago, IL 60659
Phone: 800-553-4676