Where Can I Find String Art Kits That Come With Wooden Frames Included?
If you’re looking for a string art kit that already comes with a wooden base included, you’re not the only one. Many beginners aren’t sure whether the “frame” or “base” is part of the kit, or if they need to buy wood separately. The short answer is yes—there are kits that include a wood base, and it makes starting your project much easier.
When buying a string art kit, always check whether a wooden base is included. Some kits keep the price low by leaving out the base or using poor-quality material that doesn’t hold nails well. Make sure the kit lists the base and specifies what it’s made from so you know exactly what you’re getting.
At GoodStrings, every kit includes a ready-to-use wood base. Some people call it a frame, but in string art we simply call it a wood base or wood base. If you prefer to gather your own materials or already have a pattern you want to make, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing and preparing a wood base for string art.
What Makes a Good Wood Base for String Art
Choosing the right wood base for string art affects how easily the nails go in, how stable the design feels once strung, and how durable the finished piece is.
Spruce or pine: the ideal choice
These woods sit in the perfect middle ground:
- soft enough for easy hammering
- firm enough to hold nails securely
- good natural grain for visual appeal
- beginner-friendly and widely available
If the wood is too soft, tightly pulled strings can compress the fibers around the nails.
If the wood is too hard, hammering becomes tiring and frustrating.
Spruce and pine stay in that sweet spot.
Woods to Avoid
MDF and plywood
These bases are made from wood fibers or layers bonded with resin. They are:
- very dense and hard to hammer into
- unpleasant to drill or sand (dust from these materials isn’t safe to breathe)
- unpredictable when stained
- lacking the natural grain that makes string art look warm and handcrafted
Beginners always have a better experience with natural wood or glued wood panels.
Recommended Base Thickness
The ideal thickness for most projects is:
- 1.5 cm (about 0.6 inches)
- 1 cm as the minimum (about 0.4 inches)
Bases thinner than 1 cm can lead to:
- nails poking through
- the base bending or cracking
- instability for geometric designs
Most shelving planks and reclaimed wood bases fall between 1.5 and 2 cm, which is perfect.
A Real-World Note About Grain Direction
Grain direction matters differently depending on the base size and design.
When grain direction is a visual choice (tree example)
For medium or large rectangular bases, grain direction is not a structural issue.
In tree designs, you can choose the grain direction based on what looks best:
- Grain running top to bottom can complement the natural “growth” of the tree.
- Grain running left to right also works fine, since the base is wide and stable.
When grain direction can cause problems (narrow bases)
Splitting becomes a concern only when:
- the base is narrow, and
- a long, straight line of nails runs in the same direction as the grain.
That combination can encourage the wood to split along the grain under tension.
If your base is a standard rectangular size, choose the grain direction that visually supports your design.
Choosing Nails That Work With Your Base
Nails need to be long enough to grip the wood, but not so long that they pierce through the base.
General guidelines:
- Nails should enter the base by one-third to one-half of their length.
- Too long is safer than too short—just watch your depth when hammering.
- Test a nail in scrap wood. If you can pull it out with your fingers, it wasn’t deep enough.
If you want a reference for nails that work well with 1–2 cm bases, these are the ones used in all GoodStrings kits: Nails
Should Beginners Pre-Drill Holes?
Short answer: no.
Hammering directly over the printed pattern is the simplest and most beginner-friendly method. Pre-drilling can actually cause problems, like nails sitting loosely, and it creates unnecessary dust.
Pre-drilling is only useful with very hard woods—something beginners should avoid anyway.
Do Beginners Need to Worry About Warping?
Warping is rarely an issue for small or medium-sized boards.
It becomes relevant only for large bases (15x15 inches or bigger).
Even then, you can quickly check:
- Lay the base flat.
- Look along the edge to make sure it’s straight.
- Avoid base with obvious bends.
Shelving boards are usually made to stay stable.
Beginner Checklist for Choosing Wood in a Shop
Knots
Knots can be beautiful if placed intentionally—especially in designs like trees.
They are fine unless you need to hammer directly into them.
Avoid loose knots that might fall out.
Sap or waxy spots
Stain won’t absorb into these, so avoid boards with visible resin pockets.
Grain direction
Choose what looks best unless the board is narrow (see grain section above).
Hardness
Press your fingernail into the surface.
A small dent means the wood is workable.
No dent at all likely means it’s too hard.
Edges
Straight edges are easiest.
Live edges can look beautiful but require more sanding and intention.
Straight Edges vs. Specialty Cuts
Beginners should stick with straight-cut boards that are lightly sanded.
Rounded or routered edges require specific tools.
If your project needs a circular base, buy it pre-cut. Cutting circles at home is difficult and unsafe without proper equipment.
How to Stain a Wood Base
If the board is already sanded, you usually only need to sand the edges. Wipe away dust before staining.
Steps
- Apply stain with a brush or sponge.
- Let it dry completely.
- Add a second coat only if the first has fully dried.
- Ensure the base is completely dry before hammering.
- Sealing is optional; many modern stains already contain sealant.
Common mistakes
- Using too much stain
- Allowing puddles or streaks
- Hammering before the base is dry
- Not wiping dust after sanding
For ideas on patterns you can pair with your handmade wood base, you can browse our patterns.
Where to Buy Wood Bases for String Art
Beginner-friendly sources:
- craft stores
- home improvement stores (shelving boards work very well)
- online sellers offering pre-cut boards
- kits that include the base already prepared
No matter which option you choose to make, all GoodStrings kits in the online store include a pre-cut, pre-sanded, pre-stained wood base. Whether you prefer a full kit, a basic kit, or a pre-nailed kit, the base is always included, so you don’t have to source or prepare your own wood before starting your project.
We have also been considering offering wood bases on their own as packs of three, five, or in different sizes. If you think you would be interested in buying wood bases separately, feel free to leave a comment and let us know. Hearing from you would help us decide which sets to make available in the supplies section.
Closing Notes
Working with the right wood base makes string art more enjoyable, whether you’re starting your very first project or already have a few pieces behind you. With a stable, natural base and the right nails, the whole process becomes smoother and more predictable. If you ever choose to use your own materials instead of a kit, the guidance above is everything you need to select, prepare, and finish a base that will hold your design well and look good on display.
Happy crafting,
Renate from GoodStrings
