Bracing Configuration for Stretcher Frames

Bracing is used to support the longer bars to keep them from bending in towards the centre under tension from the stretched canvas. It is also required to keep the bars from rotating inwards toward the canvas which would cause the frame to buckle and not sit flat against the wall. Proper bracing allows the frame to use the lightest possible bars and still be strong and stable under tension.

These images will help you understand the type of brace you need to make a sturdy frame. If you can’t work – don’t worry, just give us a call.

Single brace - Recommended when one side is 40” (1067mm) and over. Always brace with the shortest length. For example, a stretcher of 16″ x 40″ will require a single 16″ brace.

Cross brace - Recommended when both sides are between 42” (1067mm) and 76” (1930mm). For example if your frame was 48” x 60” you need 1 x 48” brace and 1 x 60” brace. So if ordering online the 48” brace would be A and the 60” brace would be B.

H Brace - Recommended where one side is 78” (1981mm) and over and the other side is between 44” (1118mm) and 76” (190mm). The longer side needs one brace and the shorter sides two. For example, if your frame was 78” x 48” you need 1 x 78” brace and 2 x 48” braces. If ordering online you would need one 78” A and two 48” B braces.

Double H Brace or Noughts and Crosses Brace - Recommended when both sides are 78” (1981mm) and over. For example, if your frame size was 78” x 84” you need 2 x 78” braces and 2 x 84” braces. If ordering online you would need two 78” A and two 84” B braces.

It can be difficult to distinguish between A and B bracing if you're trying to reuse old bars, see below diagram or email us a full length picture of your existing bars to assist with selecting the correct option. Generally, we supply the long lengths as A's and the short lengths as B's for most orders.