Stretcher Bar Assembly Tips

Tools Needed:

• Block of wood (optional)

• Hammer (or soft mallet)

• Staple gun (if you have bracing)

• Measuring tape

1. Unpack & Inspect

Take all stretcher parts out of the packaging and lay out to check sizes align.

2. No Glue or Staples in Corner!!

Do not use glue. The joints are designed to fit tightly on their own and allow future adjustment with wedges, thus creating a taught canvas.

3. Lay Out the Parts

Place all stretcher bars on the floor in the correct arrangement. Make sure all beveled edges face the same direction.

4. Assemble Braces (if included)

If your stretcher has two or more braces:

• Join the braces together at the center lap joint

• Secure with two or three staples over the joins at the back

5. Start the Corners

Begin assembling one corner by gently sliding the joint together. You only need to start it, not fully tighten it yet.

6. Start the Brace Joints

Move to the brace’s double mortise‑and‑tenon joint and start that connection as well.

7. Start All Joints

Work your way around the frame, starting each joint.
Most should slide together by hand.
If needed, place the block of wood on the stretcher and tap the block lightly with the hammer.
Never hit the stretcher directly with the hammer.

8. Tighten All Joints

Stand the stretcher upright on one edge.
Using the block and hammer, gently tap around the frame until all joints are fully seated.

9. Check for Square

Measure diagonally from corner to corner.
Both measurements should match.
If not, gently adjust (rack) the frame until it is square.

10. Insert the Wedges

Place the keys into the slots:

• Two keys per corner (circles to the center of the canvas)

• One key at each brace intersection

Insert them only far enough so they stay in place.
Do not tap them to tighten anything yet, they’re just being stored for later use (once your canvas is stretched)