How to Assemble a Ready to Assemble Frame

Frames larger than 30" x 40" outside dimensions cannot ship assembled, so yours arrived as four precision-cut pieces instead of a finished frame. Joining one is glue and dovetail plugs, nothing more. Give yourself a clear table and about an hour of setting time before you install your art.

What you need

  • The plastic dovetail plugs that came with your frame. Depending on the frame there may be different lengths for different notches.
  • Wood glue.
  • A small hammer, in case a plug needs a light tap.
  • A clean, flat, padded surface large enough for the whole frame.
  • Points and hanging hardware, which are not included, from hardware.

Steps

  1. Lay all four pieces flat in the shape of the frame, face down. On a rectangle, keep the matching lengths parallel to each other.
  2. Find the dovetail notches on the back of each piece and match the plugs to them.
  3. Run a small bead of wood glue on one mitered edge.
  4. Bring the adjoining leg up to it and press the plug into the dovetail notch. The plugs take some pressure, so tap lightly with the hammer if one does not want to seat.
  5. Repeat around the frame until all four corners are joined.
  6. Lay the frame flat on its back. Check that every corner is tight and even, then wipe off any glue that squeezed out.
  7. Let it set at least an hour. The glue is what holds the frame together; the plugs are there to align the corners while it cures.
  8. Once it is cured, install your artwork and add hanging hardware.

Check each corner as you go rather than at the end. A miter that is not closed is easy to open back up while the glue is wet and a real problem once it has cured.

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Need help? Contact us and we will talk it through with you.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my frame arrive in four pieces?

We assemble frames before they ship as long as they are under 30" x 40" outside dimensions. Above that we either ship it as a ready to assemble kit or arrange a freight shipment on a pallet.

Do the dovetail plugs come with the frame?

Yes, the plugs ship with a ready to assemble frame. Wood glue and hanging hardware are not included.

How long before I can hang it?

Let the glue set for at least an hour before you handle the frame or install your art. The glue provides the structural strength of the joint.

Are there written instructions too?

Yes. The step-by-step written version is on our ready to assemble page.

A plug will not go into the notch. What now?

The plugs are meant to be a tight fit, so a light tap with a small hammer is normal. Check you have the right length plug for that notch before you push harder, since some frames ship with more than one size.