How to Make a DIY Floating Frame

Ever since I saw Chris and Julia (because yes, we’re on a first name basis) post about their acrylic standoff frames they added to their dining room a year ago I knew I had to figure out a way to DIY them. These floating frames I made are way cheaper than buying standoff mounts and are so simple. I’m seriously obsessed!

Let me show you how to make a floating frame!

Materials to DIY a floating frame:

• 2 – polycarbonate sheets
• 3/8” plastic drill bit with 60-degree angle
• Utility knife
• 4 – 5/16” hex screws
• 4 – 5/16” x 3/4” steel spacers
• Driver bit

Instructions

1. Clamp

Clamp two boards onto the drill press shelf to make a guide so you can slide your polycarbonate sheets into the 90-degree spot and easily drill a hole 1” away from each edge in all four corners of both polycarbonate sheets. If you don’t have a drill press, just create a guide and use a hand drill.

2. Drill

Drill holes in each corner using a plastic drill bit. These drill bits have a pointer tip to make it easier to drill through plastic and you’re less likely to crack the acrylic sheet.

You want to drill a hole just slightly larger than your hex bolt diameter which is why I recommend 3/8″ for the bit with 5/16″ bolts and spacers.

Scroll to the bottom of this tutorial to easily get all the supplies you need to make this project.

3. Trim

Use a utility knife to trim away any excess plastic around the holes after they are drilled.

4. Art

Place artwork between the two sheets of acrylic and tape the art or picture to the back sheet if needed to hold it in place once it’s on the wall.

5. Attach

Place a hex bolt through each corner hole and then add steel spacers behind the polycarbonate sheets. Use a driver bit to drill hex screws into the wall where you want it hung.

I love how these floating frames turned out and for a fraction of the cost of the standoff frames I’ve found online or in stores!

The more floating frames you make the better the deal, but these are about less than $15 per frame. Such a good deal.

[thrive_leads id=’14905′]

What do you think about these floating frames?

I’d love to do an entire gallery wall one day in these frames, but can’t decide where.

Get the Supplies