How to Build a Strainer Back

A lot of frame shops will frame a large piece in a thin wood frame which is not strong enough to hold up over time, and often times the back of the frame is too thin to safely attach hanging hardware.
The answer to this problem is a strainer back. Watch this quick informative video on what a strainer back is, how it works and how to build one.

[@ShantelRich]

Nick is once again a great teacher! I am getting ready to mill two large 24x36 frames out of walnut and I wasn't sure how to shore everything up on the backside to make it super sturdy. This is exactly what I needed to see! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@gallerysevenmaynard]

Hi Shantel, nice to hear from you. Glad that the video helped. I would make sure that the rabbet of the frame is at least 1 1/2" deep so that you have room for the strainer. If you have any questions please feel free to call me at the gallery. Good luck!

[@steveberry89]

This is a really good "how-to" video! Nicely done. My question is, what kind of wood are you using for the strainer? I saw that it was finger jointed. Where do you get it? Thanks again!

[@gallerysevenmaynard]

HI @steveberry89, thanks for watching. For smaller strainer backs like this I use a finger jointed 1/2" pine that I get from my frame supplier. For larger strainer backs I use solid poplar that I get at Lowes, usually 3/4" x 1 1/2". If I need the poplar to be 1/2" I plane it down myself, but Lowes does have some 1/2" x 1 1/2" poplar. The shims are simply strips mat board. Glad you enjoyed our video! Any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[@steveberry89]

Oh, and what kind of material did you use for the shims?