DIY Live Edge Mirror

Tools for this project

•  Drill

•  Miter Saw

•  Tape Measure

•  Table Saw

• Jig Saw

•  Level

•  Sander

•  Stud Finder

Material List

• 1x12x6' (x1)

• 4'x8' - 1/2" Plywood (x1)

• 4"x58" - 1/4" Plywood (x1)

• 66"x30" Mirror (x1)

•  1 1/4" Pocket hole screws

•  2 1/2" Wood Screws

•  Washers (x4)

• 1 1/2"x2" Simpson Strong-Tie Angle (x4)

Step-1 Backboard for the Mirror

Depending on your mirror size these dimensions might be different for you. In this case, I'm using 66" x 30" mirror, so all of the dimensions are based from the overall mirror size. The first step is to cut 1/2" backboard plywood that would be attached behind the mirror. The plywood needs to be 4" taller than the mirror and 8" shorter in length than the mirror. The total dimensions of the plywood is 58" x 34"

Step-2 Cut Live Edge

Next take 1x12 and cut it to the full length of the mirror, which is 66". With a pencil draw two parallel live edge designs on the 1x12 so that you’ll get upper and lower boards. Make sure that the pencil lines do not overlap each other. Follow the pencil lines with a jig saw.

Step-3 Stain and Paint Live Edge Boards

Once the live edge boards are cut, send the boards to get rid of rough edges after jig saw cut. To stain the boards, use alternating Classic Gray and Jacobean stain for the first layer. Then with a dry brush lightly brush over the stain with plain white paint creating white wash affect you see in the picture.

Step-4 Attach Bottom Live Edge Board

Cut 2" wide by 58" long strip of 1/4" plywood. This 1/4" plywood could be in shorter sections (if 58" long piece is not available) or a full 58" long piece. Sandwich the 2" strip of plywood between the 1/2" backboard plywood and live edge board. Make sure all three pieces are centered. The live edge board will be 4" longer on both sides of the backboard. Screw in 1 1/4" Pocket hole screws from the back to hold the three pieces together. You will have 1/4" gap between the live edge board and back plywood for the mirror to slide in.

Step-5 Attach Backboard to the Wall

Now it’s time to attach the backboard to the wall. First, take a Level and draw 66" horizontal line on the wall. The line will indicate where the top of the backboard will be attached. Next, using Stud Finder, locate and mark the studs right above the horizontal line. Then, similar to step 4, cut a 58" long 2" wide strip of 1/4" plywood. Before attaching the backboard to the wall, place a Washer in the back of the plywood. This will make a small gap between the plywood and sheetrock for a metal angle to slide in, see step 6. Use 2 1/2" Wood Screws to attach backboard to the wall. Make sure you hit the studs. The mirror is very heavy and need to be attached to studs not just sheetrock.

Step-6 Attach 1 ½” x 2 Simpson Strong-Tie to Upper Live Edge Board

Take the upper live edge board and attach 1 1/2" x 2" Simpson Strong-Tie 18-gauge galvanized steel angle on the top. The 1 1/2" part of the angle will be on top and 2" is on the back side. Make the edge of the galvanized angle flush with the front of the live edge board. Use 1 1/4" Pocket hole screws for attaching the angle since the screws have a flat head.

Step-7 Place the Mirror and Top Live Edge in Place

And for the final step, slide in the mirror behind the bottom live edge, and then slide the top live edge behind the backboard. You're done with DIY Live Edge Mirror.

If you have any suggestions or questions, leave a comment below.