Rolled Canvas vs Stretched Canvas
If you're looking to print or display artwork on canvas, you’ll likely come across two main options: rolled canvas and stretched canvas. Both have their own advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and display preferences. Whether you're an artist, photographer, or someone looking to decorate your home, understanding the key differences between these two formats will help you make the right decision.
What Is Rolled Canvas?
Rolled canvas is simply canvas material that hasn’t been stretched over a wooden frame. It is typically sold in a roll and can be stored, shipped, or framed as needed. This option is popular among artists and photographers who want more control over how their prints are displayed, as well as those looking for a cost-effective alternative to stretched canvas.
What Is Stretched Canvas?
Stretched canvas refers to a canvas that has been pulled tightly over a wooden frame, called a stretcher bar, and secured in place. It comes ready to hang and is often used in galleries, exhibitions, and home décor. Many stretched canvases feature gallery-wrapped edges, meaning the artwork extends around the sides, eliminating the need for an additional frame.
Which Canvas Type Is Best for Your Print?
The main difference between rolled and stretched canvas comes down to presentation and flexibility. Rolled canvas gives you more control over framing and is often more cost-effective. Stretched canvas, on the other hand, comes ready to hang and offers a polished, professional appearance.
Think of it like this...
Rolled canvas is like buying a poster in a tube: you’ll need to frame or mount it yourself. Stretched canvas is like buying a framed painting: ready to hang as soon as you get it. We have guide on how to frame a canvas here.
Let’s break down the advantages of each.
Advantages of Rolled Canvas
Rolled canvas is simply canvas material that hasn’t been mounted onto a wooden frame. This option offers several benefits:
- Cost-effective – Rolled canvas is usually more affordable than stretched canvas since you're not paying for the wood frame or assembly.
- Easier to store and ship – Because it can be rolled into a tube, it’s easier to transport, store, and ship without risking damage.
- Customizable framing options – If you want to choose your own frame or stretching method, rolled canvas gives you more flexibility to customize the final presentation.
- Great for large prints – If you’re printing oversized artwork, rolled canvas makes it easier to manage without worrying about warping or frame damage during transport.
However, rolled canvas does require additional work. You’ll need to stretch or frame it before displaying it, which adds extra cost and effort.
Advantages of Stretched Canvas
Stretched canvas is already mounted onto a wooden frame (also known as a stretcher bar) and is ready to hang. Here’s why this option might be the right choice for you:
- Ready to display – Stretched canvas arrives fully assembled and can be hung immediately, making it a hassle-free option.
- Professional appearance – With clean edges and a polished look, stretched canvas is ideal for galleries, exhibitions, and home décor.
- No extra framing required – Many stretched canvases have gallery-wrapped edges, meaning the artwork extends around the sides, eliminating the need for an external frame.
- More durable over time – Since it’s already stretched correctly, the canvas remains taut and maintains its shape without the risk of creases or folds.
The main downside to stretched canvas is its size and fragility when shipping. Because it can’t be rolled up, it takes up more space and is more expensive to transport. It’s also generally pricier than rolled canvas due to the additional materials and labor involved in stretching it.
Final Advice
Choosing between rolled and stretched canvas depends on your needs. If you're looking for affordability, easy storage, and more framing options, rolled canvas is a great choice, especially if you don’t mind the extra step of mounting it yourself. But if you want something ready to hang with a professional, gallery-quality finish, stretched canvas is the way to go.
Consider your budget, storage space, and how you plan to display the artwork before making a decision. No matter which option you choose, both rolled and stretched canvas offer a stunning way to showcase your prints and artwork.
Written by Mark Rogers
Mark Rogers is the President and Co-Founder of Frame Destination. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mark has become a leading authority on framing techniques and best practices, and has earned a reputation for his innovative approaches to custom framing and frame services for photographers and artists.