How to Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle

The short version: to frame a jigsaw puzzle, fix the pieces together first, either with puzzle glue brushed over the front or with adhesive puzzle sheets stuck to the back. Then measure the finished puzzle, because sizes vary between brands, and choose a frame that matches it. Lay the puzzle on a stiff backing board, drop it into the frame face down, and close it up.

The fiddly part is moving a finished puzzle without it breaking apart. Plan for that before you put the last piece in and the rest is straightforward.

What you'll need

• The finished puzzle, ideally built on a board or sheet of card you can slide
• Puzzle glue and a spreader or old card, or peel-and-stick puzzle sheets
• A rolling pin, to flatten the pieces
• A stiff backing board, such as foam board or mount board, cut to the puzzle size
• A frame that fits the puzzle
• Greaseproof paper, to stop glue sticking to the table

What size frame for a jigsaw puzzle?

There's no single standard, so always measure the finished puzzle rather than relying on the box. These are typical sizes for common piece counts:

Pieces	Typical finished size	Frame to look at
500	About 49 x 36 cm	Made to measure, or a larger frame with a mount
1000	About 68 x 48 cm to 70 x 50 cm	50 x 70 cm if it measures exactly that, otherwise made to measure
1500	About 80 x 60 cm	Made to measure
2000	About 98 x 75 cm	Made to measure

Measure the width and height across the widest points, then measure again at the other end, as puzzles are rarely perfectly square. If your puzzle doesn't match a standard frame, we can make a made to measure frame to fit it (UK delivery only).

Glue or adhesive sheets?

Method	How it works	Good	Watch out for
Puzzle glue	Spread a thin layer over the front; it soaks into the joins and dries clear	Very solid result. Cheap.	Can leave a slight sheen. Too thick a coat can warp the pieces.
Adhesive sheets	Self-adhesive sheets stuck to the back of the puzzle	Nothing touches the picture side. No drying time.	You have to flip the puzzle to apply them, which needs care.
No fixing	The glazing holds the pieces in place	Fully reversible.	Pieces can slip when you move or hang the frame. Only really works for small puzzles.

For a puzzle you want to keep, glue on the front is the most forgiving option for most people. If you'd rather keep the image completely untouched, use sheets on the back.

How to frame a puzzle, step by step

1. Flatten it. Roll a rolling pin gently over the finished puzzle to press down any raised pieces.
2. Fix the pieces. For glue, slide greaseproof paper underneath, spread a thin, even coat over the front and work it into the joins, then leave it to dry fully as the product instructions say. For sheets, slide a board over the top, flip the puzzle, and stick the sheets to the back.
3. Back it. Lay the puzzle on a stiff backing board cut to the same size. This stops it bending once it's upright in the frame.
4. Check the fit. Lay the frame face down on something soft, and check the puzzle sits inside the opening without forcing.
5. Close it up. Clean the glazing, place the puzzle face down into the frame, add the frame's own backing, and secure it.
6. Hang it securely. A large framed puzzle is heavier than it looks. Use fixings suited to the weight and your wall; our guide to how to hang a picture covers which to choose.

Adding a mount

A mount gives the puzzle a border and makes it look more like artwork than a game. It also helps when your puzzle is an awkward size: choose a standard frame larger than the puzzle and have the mount opening cut to fit. Allow a mount opening a few millimetres smaller than the puzzle on each side, so the edges are covered and any wobble along the outside pieces is hidden.

See it before you buy. Take a photo of your finished puzzle and use Preview Your Own Artwork on any of our picture frames to try different finishes against it.

Common questions

Do you have to glue a puzzle to frame it?

Not always, but it's strongly recommended. Without glue or adhesive sheets, pieces can slip when the frame is moved or hung. Small puzzles can sometimes be held in place by the glazing alone.

What size frame do I need for a 1000 piece puzzle?

Many 1000 piece puzzles finish at around 68 x 48 cm to 70 x 50 cm, but it varies by brand. Measure your finished puzzle and choose a frame of that size, or a larger frame with a mount cut to fit.

How long does puzzle glue take to dry?

It depends on the product and how thickly it's applied, so follow the instructions on the bottle. Leaving it overnight before you move the puzzle is a safe rule.

Can you frame a puzzle without glue?

Yes, with self-adhesive puzzle sheets stuck to the back. They hold the pieces together without anything touching the picture side.

Should a framed puzzle be glazed?

Yes. Glazing keeps dust off, protects the surface and helps hold the pieces flat against the backing board. Our frames use shatterproof acrylic with UV protection, which is lighter and safer than glass on a large puzzle.

More framing guides: photo and picture frame sizes, how to hang a picture and how to frame a canvas painting.