A thicker profile which provides extra setback between the canvas & frame, our Professional stretcher bar profile is ideal for small up to larger canvases, 10″ to 72″(~25cm-183cm), and for artists who like to press hard on the canvas when applying paint. It is also a popular thick bar for "Gallery Wrap” display of canvases.
WARNING: Some high-tension applications such as sizing of raw linen with RS glue require stronger stretchers to prevent twisting of the stretcher frame. If these are the materials you plan to use, please contact us for assistance. Otherwise, this guide can help determine the best profile and bracing for your needs.
Stock braces are now Universal!
Our regular braces are made to fit with our stretcher bars using mortise & tenon joints which must be cut during production and cross-braces must be machined with dado joints to nest together. For these to fit properly, we need to know the size combinations that will be used and, when purchasing stock-sized bars and bundles, you don't always know when you place your order exactly what combinations you will end up using. To resolve this, our "stock" braces will now use our Universal Bracing system which uses screwed-in brackets to mount to the stretcher bars and allows braces to be used interchangeably with any other size. Take advantage of the cost savings of buying in quantity without sacrificing your creative options!
If you prefer to stay with our regular mortise & tenon braces, simply order as complete stock-sized or custom-sized frames.
3 ways to purchase our Professional Stretcher Bars:
Available in 10", 11", and two-inch increments from 12″ to 60″ - save up to 71% off the price of custom-sized Professional stretcher frames. (Braces are UCS Universal Braces.)
Available in 10", 11", and two-inch increments from 12″ to 60″ - save 15% off the price of custom-sized Professional stretcher frames. (Braces are mortise & tenon.)
Available in any size from 10-72″/25-183cm in both imperial and metric measurements. (Braces are mortise & tenon.)
If stretching a heavy material or sizing/priming linen, it is best to contact us before ordering larger sizes as contraction of the fabric may affect the structural integrity of the frame. You can also check this chart which provides helpful information on choosing the right stretcher bar for your needs.
STRETCHER BAR MATERIAL: Kiln dried, solid or finger-jointed clear white pine
STOCK BAR SIZES: Available in 10", 11", and two-inch increments from 12″ to 60″ (10″, 11", 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″, 30″, 32″, 34″, 36″, 38″, 40″, 42″, 44″, 46″, 48″, 50″, 52″, 54″, 56″, 58″, 60″)
CUSTOM SIZES: Order from our custom sizes page for any size between 10″ and 72″ (~25cm-183cm) – accurate within 1/16” (1mm). For special orders outside of our stock or custom size range, please contact us or fill out our quote form.
BRACES: 1/2” x 3” clear white pine normally spaced at no greater than 30” centres starting at bar lengths of 36”. For frame sizes less than 36”, braces may be used to provide protection to the back of the canvas.
Stock braces are made using our Universal Bracing system which can also be used in situations where you want to add bracing to an existing frame.
Braces for our stock and custom-sized frames are made with a 1/4” x 1/2” x 3” tenon on each end which fits into a matching mortise on the stretcher bar. The brace includes a very effective and attractive “hidden” slot design that holds the keys firmly in place.
In situations where braces must cross each other, a 3” wide, 1/4” deep dado joint is machined in each brace to provide a tight and flush nesting of the cross-braces. This joint is fastened together with a low profile screw inserted during final assembly.
KEYS: 3-1/2” long & 5/32” thick; made of a high quality birch plywood. Two keys supplied for each bar and brace.
