Create an affordable floating frame for a stretched canvas with this clear, step-by-step DIY guide.
I recently shared our new Boho style living room, where a large canvas print serves as the focal point for our wall decor above the couch. We love how it looks, and after hanging the print we decided to add a custom floating frame to give it a polished, gallery-style finish.
Store-bought canvas frames can be expensive, so this DIY floating frame is a budget-friendly and straightforward alternative that produces professional-looking results.
How to Frame a Canvas with a DIY Floating Frame
Note: Some product links in the original post are affiliate links for convenience.
Supplies You’ll Need to Make a Floating Frame
- 1 x 2 pine boards (cut to fit your canvas)
- Wood glue
- Miter saw (or a miter box)
- Brad nails and a brad nailer
- Thin wood or veneer for corner backing pieces (scrap shiplap works well)
- Wood stain (optional) or clear wood sealer, such as polyurethane
If you prefer, gather these supplies ahead of time so the build goes quickly. Having a tape measure, square, and clamps will also help ensure accurate cuts and tight joints.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the 1×2 Boards with Mitered Corners
Start by measuring your canvas. For example, our canvas measured 57″ x 37 1/4″. Decide how wide a reveal (the gap between the canvas edge and the frame) you want—many people choose 1/8″ to 1/4″. Add the reveal, plus the thickness of your 1×2 board (typically 3/4″), to the canvas dimensions to determine the length of each frame member. Cut the ends at 45° for mitered corners so each piece joins cleanly.
Double-check your measurements before cutting. Accurate miters make assembly and alignment much easier.
Step 2: Cut the Backing/Veneer Pieces at 45°
Cut thin wood or veneer strips to form the internal backing that will cradle the canvas and secure the frame. These pieces are cut at matching 45° angles so they fit neatly behind the mitered outer frame.
Step 3: Glue and Nail the Mitered Corners
Apply wood glue to each miter, assemble the frame, and use a brad nailer to secure the corners. Work on a flat surface and use a square to ensure the frame is perfectly square before the glue sets.
Step 4: Attach the Corner Backing Pieces
On the back of the assembled frame, attach the thin corner backing pieces with 1/4″ brad nails. These pieces act as a ledge that holds the canvas in place inside the floating frame and creates the space that makes the canvas appear to “float.” The photo shows the finished frame with the canvas installed so you can see how the backing pieces sit behind the stretcher bars.
Step 5: Stain or Seal the Frame
Decide whether you want a stained finish or a natural look. We chose a clear matte sealer to preserve the light, natural wood appearance, but you can apply any stain or topcoat that matches your decor. Allow stain or sealer to dry fully before proceeding.
Step 6: Secure the Floating Frame to the Canvas
Use short, small nails to attach the frame through the corner backing pieces into the stretcher bars of your canvas. Be careful—if the nails are even slightly too long they can poke through the canvas. Test nail length on a scrap piece first to avoid damaging the artwork.
Step 7: Hang Your Framed Canvas
Hanging a large framed canvas is easier when you plan the hardware and placement. Below are the items we used and a simple method to get a secure, level hang.
Supplies for Hanging a Large Canvas
- Picture wire rated for at least 30 pounds
- Small D-ring hangers (screws included)
- Picture hooks rated for the wall load (or appropriate anchors for drywall)
Hanging Steps
1. Attach a small D-ring hanger about one-third down each side of the canvas frame using the provided screws. Ensure both rings are level and aligned at the same height on each side.
2. Thread picture wire through each D-ring and twist it securely around itself until the wire is firm. The wire loop should sit close to the top edge of the frame but not above it—this helps keep the canvas close to the wall and reduces sway.
3. Install a suitable picture hook or wall anchor where you want the artwork to hang and gently rest the canvas on the hook. Adjust the wire if needed to ensure the piece hangs level.
Final Reveal
With the floating frame attached and the canvas hung, the artwork gains depth and a refined gallery feel. This inexpensive DIY technique offers a clean, custom look without the cost of a professional frame.
More Woodworking and DIY Projects
- DIY floating shelves made with boards and dowels
- Simple and affordable floating bedside tables
- Eight easy wall shelf projects you can complete in a few hours
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