Strut Backs – MDF Backing Boards For Freestanding Picture Frames

What Is a Picture Frame Strut Back?

A strut back is an MDF backing board that fits inside the back of your picture frame. It provides a solid, stable foundation for the photo frame to stand on any flat surface.

The board includes a folding support leg. It opens out at an angle to hold the frame upright without the need for wall fixings, hooks, or any hanging hardware. Moreover, it also has hanging hooks in case you want to hang the frame on the wall.

The construction is deliberately straightforward. The MDF board sits flush against the back of the frame, the support leg folds to the required angle, and the frame stands.

Strut backs are a practical choice for anyone who wants the flexibility to display without committing to a wall. Whether you are placing a framed photograph on an office desk, a printed certificate on a shelf, or a display piece on a retail counter, a strut back makes it possible to do so cleanly and reliably.

Where and How to Use Picture Frame Strut Backs

One of the most practical things about our strut backs is that they do not ask you to choose between standing and hanging. Each backing board comes with both a folding support leg for freestanding display and a hook for wall hanging.

It gives you the flexibility to display your photo frame however and wherever suits you best. You do not need separate components for each option.

For freestanding display, strut backs work naturally across a wide range of settings:

• Desks and workspaces: They are ideal for personal photographs, motivational prints, and professional certificates.
• Shelves and bookcases: Strut Back sits cleanly alongside books and objects without requiring wall space.
• Mantelpieces and side tables: practical solutions for rotating seasonal or occasional displays.
• Retail and commercial counters: keep promotional or product display frames stable on any flat surface.

For wall display, use the hook on the back of the board and hang it as you would any standard framed piece. The same backing board handles both scenarios without any adjustments or additional hardware.

Strut Back Sizes By ProCut Global – What You Need to Know

Choosing the right strut back size is straightforward. The strut back should always match the size of your picture frame. So a 10x8" strut back fits a 10x8" picture frame, a 12x10" strut back fits a 12x10" photo frame, and so on across the full standard frame sizes range.

Our strut backs are available in all standard standing sizes, covering the most widely used frame dimensions across both home and professional display environments. Every size is built from MDF and finished to a consistent standard throughout the range.

All strut backs are fully compatible with our complete picture frame range. For larger or non-standard dimensions not covered in the standard size list, custom-sized backing boards are available to order directly via email.

Always match the strut back size to your frame size before ordering to ensure a clean, secure, and properly supported fit.