Let’s talk about wooden puzzles. I have done a few, but I am still trying to learn more about them. Aside from Unidragon and some random puzzles that pop up here and there, I don’t have much opportunity to try them.

Wooden puzzle

When I finish a standard 1000-piece cardboard puzzle, I keep it to redo, keep it to glue and hang, or pass it on. The process to hang one of these is pretty simple. Some mod podge, some tape, some adhesive strips, and we are good to go.

Also read:- How to glue a jigsaw puzzle.

But what about wooden puzzles? They can take a bit longer to assemble and definitely take longer to break apart, so what do people do with them when completed?

Glue a puzzle

I asked a couple of my puzzling friends and posted online about framing wooden puzzles. I also searched online. It doesn’t seem as if too many people frame them. I was thinking about this and have come up with some reasons why.

Wooden puzzles are expensive. You can spend twice the money for a quarter of the piece count. Although I read some ideas online about gluing them, I wouldn’t. The cuts between the pieces are very visible and I would be horrified to see glue seeping through the pieces. Additionally, the articles I have read also warn that the glue could cause the wood to curl. Why would anyone take the chance?

They are too heavy to hang with adhesive, and too thick for most frames. Perhaps a shadow box would work, but I feel like the wood could warp if contained inside a box.

Frame a puzzle

For many puzzlers, a wooden puzzle is more of an investment. No one wants to take a chance on damaging it, and they want to redo them again and again.

I am aware that Unidragon sells a mounting kit, but then you are just spending more money, and to be honest, the kit doesn't look very sturdy to me.

Wooden puzzles are a special kind of puzzle. If you decide to frame it, take every precaution to glue it carefully, or follow the instructions of a mounting kit. You can try a shadow box or stick one directly to a wall.

For me, I would prefer to leave it on a table or flat surface for all to see, or better yet – take it apart to redo and enjoy the experience once again. And then, buy another one.  There is nothing like that woodsy, smoky scent of a wooden puzzle. Why miss out on that?

What are your thoughts? Would you frame or glue a wooden puzzle? Let me know!