How to build a mirror frame?

[Rahi]

I have standard project home bathroom mirrors that I would like to add a wooden frame to. Unfortunately, I couldn't find affordable corner clamps at Bunnings. Is there an alternative method for creating the frame without using corner clamps?

I want to make something like the attached

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Rahi. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a frame.

These Trojan 75mm Mitre & Corner Clamps are likely the most budget-friendly that we have. I understand if that is out of your budget for a single project. You don't need to use corner clamps, but they make the job easier, especially if you use mitre joints. If you were to butt join the timber, that would be a more simple process. 

These Zenith 100mm Zinc Plated Corner Braces will help keep everything aligned once you've glued the timber sections together.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Noyade]

Morning @Rahi 

What are the dimensions of your mirror/s?

Is there a to be a routered trench for the glass edges - or do you intend gluing the glass to the wood? Hard to tell from the photo above.

Cheers.

[Rahi]

Many thanks for your response. Those are about 1.5 m x 1 m. Intend to glue on the glass

[EricL]

Hello @Rahi 

Do you have a router or a friend who has router that you can borrow? It would make it a lot easier for you to create your mirror frame. Another option for you to create your frame is by using timber moulding. You can combine thick and thin pieces to create a channel for the mirror to sit in and then sandwich it between timber mouldings.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Holly1]

Hello EricL,

If I use timber moulding to build a frame for a bathroom mirror that is already secured to the wall and it measures 1500 x 900mm, do my moulding lengths need to be slightly larger? Is there a standard additional amount to add to length so the mitred edges join please or do you suggest cutting to the exact size of the mirror?  I am planning to have them cut with mitre edges at Bunnings trade. Is there a specific glue you can recommend for wood to mirror in bathrooms that will deal with steam/moisture please? Thank you for your advice, Holly

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Holly1. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a mirror frame.

Yes, your moulding lengths will need to be larger than the frame if they are going around it. I've added a rendering below to illustrate. The lengths of the frame pieces are determined by the width of the frame and how much it will overhang the mirror, if at all.

If you were to cut to the exact size of the mirror, the moulding would need to be affixed to the mirror within it's overall dimensions.

I just wanted to clarify that most of our trade stores do not cut timber, and those that do, as with our retail stores, do not have the ability to perform mitre cuts. The saw only cut to length with a perpendicular cut across the moulding.

Mitre cuts can be achieved at home with a mitre box or compound mitre saw.

For the glue, I'd recommend an exterior PVA.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Holly1]

Thank you very much MitchellMc, I appreciate all your advice!