How big of rabbets on large picture frame??

I have made several, and in fact am making one right now. I use 1/8” glass, 1/8” matting, and 1/16” backing, so I cut 5/16” deep rabbets. I cut them 1/4” wide, which is plenty to support the glass.
Good luck!

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

Thanks, Pinto

I am going to use 2 layers of matte

Is all matte 1/8 ?

Seems the thickness of whatever is going into it would be how deep to make it. I’m not sure if window glass is the same, but double strength glass is 1/8” thick. Then there is the thickness of whatever is going into it, and the thickness of the backing, if any. If in doubt, I would tend to make the rabbet 1/4” deep by 1/4” wide. I don’t know if there is a standard for picture frame rabbets. Somebody else can chime in about that.

EDIT: Oops, looks like somebody done chimed in. :)

-- I'll grow up when ketchup bottle farts stop being funny.

Rabbit is normally 1/2” wide
Depth of rabbit depends on how many mats will be used, backing and, thickness of object to be framed.
For that size frame, single pane glass is ok.

( ex professional framer )

-- *Arachnoleptic*: The frantic dance performed just after you've accidently walked through a spider web.

Ted and RoseBud…........always glad for input….............thanks.

Hey bud,

When I do picture frames (which is not often), I usually make the rabbit 3/8” deep, and 3/8” wide…..that will give you enough “lip” for the glass and mattes, plus a smigin for a small brad…...hopes this helps a little….

-- " Don't ever wrestle a pig in a mudhole....he'll be having more fun than you..!!

Just my two cents: Matte is french for the english version of mat. Matte is also a kind of glass with frosted finish, normally non-reflective.

-- *Arachnoleptic*: The frantic dance performed just after you've accidently walked through a spider web.

I think it boils down to whatever works for the given situation. I’m glad to know that 1/2” width is the professional standard. When in doubt, I will stick with what the pros do. 3/8×3/8 is also a good dimension. For a narrower frame, 1/2” might be too much.

On the few occasions I made frames, they have been built for a specific piece. The depth and width of the rabbet was dictated by that piece, plus the glass, and the backing, or matte, or mat… I think we all get the idea. Whatever works is the best way to go.

-- I'll grow up when ketchup bottle farts stop being funny.

Ditto on the every option is different if as an example if your going to put a framed canvas painting in a picture frame then you need a larger rabbit say 1/2×1/2” where a 1/8th in glass with matting may only need half of that.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

Thanks Guys…............really appreciate the guidance…...........and I love this site!