• Home Decor
    • Paint Colors
    • Living Room
    • Dining Room
    • Kitchen
    • Bathroom
    • Entry way
    • Kids Room
    • Master Bedroom
    • Office
    • Home Tour
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Christmas
  • DIY Projects
    • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Tools & Tips
  • Organization
  • Printables
  • Shop
    • Shop My Products
    • Shop My Instagram
    • Shop My Home
  • Gift Guides
    • Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Whole Family {Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide}
    • Host and Hostess Gift Ideas
    • Top Favorite Gifts for Her
    • Best Gifts for Elementary-Aged Girls
    • Best Gifts for Elementary-Aged Boys (ages 6-12)
    • Top 15 Kitchen Turquoise Gifts for the Cook
    • Gift Ideas for the Busy Mom
    • My Favorite Gifts to Give (… or get, wink!)
    • 15+ Work-At-Home Mom Gift Ideas
    • The Best Gifts for the Farmhouse Decor Lover
    • Top Gifts for the Essential Oil Lover
    • Top 15 Gifts for the Beginner DIYer
    • Top 15 Gifts for the Inspirational Wall Art Lover
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
↑
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

The Turquoise Home

  • Home Decor
    • Paint Colors
    • Living Room
    • Dining Room
    • Kitchen
    • Bathroom
    • Entry way
    • Kids Room
    • Master Bedroom
    • Office
    • Home Tour
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Christmas
  • DIY Projects
    • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Tools & Tips
  • Organization
  • Printables
  • Shop
    • Shop My Products
    • Shop My Instagram
    • Shop My Home
  • Gift Guides
    • Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Whole Family {Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide}
    • Host and Hostess Gift Ideas
    • Top Favorite Gifts for Her
    • Best Gifts for Elementary-Aged Girls
    • Best Gifts for Elementary-Aged Boys (ages 6-12)
    • Top 15 Kitchen Turquoise Gifts for the Cook
    • Gift Ideas for the Busy Mom
    • My Favorite Gifts to Give (… or get, wink!)
    • 15+ Work-At-Home Mom Gift Ideas
    • The Best Gifts for the Farmhouse Decor Lover
    • Top Gifts for the Essential Oil Lover
    • Top 15 Gifts for the Beginner DIYer
    • Top 15 Gifts for the Inspirational Wall Art Lover
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies

How to Frame a Canvas (for Cheap!)

Last Updated: June 9, 2020 | By: Laura 29 Comments | Filed Under: DIY Projects, Living Room, Popular Posts This post may contain affiliate links.

Share

Share
Pin6.2K
Tweet
Email
Print

This easy DIY tutorial will teach you how to frame a canvas for cheap, making a huge piece of $22 art look like it’s worth much more!

Hey friends! I’m sharing a super easy and cheap way to frame a canvas. If you haven’t already caught on, I like to do things as inexpensively as possible. Cause money NOT spent on one project means money I can spend on something else! #budgetdecorating

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. See my full disclosure policy here.

No WAY! This is such an easy (and cheap!) way frame a canvas. It makes a $22 DIY art piece look like it's worth much more!!

And since this canvas that needed framing wasn’t pricy in the first place, no need to go champagne on my beer-budget art. Do you recall my DIY Abstract Art for $22?

NOTE: If you plan to make your own frame at home you’ll want these tools to make them quickly and easily!

No WAY! This is such an easy (and cheap!) way frame a canvas. It makes a $22 DIY art piece look like it's worth much more!!

I needed a large piece of art to fill in some space on my new console table. I love it, even though I hid it with some wrapping paper for Christmas. 🙂

A Simple Summer Mantel -->> wood frame, white mantel, plaid navy pillows, jute bamboo blinds

FREE BONUS!
5 Secrets Every Home
Decorator Knows

… to transform your home into your dream home!

Yes! Tell me the Secrets!

When I first finished the art piece, I considered leaving it unframed. But in time I realized that it really just looked unfinished. (Affiliate link are provided for your convenience.)

No WAY! This is such an easy (and cheap!) way frame a canvas. It makes a $22 DIY art piece look like it's worth much more!!

See how much better it looks in the second picture?

What You’ll Need to Frame a Canvas:

  1. Lattice or 1×3’s or 1×2’s in the length of your canvas perimeter. I used 3 of my 4 ft pieces.
  2. Saw. I could have used my miter saw, but I used my Ryobi Circular Saw. (Here’s the exact saw that I have from the Ryobi Combo Kit. It’s a great starter set for DIYers.) Here’s a cheaper option, too.
  3. Brad nails and nailer – I used this brad nailer, but this cordless one is on my wish list!

OK, so you’re going to frame it out with wood pieces from the hardware store. I was taking down my Christmas decor and had this big star that I’d made with lattice. (Lattice is a thin wood strip that measures about 1.5″ wide and .25″ deep. I find mine near all of the wood moulding in the lumber section of the hardware store.)

A Traditional Christmas Home Tour at TheTurquoiseHome.com

As I was taking my decor down, I realized that I didn’t want to store my big star. I really didn’t want to keep it and use it again next year, so I was trying to think of ways to use the wood. I had used glued and screws to hold the ends together, so really other than the ends, the wood was in great shape and already stained. Whoop! Less work for me.

No WAY! This is such an easy (and cheap!) way frame a canvas. It makes a $22 DIY art piece look like it's worth much more!!

So, I measured my DIY painting, the short sides first, and cut down the strips of wood. I didn’t feel like lugging out my big miter saw, even though it would have been the best choice. Instead I set up my saw horses and used my Ryobi circular saw. Quick and fast!

No WAY! This is such an easy (and cheap!) way frame a canvas. It makes a $22 DIY art piece look like it's worth much more!!

Once I had all of the right sized pieces, I nailed them to the canvas frame with my brad nailer. The frame is deeper than the canvas, so I just nailed them flush with the front of the canvas. It makes it look more substantial than it really is.

No WAY! This is such an easy (and cheap!) way frame a canvas. It makes a $22 DIY art piece look like it's worth much more!!

There’s one part of the bottom that could use some stain, but it’s not very noticeable. I’ll probably never fix it. 🙂

I was thrilled with how this turned out and how I didn’t spend a (new) dime to do it.

No WAY! This is such an easy (and cheap!) way frame a canvas. It makes a $22 DIY art piece look like it's worth much more!!

I still need to fill the rest of my frames on the gallery wall since I’ve taken my Christmas art down. Hopefully I’ll find some new baskets too and this space will be done!

MORE POSTS YOU WILL LOVE:

Show more
Gray Dining Room with Spring Table Decor

A Traditional Spring Tablescape (& the End of an Era)

...
Read More
Show more
DIY Wooden Finial Christmas Ornament

DIY Wood Finial Ornament

...
Read More
Show more
A DIY Winter Wreath - perfect for the holidays and then transitioning right into January!

DIY Winter Wreath with Bells

...
Read More
Show more
Simple DIY Fireplace

12 Gorgeous DIY Faux Fireplace Ideas

...
Read More
Show more
Full of Pumpkin Spice Fall Doormat

Fall Doormats You Will Love & How to Get the Layered Look!

...
Read More
Show more
10+ Essential Tools for a Beginner DIYer

10+ Essential Tools for a Beginner DIYer

...
Read More
Show more

Paint a Room Like a Pro in 5 Easy Steps

...
Read More
Show more
how to hang wallpaper

How to Hang Wallpaper (tutorial for beginners)

...
Read More
Show more
TV over mantel with hidden wires

How to Hide TV Cords Behind the Wall

...
Read More
Load More

SaveSave

Get Instant Access to my Guide to Customize Your Home on a Budget

Grab your FREE guide for 10 Ways to Customize Your Home on a Budget: simple projects to transform your home from builder beige to a home with character and charm!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit
« The Best White Queso Dip
Sea Salt vs. Palladian Blue – Choose a Paint Color without Regrets »

Comments

  1. I really wanted to read your article but due to all of the pop-up ads and videos that were playing prevented me from even beginning to enjoy what you wrote. Too bad! Got to make that $.50 don’t you? says

    February 1, 2020 at 8:45 pm

    I really wanted to read your article but due to all of the pop-up ads and videos that were playing prevented me from even beginning to enjoy what you wrote. Too bad! Got to make that $.50 don’t you?

    Reply
    • Learn to read says

      October 25, 2020 at 5:55 pm

      Honestly your attempt to be snarky just shows your inability to properly read. Everyone else can gather the info here. Since you’re the only one who can’t, I’m thinking it’s a you problem.

      Reply
    • Marie says

      January 3, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      I swear – this blog has more adds in the blog page than the comment section. Pirated movie websites have less adds than this

      Reply
  2. Betsy Hudson says

    October 2, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    Thank you so much for this! I need it, as I’ve just started painting large canvases (usually I use paper) and paying for someone to do it is expensive. Your solution is simple, affordable and most important– confidence-building! Especially helpful to see your side by side before and after. Yup, that little frame makes a big difference.

    Reply
  3. Claudia says

    September 14, 2019 at 8:13 pm

    Thank you so much! What a great idea! I will do the star, and the frame!!!!

    Reply
  4. Cherie says

    June 1, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    Well, I for one found out exactly what I needed to know. Sometimes people put too much information and the blog becomes tedious and boring. I appreciate your simple advice and am headed to the store for some lattice strips, Which I had no idea there were boards called that. I always thought the term lattice was for that criss cross garden panels.
    Also, I think anything other than brad nails would be tacky and might split the canvas frame. If you don’t want to see them, it would be easy to countersink them and add a touch of wood filler with your finger before staining.
    The beautiful artwork is really complimented by this look. Good job!

    Reply
  5. Illona says

    July 29, 2018 at 9:52 am

    Found this googling ‘how to frame canvas’ and I have to say this tutorial is just lazy – you completely skipped over the part where you actually build it, what kind of nails you used, actual nail placement. It’s as if you built this first and realized you forgot to document it. So you went back and took some photos of the components but totally neglecting the ACTUAL build. It’s about as useful of having an ingredient list but no recipe.

    Reply
    • will says

      February 28, 2019 at 11:22 am

      Illona, let me offer a bit of advice that might aid you in completing what most would consider to be a fairly straight forward and simple project. First, consider the source. This is not an “instructable” where every nitpick detail is outlined for those who don’t want to take the time to think through things themselves. This is a blog, and a very nice one at that, where projects are displayed, inspiration offered, and basics covered. Second, take the time to both read the post and familiarize yourself with the basic tools and techniques needed to complete the project prior to posting. Outlined for you there you’ll see that she uses brads to bind the lattice to the canvas stretcher bars. Brads. Not nails. If the actual placement of the brads is of concern to you I would advise you to consult google… or i can save you some time and tell you that for a project this size and weight the placement is not really a concern. Think it through, make it sturdy, and voila, you’re done. Third, your critique on the build sounds like it comes from personal experience and I thank you for sharing your opinion. Once again, this is just about as simple as attaching tape to wrapping paper to wrap a present. If you’re confused I would definitely do a bit more research. Thanks for sharing such enlightened thoughts! I hope you have a great weekend and were able to complete your project with few to no hang-ups!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        July 29, 2020 at 7:15 pm

        That was such a satisfying response. ***CLAP*** Some people are so unhappy, unsatisfied, and just mean.

        Reply
        • John says

          January 3, 2021 at 8:49 pm

          Bunch of Karens on this blog hahaha

          Reply
  6. Emily says

    May 22, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    I was thinking of trying this this weekend! I don’t see exactly where you put the nails in the lattice though. I would love for the nails not to show (like yours), but I can figure out how you got the nails in there without it showing! How did you do it?/Where exactly did you put the nails?

    Reply
    • Jill says

      June 20, 2019 at 9:17 am

      The brads she used (not nails) are smaller and shorter than nails, so they won’t be very noticeable at all. Placement isn’t too much of a concern, unless you’re concerned about the wood bowing out. At the corners, and about every few inches around should do it.

      Reply
    • Jill says

      June 20, 2019 at 9:33 am

      Hi Emily….The brads she used are smaller and thinner than nails, with just a hint of a head on them, so they are barely noticeable, if at all. The placement of them isn’t too much of a concern, unless you’re worried that the wood will bow away from the canvas. I’d do the corners first, then the middle. If it’s a really big piece, then I’d do additional brads every 5-6 inches, so 3-5 brads on the short ends, and 5-7 on the long ends. You can countersink them if you want by tapping the head of the brad into the wood ( I use a sharp screw or awl with a hammer), then filling with wood putty and stain. I am SO excited to see this tutorial! I have several canvases I’ve painted, and needed to frame them quickly and inexpensively for our county fair entry! Will DEFINITELY be doing these!

      Reply
  7. Ivory says

    April 6, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    Beautiful! I love it

    Reply
  8. Kim says

    October 8, 2017 at 10:22 am

    did you put some nails all along sides too, not just at corners?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 21, 2017 at 11:43 pm

      Yes! They are all along the sides as well. xo, Laura

      Reply
  9. Sharyn Gideon says

    April 14, 2016 at 9:28 am

    Greetings from California!

    Reply
  10. Sam @ Living The Dutch Dream says

    January 23, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    Great idea, nice and simple but looks effective (I have pinned it)

    Reply
  11. Anika says

    January 23, 2016 at 12:34 am

    Love this simple and quick tutorial. The canvas looks awesome with the frame.

    Reply
  12. [email protected] Black's Best says

    January 19, 2016 at 11:39 am

    I live this quick tutorial. I have a few things this will work on! Thanks!

    Reply
  13. Nicole Q-Schmitz says

    January 19, 2016 at 7:48 am

    I really like how simple this was, and the stain colour seems to go perfectly with the art too! You could even line the lattice frame with the back of the canvas so it sticks out in the front (for a different effect).

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Trackbacks

  1. 25+ Ways to Decorate Your Home on a Budget! | The Turquoise Home says:
    April 4, 2020 at 11:49 pm

    […] Make an Art Frame from Scraps. Do you have leftover scrap wood lying around? Use it to frame out some art or frame a canvas! […]

    Reply
  2. The Kitchen—Before says:
    September 20, 2019 at 4:18 am

    […] I want to get Kent to make some wood frames for them. I think they would look a lot better with something like this around […]

    Reply
  3. Beach-Inspired DIY Framed Canvas Art | The Turquoise Home says:
    August 9, 2019 at 11:37 am

    […] intended to just DIY a large canvas art piece and make a thin wooden frame, much like this one I made previously for my DIY abstract art piece. That simple framing tutorial is one of my most-viewed posts, so I just planned to use my previous […]

    Reply
  4. A Simple, Coastal Summer Living Room & Kitchen | The Turquoise Home says:
    June 14, 2018 at 1:55 am

    […] I still love the turquoise abstract art I made a few years ago and framed with the easiest DIY framing job ever! […]

    Reply
  5. Inspiration Galore Project Party {58} - Recreated Designs says:
    October 21, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    […] How to Frame a Canvas (for Cheap!) by The Turquoise Home […]

    Reply
  6. #cheap No WAY! This is such an easy (and cheap!) way frame a canvas. It makes a $22 DIY art piece look like it's worth much more!!... - DIY Ideas says:
    September 23, 2017 at 1:37 am

    […] from theturquoisehome.com […]

    Reply
  7. 11 Scrumptious Sweets - The Turquoise Home says:
    January 21, 2016 at 11:14 am

    […] The Best White Queso Dip // How to Frame a Canvas for Cheap! […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




About Laura Nickelson, the author and creator of The Turquoise Home

Search

Shop My Instagram

Categories

Archives

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

The Turquoise Home is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

PRIVACY POLICY

Follow along on Instagram …

Follow along on Instagram …

Copyright © 2021 · Captivating Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in