How to Make DIY Wood Photo Blocks in 6 Easy Steps

Do you need more frames for photos? If so, how about you ditch traditional frames…an inexpensive and quick way you can frame photos is DIY Wood Photo Blocks. This simple DIY project frames photos with wood blocks or panels.

My Wood Photo Blocks

You may remember my earlier post, 5 Websites for Free Photography to Decorate Your Home, where I showed you a gallery wall I created with professional photos I downloaded for free. The photos in this gallery wall were all framed using this Wood Photo Block DIY.

What I like about displaying photos on wood panels is it gives the photos a wrapped canvas look. There are website that will print your photos on canvas…but it is going to take a long time and cost you a lot more than creating your own DIY wood photo blocks. My wood photo gallery costed me…about $5. Pretty cheap for a gallery wall that looks more expensive.

Now let me show you how to make DIY Wood Photo Blocks.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Supplies & Materials:

Mod Podge
A Foam Brush
Black Spray Paint
Photos printed on regular printer paper
Plywood or MDF
Pop Can Tab

Step 1:

Cut plywood to the correct size of your photos.

For mine I used 1/2 and 3/4 inch Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) because it is what I already had on hand. I got my MDF free from the dumpster at work which is shared with a millwork shop…it’s a big plus for working there! But you can use plywood or any wood that has a smooth surface.

I cut the MDF to 3 sizes; 8×10, 5×7, and 4×6. I like to vary the sizes because that creates a more interesting gallery wall. Variety is the spice of life right :). You can make your panels whatever you want…just make sure you measure twice and cut once…sometimes I forget that step.

Step 2:

Paint the edges of the wood black.

I used black acrylic paint because it was too cold outside to spray paint…why do I live in Michigan where it is currently -10 below? As long as it is warm where you are I recommend using spray paint because it’s faster.

If you paint more than the edge no big deal, I did that on purpose just in case my photo wasn’t cut to the right size.

Step 3:

Brush Mod Podge onto the plywood then apply your photo.

Apply Mod Podge to the MDF and then evenly brush it over the surface. Then carefully apply the photo onto the panel. Use your fingers or a credit card to lightly work out bubbles in the paper; being very careful not to rip the paper.

Step 4:

Brush on a final top coat of Mod Podge to seal and protect the picture.

When applying this coat, brush in one direction all the way across to reduce brush marks.

Step 5:

Screw a pop can tab to the back of the wood for hanging.

Believe it or not a pop can tab is perfect for hanging these DIY wood photo blocks. Simply add a screw in the hole that attaches the tab to the rest of the pop can and it is ready to hang off a nail.

Step 6:

Hang your new wood photo block for everyone to enjoy.

Bonus Tip: Cut out pieces of paper the same sizes as your photo blocks and tape them to the wall to help you arrange your gallery wall. This helps you visualize the layout and get it just right before putting nails in the wall.

Ditch the Traditional Frame

Wood photo blocks are a great way to inexpensively add photos of your family or professional photography to the empty walls in your home. Traditional frames are expensive, especially when you are creating a gallery. This DIY project can help you create a gallery without costing too much from your budget.