How to Frame a Sign Using a Butt Joint

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Have you ever wondered how to frame a sign that you just created? Believe it or not, it’s actually pretty easy! Let me show you how with easy guide!

Can you guess which question I get asked the most? It’s not what kind of paint I use. It’s not where I buy my vinyl. Believe it or not, my number one question is, “how do you frame a sign?”. And you know what? I completely understand! Before I learned how to frame my signs I was kind of intimidated by the task as well. In fact, for the first few years I had my husband do it for me! Thankfully though, it’s actually not that hard, and once you get the hang of it you’ll wonder why you even avoided it in the first place. So, let’s get started!

SUPPLIES

1”x Material (or 1”X2” Furring Strips)
1-1/4” Brad Nails (or Finish Nails)
Brad Nail Gun (or Hammer)
Table Saw (for Ripping)
Miter Saw
Wood Glue

STEPS

When framing your signs there are a lot of options, but my favorite is a simple butt joint. This is two boards butted together.
For this method use 1”x material (actual thickness is 3/4”). You can use a table saw to rip a 1X4” in two pieces, or a 1X2” furring strip can be used just as is with overall dimensions of 3/4”X1 1/2”.
First, cut two boards to the length of the sides of your sign. Attach them with a thin bead of wood glue and nail them into place with finish nails or brad nails (preferred) 1 1/4” long every 3 inches ensuring they remain flush with the ends. (Fig. 1)
Then, measure across the top of your sign and side pieces and cut your frame wood to fit . Attach the top pieces in the same manner ensuring you put two nails in the the ends at the “butt joint”.
If you have any overlap it can typically be sanded flush with a palm sander.
Personally, I like to distress the edges of my frames to give it a rustic appeal, but this last step is completely up to you!

NOTES

Ultimately the wood that you use will be up to you (new or reclaimed), and what is available in your location. For instance, in North Carolina pine is one of the most plentiful wood types in our area so this is what I most typically use.

Need to see it live? Check out the below video tutorial for the details!