Measuring and Assembly

Measuring before you order:

measure-panel
  1. Measure the entirety of your panel in multiple spots along the width and height, it likely is not completely square.
     
    It does not matter what is surrounding the panel (zinc, lead, foil, etc.) include this in the total measurement.
  1. Use the largest measurements as your panel size. These are the measurements used to place your order. We allow for 1/16” play in your custom frame.
     
    Framing an old window with exterior zinc/lead that is out of shape? You may wish to increase your dimensions for more wiggle room.
groove-size
  1. Determine the U-shaped opening size needed. Your panel needs to slide comfortably in this groove so your panel’s edge thickness needs to clearly be less than the groove chosen. If this feels like skinny jeans for your panel it will not work.

    1" and 1-3/8" Oak options are 5/16" (our most common) and 3/16".
    2" Oak available with 5/16".

    1-3/8" Poplar available with 5/16".

Assembly

Our inside miters are numbered for matching the pieces.

A palm sander works best for flushing out the mitered corners (as the wood thickness can vary where it meets at the corners). An impact driver is best for inserting the screws. However, with a little more muscle, sand paper and a regular household screw driver may be used.

If you purchased “Dry Fit” or a finish option you can skip to step 3. You may wish to apply lacquer to a stained finish.

assembly-countersunk-pilot-holes
  1. Rub the screws over wax or bar soap, and they go in much easier.
     
    Dry Fit your frame:
    Start with one bottom corner, place the countersunk piece (the one with the larger hole) over the pilot hole (the small hole) piece.
assembly-line-up-pieces

It works easiest to lay out the width piece so that it lays just slightly higher than the height piece, as the action of screwing them together will pull them to line up.

Screw together, repeat with the other bottom corner.

(wait to attach the fourth piece of the frame until your panel has been inserted)

assembly-2
  1. Laying flat on a table, slide your panel into the three assembled pieces. Add your top piece and screw in place. Sand the corners to flush out to your satisfaction.
     
    Disassemble and apply a finish.
applying wood glue to corners
  1. After your frame is finished, reassemble adding wood glue to the mitered corners for permanent framing (allow 15 minutes to dry).
     
    If using the wood buttons, apply a drop of wood glue before inserting the button.

If using our Brass Chain Hooks or Steel Chain Hooks, we suggest installing them before you put your frame together for easier installation.