Common Jigsaw Puzzle Questions
Got questions about puzzles? We've gathered the most common ones here - from gluing finished puzzles to tips for sorting pieces faster. Click below for the answers.
Can Puzzles Get Moldy or Damaged in Storage?
Yes, puzzles can get moldy or damaged if stored in humid or damp places. To prevent this, keep them in a dry, climate-controlled area. Use Ziploc bags for loose pieces, consider airtight bins, and toss in a silica packet to keep moisture out.
Read MoreCan You Make Your Own Puzzle Frame?
While it’s totally possible to make your own puzzle frame, the time, tools, and effort involved usually make it more hassle than it’s worth. Unless you love DIY projects, it’s often easier (and cheaper) to buy a ready-made frame that fits your puzzle dimensions.
Read MoreHow Big a Work Surface Do I Need for Puzzling?
Always check the finished size of your puzzle — and then plan for at least double that space to give yourself room for sorting and assembling. A typical 1000-piece puzzle might only be 20” x 27”, but you’ll want plenty of extra space for loose pieces. Whether you’re using a dining table, puzzle board, or foam core, the right surface makes puzzling way more enjoyable.
Read MoreHow Big Is a 1000 Piece Puzzle?
A standard 1000 piece puzzle typically measures around 20 x 27 inches, but the actual size can vary depending on the brand and cut style. Brands like Ravensburger and Buffalo Games stick close to that size, while Cobble Hill and Eurographics may be slightly larger or smaller. If you're shopping for beautiful 1000 piece puzzles, be sure to check dimensions in the product description before you begin!
Read MoreHow Big Is a 500 Piece Puzzle?
Most 500 piece puzzles are around 18 x 24 inches when finished, but sizes can vary a bit depending on the brand and piece style. Whether you want something relaxing, colorful, or collectible, Puzzle Warehouse has you covered with some of the best 500 piece puzzles available online. They’re quick, satisfying, and just the right size for any puzzling mood.
Read MoreHow Can I Make a Puzzle?
Turning your favorite photo into a puzzle is easier than you think. From trusted brands like Ravensburger to tips on choosing the best image, this guide walks you through how to create a high-quality custom puzzle you’ll actually want to put together
Read MoreHow Can I Sort Puzzle Pieces More Efficiently?
Efficient puzzle sorting can make the whole process feel less overwhelming and way more fun. Start with the edges, then group pieces by color, pattern, or shape — and don’t underestimate the power of sorting trays (or a good muffin tin!). Everyone has their own system, so experiment until you find what works best for you.
Read MoreHow Do I Clean a Puzzle?
Yes, you can clean a puzzle—but gently! Stick with dry cloths, light spot-cleaning, or compressed air, and avoid soaking or using harsh cleaners. A little care goes a long way in keeping your pieces looking fresh
Read MoreHow Do you Glue and Frame a Puzzle?
To glue and frame a puzzle, apply puzzle glue to the front of the completed puzzle, let it dry flat, and mount it in a frame that fits the dimensions. You can use puzzle glue or adhesive sheets, both available at Puzzle Warehouse. It's an easy way to display your favorite designs and learn how to frame a jigsaw puzzle like a pro.
Read MoreHow Jigsaw Puzzles Are Made?
A jigsaw puzzle is made by printing an image onto sturdy cardboard, then gluing it to a backing. The board is cut into interlocking pieces using a steel die or laser cutter. After quality checks, the pieces are boxed up and ready to be solved!
Read MoreHow Long Does a 750 Piece Puzzle Take?
A 750 piece puzzle typically takes between 2.5 to 5 hours to complete, but your time will vary depending on image complexity, cut, and your puzzling style. It’s an underrated size—perfect for when you want more than a 500 without the full 1000-piece commitment.
Read MoreHow Long Does It Take to Do a 500 Piece Puzzle?
A 500-piece puzzle typically takes between 2 to 6 hours to complete, depending on the image complexity and the puzzler's experience. Beginners might spread it over a few days, while experienced puzzlers can often finish in a single sitting. It’s a great size for a relaxed evening challenge or weekend wind-down.
Read MoreHow Many Edge Pieces Are in a 500-Piece Puzzle?
How many edge pieces are in a 500-piece puzzle? It sounds like a simple question, but the answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. Puzzle piece counts (and edge totals) vary depending on the cut, layout, and brand — which is why “500 pieces” might actually mean 498… or 512.
Read MoreHow Many Pieces is the Most Common Puzzle?
The most common puzzle size is 1000 pieces, which offers a perfect mix of challenge and satisfaction. But if you're new to puzzling, don’t feel like you need to start there—smaller sizes like 500 or even 300 pieces are great too. Personally, I love 300-piece puzzles, and I wrote a whole blog post on why they’re underrated.
Read MoreHow Much Is a Jigsaw Puzzle?
A jigsaw puzzle typically costs between $12 and $24 on average, though prices can be lower or higher depending on brand, size, and style. Puzzle Warehouse offers budget-friendly options, including puzzles under $15, daily deals, and a full Sale page. Plus, puzzles can be reused, shared, or swapped—making them a fun and affordable hobby.
Read MoreHow to Get Better at Puzzles
Want to get better at puzzles? Just keep puzzling! Practice really is the best way to improve — and the more you do it, the more fun it becomes.
Read MoreHow to Hang a Puzzle Without a Frame
You don’t need a frame to hang your finished puzzle! Try using glue sheets or painter’s tape on the back to keep it together, then attach it to the wall with Command Strips or poster clips — no nails or damage needed.
Read MoreHow to Make a Puzzle Piece (If You’re Missing One)
Losing a puzzle piece is frustrating — but not the end of the world! With a little patience (and maybe a sharp craft knife), you can actually make a replacement that blends right in. It’s not factory-perfect, but it sure beats an unfinished puzzle.
Read MoreHow to Pick the Right Puzzle for You
With so many puzzle options out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be! Focus on an image you love, choose a piece count that fits your time and space, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The right puzzle is the one that brings you joy when you sit down to start it.
Read MoreHow to Put Together Puzzles Faster
To do puzzles faster, start by flipping all the pieces face-up and sorting by edge, color, or pattern. Build the border first, then focus on the easiest, most obvious areas. As you put together puzzles more often, you’ll naturally get faster and more efficient.
Read MoreHow to Puzzle with Pets (or Kids!)
Puzzling with pets or kids can be equal parts delightful and chaotic. In this post, I share first-hand tips from life with my two mischievous cats and offer advice for keeping your puzzle intact, even with little helpers around.
Read MoreHow to Store Puzzles in Progress
To store puzzles in progress, use a puzzle board, roll-up mat, or even foam board to keep your work safe between sessions. Personally, I love sandwiching my puzzle between two foam boards—it’s flat, affordable, and keeps my saved puzzles safe (especially from my two curious cats). Puzzle Warehouse also carries great options like puzzle trays and mats for easy storage.
Read MoreHow to Use Puzzle Glue
Want to save your finished puzzle? Gluing it is a great way to turn it into a lasting display. I don’t do it often, but after sharing my experience on YouTube and getting tips from the community, here’s the no-stress guide to preserving your puzzle like a pro
Read MoreWhat Are the Parts of a Puzzle Piece Called?
The parts of a puzzle piece are called tabs (the parts that stick out) and blanks (the parts that fit in). Edge and corner pieces are special types with flat sides that help form the puzzle’s border. Learning these terms can make it even more fun to put together puzzles.
Read MoreWhat Is Competitive Puzzling?
Competitive puzzling is exactly what it sounds like — timed events where puzzlers race to complete jigsaws as fast as possible, either solo or in teams. From local events to international championships, it's a growing community that's as much about connection as it is about speed. I’ve been lucky to compete at Nationals and even the World Championship, and I always walk away inspired (and a little bit amazed).
Read MoreWhat is the Biggest Jigsaw Puzzle?
The largest jigsaw puzzle ever made had over 551,000 pieces and was assembled by students in Vietnam—though it was a one-time event and not for sale. The biggest puzzle you can currently buy is Grafika’s “Travel Around Art” with 54,000 pieces and over 50 famous paintings. It’s a true challenge even for experienced puzzlers!
Read MoreWhat Is the Hardest Jigsaw Puzzle to Solve?
The hardest jigsaw puzzles often have minimal color, repetitive patterns, or no reference image—like all-white puzzles or abstract art. But what’s “hard” really depends on the puzzler. Some love chaotic collages, others dread large blocks of sky or water—it’s all about what challenges.
Read MoreWhat Makes a Puzzle More or Less Difficult?
Puzzle difficulty comes down to several factors — like image style, color variety, piece count, and the way the puzzle is cut. Busy, high-contrast images are generally easier, while puzzles with large solid areas or subtle gradients are more challenging. Some brands are known for easier builds, while others lean into a good challenge.
Read MoreWhat’s the best lighting for puzzling?
Good lighting makes a huge difference when puzzling. Natural light is great during the day, but for evenings, an adjustable LED lamp with daylight bulbs is a game changer. Avoid glare, harsh spotlights, and yellow bulbs for the best experience
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between Grid-Cut, Ribbon-Cut & Random-Cut Puzzles?
The main difference between grid-cut, ribbon-cut, and random-cut puzzles is the way the pieces are shaped and arranged. Ribbon-cut puzzles have uniform pieces in neat rows, while grid-cut puzzles still follow a structured layout but with more variety in piece shapes. Random-cut puzzles break the mold entirely, with irregular, whimsical shapes that don’t follow a predictable pattern.
Read MoreWhat to Do When You Have a Missing Puzzle Piece
Missing a puzzle piece? It’s usually a rare manufacturing error, not something Puzzle Warehouse can catch in advance. This guide shares what to do next and how to reach out for help based on your puzzle's brand.
Read MoreWhat to Do with a Finished Puzzle
After finishing a puzzle, you can save it by framing, mounting, or even using services like Preserve My Puzzle for a professional display. But if you’re like me, you might just take it apart and pass it along—most of my saved puzzles only stay together for a few minutes before getting shared or donated.
Read MoreWhat Tools and Accessories Will Actually Help?
You don’t need a bunch of fancy gear to enjoy puzzles, but a few smart tools can make the experience smoother. My personal go-to is sorting trays — they help organize pieces and can be easily stashed if you need to clear the table. Whether you’re rolling up a puzzle, protecting it from pets, or just trying to stay more organized, there’s something for every puzzler (DIY hacks included!).
Read MoreWhy are Puzzles Good for the Brain?
Jigsaw puzzles are great for your brain because they boost memory, improve focus, and help develop problem-solving skills. One of the biggest benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles is how they engage both sides of the brain—logical and creative—at the same time. Plus, they’re a calming way to relieve stress.
Read MoreWhy Does My Puzzle Have Extra Pieces?
Finding extra puzzle pieces after you've finished? It’s not a bonus—it’s usually a small manufacturing mix-up. Learn why this happens, how it even stumped me at the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships, and what you can do with those mystery pieces.
Read MoreWhy Is It Called a Jigsaw Puzzle?
Jigsaw puzzles got their name from the jigsaw (a type of saw) used to cut early wooden puzzles in the 1800s. The term stuck even as materials and cutting methods changed over time.
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