How to Make a Heavy-Duty Canvas Frame

Canvas frames can be reused for multiple paintings.

Canvas frames are frames constructed of wood and other materials. These frames have a number of uses. Photographs can be printed on canvas and wrapped around the top, edge and a small portion of the back of the frame to serve as a permanent display. Canvas frames can also be used to hold a piece of canvas during the painting process. It is important that a frame used for either of these purposes is sturdy to prevent warping and drooping of the canvas which will disrupt any paint or ink that is placed on the surface.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• 2 pieces of 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-foot lumber
• Table saw
• Miter saw
• Wood glue
• Corner band clamp
• 1 piece of 2-inch by 6-inch by 4-foot lumber
• 3-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Measure, mark and cut two pieces of 2-inch by 2-inch by 4-foot cedar lumber for the top and bottom of your frame. Measure, mark and cut two pieces that are three feet long for the sides of your frame.

2. Cut each end of the top, bottom and sides of the frame at a 45-degree angle with a miter saw. The cuts should be made opposite each other to form trapezoid shapes.

3. Arrange the top, bottom and sides of the frame on a flat surface in a rectangle shape. The narrowest edge of each piece should be in the interior of the rectangle. Run a small amount of wood glue between each intersecting point.

4. Apply a corner band clamp to the rectangle. Ensure that the corner pieces are properly positioned and that the clamp is tightened as much as possible without causing twisting or movement of the frame. Measure the distance between the opposing corners. Adjust the frame and clamp until the measurements are the same. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

5. Remove the corner band clamp.

6. Lay a 2-inch by 4-inch piece of cedar lumber on a flat surface with the 4-inch side face down. Measure, mark and cut two square pieces of 2-inch by 4-inch by 1-foot cedar lumber. Cut each piece in half diagonally. You will have four triangles.

7. Position one triangle in each corner so that the two identical edges are flush with the edges of the frame. Place wood screws through the exterior of the frame and into each of the triangles. Each triangle should be secured with screws positioned at one inch, six inches and 11 inches from each corner.

Tips & Warnings

• Additional pieces of 2-inch by 2-inch cedar lumber can be cut to fit inside of the frame to add support either vertically or horizontally, depending on the weight of the canvas. The dimensions of the frame can be changed for different paintings; adjust the material and cutting specifications accordingly.

References

• Lucky Larry; Easy Way to Make Photo Canvas Box Frames; March 2010
• Ray Schloss; How to Make a Large Canvas