Build Your Own Stretcher Frame
Order stretcher bars and crossbars in the correct quantity and size
Want to build your own stretcher frame and stretch canvas on it? Make your custom stretcher frame project a reality! With the Canvasi calculator, you can determine the right quantity and size of stretcher bars and crossbars – also known as center or support bars – for optimal stability of your stretcher frame in any format you choose. Order bars with standard or XXL profiles up to a length of 300 cm. Volume discount: 3% from 50 linear meters, 5% from 100 linear meters and 7.5% from 200 linear meters. Made in Germany: Benefit from the outstanding quality of our bars made from certified wood. Urgent project? Delivery time for bars and accessories is only a few working days.
Build Your Own Stretcher Frame: Assemble the Bars and Stretch the Canvas
Would you like to build your own stretcher frame and stretch your canvas? At Canvasi, you can order individual stretcher bars and cross braces, assemble the frame yourself and stretch the canvas or any other painting surface on your own. To do this, you’ll need the individual components: bars, center supports, canvas fabric, canvas pliers, a staple gun, a utility knife and a bit of manual skill. At Canvasi, artists will find all the supplies they need:
- Stretcher Bars
- Cross Braces
- Wedges (2 wedges are included per bar)
- Paintable Canvas
- Primer / Gesso
- Accessories
Which Bars and Braces Do I Need for My Desired Frame Size?
Our stretcher bars are milled with one slot for a cross brace starting at 80 cm in length, and with two slots from 160 cm. Cross braces from 80 cm also feature a notch for center crossing, so you can assemble your frame precisely. We recommend using at least one stabilizing brace for any side measuring 80 cm or more, and definitely from 100 cm onwards.
The ordered length for braces always refers to the corresponding bar length. The braces are manufactured slightly shorter to ensure a snug fit between the bars. Example: If you order a 100 cm brace, the actual length is about 4 cm shorter. This way, the 100 cm brace fits perfectly with stretcher bars of 100 cm length.
Tips for Using the Stretcher Frame Calculator
Example: You need a standard stretcher frame measuring 100 x 200 cm. Here’s how to calculate your required components:- Enter the shorter side: 100 cm
- Enter the longer side: 200 cm
- Select the profile type: Standard
- Specify the quantity of frames you want in this size: 1
- How to read the result: In addition to four bars (two each in 100 cm and 200 cm), you’ll need two short braces (100 cm) and one long brace (200 cm). The resulting double cross provides excellent stability for your 100 x 200 cm frame.
- With one click, all items from the calculation are added to the cart. Need more items? Repeat the input. Identical items will be grouped in the cart.
Start your DIY project now and build your own stretcher frame! Questions? Please contact us!
Standard or XXL?
Our bars come in two profile strengths: Standard and XXL. Standard bars are approx. 1.8 cm thick and are a great choice for many formats. XXL bars – also known as gallery bars – are approx. 3.8 cm thick and are often used for larger canvases or works that are displayed without a frame. Ultimately, the choice of profile is a personal decision – based on your individual taste and aesthetic preferences. There are no fixed rules. Both Standard and XXL profiles provide sufficient stability when the recommended number of braces is used. Single cross, double cross, or four-way cross? With the Canvasi Stretcher Frame Calculator, you’ll quickly find the exact size and quantity of braces needed for your project.
Buy Pre-Stretched Frames
You can also order ready-stretched, pre-primed and paint-ready stretcher frames in our Pre-Stretched Frames category. Our finished frames are available in different depths and countless sizes, configurable up to a maximum of 200 x 300 cm. Up to 200 cm, you can select in 5 cm steps; above that, in 10 cm steps.