HOW MUCH DOES A SHAPED CANVAS COST?

The cost of a shaped stretcher/strainer frame can vary considerably depending on the size, materials, design time, etc. The following are a few past examples with sizes and approximate cost so you can get a better idea for your own projects. Note that these prices do not include a shipping crate, if required.

DID YOU KNOW?
"Stretcher" frames are keyable, allowing for additional tightening of the canvas after stretching to achieve and maintain ideal tension throughout the lifetime of the artwork.
"Strainer" frames are fixed.

 

Small round one-piece strainer frames

Single-layer, one-piece strainers can be made up to 36"

stretched canvas panels

Canvas can be stretched over panels to create a firm surface

6-ft-segmented-round-canvas-strainer-frame

Our new large round strainers (3-8 ft) are now available online! They break down into sections for less expensive shipping and easy assembly.

Keyable oval canvas stretcher frame

Keyable stretcher frames are made to be sectional which allows for easier shipping

Hexagonal stretched canvases

Shapes with straight sides can be stretched with primed or raw canvas

Irregular shaped strainer frame

Shapes with inside curves need some experimentation for stretching - in some circumstances, a spandex material has been appropriate in place of canvas. Panels are another option.

Arched stretcher frame

Custom arched sections can be made to fit with our regular stretcher profiles

Stretched canvas with round cutout and inset canvas

We get asked for all kinds of creative canvases!

Sectional irregularly shaped strainer frame

Large shaped sectional strainer frame

Arched stretched canvases

These arched frames were shipped pre-stretched in a custom crate

19-ft round canvas strainer frame

How large can we go for a shaped frame? So far, we're at 19 feet and counting!

There are many factors that we consider in designing proper support for large canvases. Please fill out our quote form or phone us at 1.800.561.4944 - we are happy to help guide you through your project.

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A SHAPED CANVAS OR ART PANEL

There are a few things to be aware of when you are looking to purchase a shaped canvas stretcher or panel:

  • Shaped stretcher frames 48" and over are made in sections and shipped unassembled.
  • Shipping STRETCHED CANVASES and PANELS can be very expensive, especially once they are larger than 30"x30".  Stretched canvases are also much more prone to getting damaged.  For these reasons, we prefer to ship stretcher frames unassembled and have the customer stretch them on arrival**.  Alternatively, a custom plywood shipping crate can be built to protect the canvas or panel.  However, be aware that this, combined with the increased shipping expense, generally adds hundreds of dollars to the project costs.
  • We do offer a monthly delivery service within southern Ontario (Greater Toronto Area & surrounding area) which allows us to economically transport larger stretched canvases and panels.
  • **If you are not comfortable with stretching your canvas yourself, we may be able to connect you with someone in your area who would be able to assist with this.

TIPS FOR STRETCHING A SHAPED CANVAS:

  • Shaped stretcher frames should be stretched with UNPRIMED canvas as it is much more pliable for ensuring pleats can be pulled to the back of the canvas.  Limiting the stretcher depth to no more than 1-½" also helps with this, although tighter curves may require even shallower depths to prevent pleating. In the example below (which is 48"x38" and 1-1/2" deep), you can see that the sides of the canvas are nice and smooth with pleating appearing only on the rear of the strainer frame.

    teardrop-shaped stretched canvas with smooth sides

  • Shapes with inside curves are difficult to stretch and are often better to make as a panel.

 

How to Submit Your Shape

 

 

TOP QUALITY MACHINING

Expert CNC design and quality machinery allow us to precisely carve any shape you require! Our standard round frames offer your most economical options. 

Learn More

 

DESIGNED FOR TRANSPORT

Oval and round stretcher and strainer frames can be made to disassemble and ship in a compact, well-protected package. This design feature makes it possible to ship large-sized frames by courier at very reasonable prices.

Learn More

 

ENGINEERED TO LAST

Professionally engineered strainers or keyable stretcher frames have a front fall or slope to keep the canvas from contacting the frame except at the edge.

Read a Case Study

 

SHIPPING DAILY ACROSS NORTH AMERICA - NO CUSTOMS OR DUTY CHARGES

Good Art Deserves Good Bones! As both a manufacturer and an art supply store, we supply artists, galleries, conservators, universities and more across North America with top quality stretcher frames, fine cotton and linen canvas, and the best materials needed to support your artwork.

Don't see what you're looking for online? Give us a call for a quote on your custom or oversized canvas.

Basic stretcher bars for artists canvases


LEARN MORE ABOUT STRETCHER FRAME DESIGN FEATURES

Small or large, we can provide you with the right stretcher design to support your artwork. Learn more about the features that help to make Upper Canada Stretchers some of the best and most trusted canvas stretcher bars in North America...

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HOW DO I STRETCH a CANVAS PAINTING OR PRINT?

You bought a beautiful painting while on vacation or had a favourite photograph printed on canvas… now how do you get it ready for your wall?

Learn how to choose a stretcher, stretch your canvas and finish it with a floating frame, if you choose.

Client Feedback

 

Since the early 1980s I have used many different heavy duty stretcher bars, from some that barely warrant the name, to others that are like finished furniture both in weight and engineering. I can’t remember how I found out about your company but I am glad I did.

The bars are made of wood that is not only absolutely straight and well measured, but are extremely strong for their low profile and light weight. Also, they take staples better than any other wood I have used, saving time and effort. I am putting together an exhibition of larger works, and your well-engineered stretcher bars are proving to be the wisest choice. Thank you!

- Tom Paquette, www.thomaspaquette.com