Free Measure Twice - Cut Once Wood Frame Tip Sheet

Record Your Measurements Worksheet

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Free Measure Twice - Cut Once Wood Frame Tip Sheet

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Adding a wood frame to your finished art is a fantastic way to add strength and give it a professional finish. Assembling a hardwood frame can be quick and simple with the following helpful hints.

Measure your panel. Record measurements.

Measure your finished glass art panel carefully. Measure vertically at both the left and right edges, measure horizontally at both the top and bottom edges. Record each measurement.
Your frame will be built based on the largest horizontal and largest vertical measurement. If there is more than 1/8" variation between the larger and smaller measurement in either direction you will want to correct the panel before adding a wood frame.

Select your framing stock width. Our Oak Framing stock is available in 1" wide, 1-3/8" wide and 2" wide profiles, with a channel 3/8" x 5/16" channel that is ideal for art with rigid metal came. Any came border with a profile of 1/4" or less will be completely hidden in the wood frame.
Do math. I know, this part can be challenging with all the fractions.
- For 3/4" wide framing stock, add 1-1/2" to the panel dimensions in each direction
- For 1" wide framing stock, add 2" to the panel dimensions in each direction
- For 1-3/8" wide add 2-5/8" to the panel dimensions in each direction
- For 2" wide add 3-1/2" to the panel dimensions in each direction
Purchase enough framing stock to cut each piece. Framing stock is available in 3' or 6' lengths.
Set up your miter saw to make 45° cuts. Begin by making a 45° cut at the end of the framing stock, removing as little material as possible. Position the framing stock to make the cut so the miter is widest at the spine of the stock, with the channel being the narrowest point.

Starting from this first cut, measure along the spine of the stock and mark the first length needed. You will be cutting 2 pieces that are the calculated width and 2 pieces that are the calculated height.
Align the mark with the blade, making sure that the blade is positioned on the outside of the mark on the spine and angled to make the cut such that the spine is the longest edge and the channel is the shortest edge. Cut the first piece to length.

Measure and cut each additional side using the same process, starting with a cut to make the spine the longest length.

Sand any splinters or rough edges before assembling the frame. Apply stain or rubbed oil finish as desired.
Test the fit by positioning your panel in the channel and sliding frame pieces together. Corners should meet neatly with no gaps.

Position 2 adjacent sides on your work surface, aligned to form a 90° corner. Clamp the pieces in place to ensure they don't shift during assembly.
Use a 9/64" drill bit to drill a pilot hole for the framing screw to be inserted.

Assemble the corner using the framing screw, tighten screw until snug.
Position the panel in the channel of the assembled corner. Position an adjacent side at a 90° angle, clamp, drill and assemble as before.
Position the 4th side of the frame, clamp, drill and assemble remaining 2 connections.
Touch up the finish if needed. Position and install hanging hooks if desired.