DIY Canvas Frame
A few years back, I got our favorite wedding photo printed on a canvas through Costco’s Photo Center. It has moved along to each place we have traveled to and lived over the past four years. However, something was always off—it was missing something. I have been wanting to DIY a wood frame for a while now, and this canvas was the perfect project for the build. And now that it’s done, it feels like a piece of art!
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Materials Used:
- 1×2 Select Pine Boards
- 3/8″ x 3″ Boards
- 1 1/4″ Brad Nails
- Wood Glue
- Minwax Stain
TOOLS Used:
- Miter Saw
- Brad Nailer
- Right-Angle Clamps
Building the Frame
If you can make mitered cuts, this project is super simple! Take the measurement of your canvas (height and width), and add at least an 1/8 inch for each side. For example, my canvas width is 35 7/8 inches. Adding 1/8 inch per side, or 1/4 inch altogether (35.875″ + 0.25″) gives me a length of 36.125 inches. This will be the length from heel to heel of the mitered cuts. Do the same for the length and cut the four pieces to make a rectangle.
For my frame, I wanted it to look thick from the sides and more narrow from the front. I think this gives a higher end look. So, make sure to cut your 45°cut as pictured here.
Quick Tip
Mitered cuts were always challenging for me when I need to cut from the heel measurement. Because there is nothing to grab onto—unlike the toe of your miter—how can you ensure you get an accurate measurement?
Line the heel of your first mitered cut up to the edge of the kerf guide (see image for reference). This is the guide where the saw blade passes through when cutting. Hold your board firmly in place or clamp. Use the guide to catch your measuring tape and pull it down to measure accurately—super simple!
Putting it together
After you have your four pieces cut, dry fit them around your canvas to ensure they have all been cut correctly. You can use your right angle clamps to get the edges tight.
One corner at a time, apply wood glue to the miter cut and attach it to the other miter cut. Holding the pieces together, use a speed square to check to make sure they are meeting at 90°and then using your Brad Nailer, attach the boards together with 1 1/4″ Brad Nails. I used my right angle clamp after I finished a corner to help it sit more securely, but it’s not necessary.
Your frame can then be set aside while you get started on your brace, if you chose to make one.
different ways to brace your frame
Braces are not always necessary, but I chose to add it to my frame to help with the strength of the frame and provide something to attach my canvas to. Below are a few brace ideas—I used the center brace for mine.
These are cut and constructed similar to the frame, however you’ll want to use a thinner piece of wood for the brace boards. If you will be using pocket holes/screws for your brace boards, take into account your boards thickness.
I made the mistake of mounting to the back of the frame, whereas I think they would look a lot better if they were inset.
Once the boards are cut, dry fit them to ensure they are the same length as your frame. I then applied these brace board directly the the frame using wood glue, clamps and the securing with my Brad Nailer.
STAIN COMBINATION
I used Minwax oil-based wood stain for this project. I heard of a stain combination that I wanted to try, but first I sampled the two stains individually and then together to test the color.
First I applied Minwax “Special Walnut” with a rag. After applying it to one board, I immediately wiped it down to get the excess and not let it soak in too much. Then I continued onto the next board and so on. After applying the “Special Oak” to my boards I applied Minwax “Classic Gray” using a rag. I replicated the process for this stain as well and allowed to dry.
It was the first time I’ve used two stains to achieve a certain look, and i think the result is absolutely gorgeous!
my takeaways
I always like to reflect after a project is complete and understand what I could have done differently. In retrospect, I should have inset the braces to the back of the frame. This would have taken just a little more thought from the beginning to calculate the thickness of the canvas and what size brace would fit behind it.
Overall, I absolutely love the frame and I am even more in love with the stain combo! I will definitely be using these stains again in future projects.
I have the build saved to a highlight on my Instagram, if you’d like a to watch the process, step-by-step!
