How to Make a Wooden Photography Backdrop

Step by step instructions on how to make an easy and cheap wooden plank photography backdrop. Make this DIY photo backdrop to take your picture quality to the next level.

I recently learned how to operate my DSLR camera in manual mode. While it has made a significant difference in the quality of my photos, there is still plenty of room for improvement.  In my quest for better photography, I made a little backdrop for small items.  I used some scrap 1×4 furring strips to create a wooden plank photo drop.

Follow along for steps on how to make one for yourself.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to create the wooden plank photography backdrop.

Tools

• Handsaw (or circular saw)
• Orbital sander
• Brad nailer

Supplies

• 1×4 boards (I used furring strips because they were scraps that I wanted to get rid of and it gave the backdrop a nice rustic look)
• 1×2 (or some other thin strip of scrap wood)
• Dark Walnut stain
• Antique White paint
• Vaseline (for a chippy paint finish)

How to make a Wooden Photography Backdrop

This is an easy DIY project and can be completed within a day.

Step 1: Cut 1x4s to rough size

Decide on the width and length that you would like the backdrop to be and cut to size.

Cut at least 2 (possibly more depending on the length of the backdrop) boards to the width of the backdrop for support.

Step 2: Attach backdrop supports

Arrange the 1×4 boards and attach the support boards to the back side of the boards with wood glue and finishing nails.

Step 3: Trim the ends (optional)

If necessary, trim the ends of the backdrop.

Working on a quick little scrap wood project. 🛠 I’m making a rustic looking photo backdrop. Trimming up the ends with my track saw. I wish I had a track about a foot shorter than this one. One day…too many things on my wishlist 😅 . #photoprops #backdrop #scrapwood #pine #warpedwood #diy #woodworking #woodworker #dowoodworking #tsoproducts #guiderailsquare #grs #grs16 #festool #festoolme @festool @festool_usa #festoolusa #tracksaw #hk55 #garage #garageshop #ineeddustcollection

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | DIY Blogger (@handmadewithashley) on Mar 29, 2017 at 4:23pm PDT

Step 4: Sand and prep surface for a finish

Sand the backdrop to prep the surface for the finish.

Step 5: Stain and paint

Stain the surface.  If you want a chippy paint finish, apply vaseline to random parts of the backdrop.

Paint the surface. Once the paint is dried, chip away the paint in the sections where the vaseline was applied.

If you choose to seal the surface, select a matte finish.

Making a little progress on my photo backdrop. 🙌 Hopefully I can get this completed before the weekend arrives so I can work on bigger and more exciting projects. 😁 Once the stain dries the plan is to give the backdrop the chipped paint look. 👌 . #diy #photobackdrop #backdrop #photoaccessories #photography #prop #photoprop #woodenbackground #scrapwood #scrapwoodproject #furringstrips #krugerfestool #woodworking #dowoodworking #woodworker #timelapse #woodcraft #ecospaints #woodshield #specialwalnut #nosmellyfumes #woodenbackdrop #woodbackdrop

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | DIY Blogger (@handmadewithashley) on Apr 5, 2017 at 4:47pm PDT

Step 6: Use the backdrop

Start taking pictures and enjoy using your new backdrop!

Wooden Photography Backdrop

If you make the backdrop, leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

Pin it!