Our hybrid Plywood/Hardwood design combines the best of both worlds by using environmentally stable, engineered wood with a strong and reliable hardwood profile. What does this mean for you? A superior substrate that is light, strong, and out performs others by its natural resistance to warping and twisting.

We use a two-part "L" construction that forms the back and side (profile) of the stretcher. The back is made of Baltic Birch Ply and the side (profile) is made of solid Basswood. These two pieces are glued and pinned together. Lengths over 48" have embedded wooden dowels for increased shear strength and to resist bowing.

Every joint is reinforced with a mechanical fastener and dowel pins. This a museum quality system that keeps the substrate perfectly square. If you need to tighten a slack canvas, simply rotate the mechanism on the back of the stretcher to expand the joint. This stretcher comes fully assembled.

We stock Unprimed and Primed Double Fill Cotton Duck Canvas in weights #12 (11.5oz) and #10 (15.oz). Our canvas is triple primed with a white acid-free archival gesso. Hand stapled and gallery wrapped.

#12 (11.5oz) is the most common and suitable for light to medium workloads. #10 (15oz) is good for heavy applications or if you're looking for a more substantial surface.

If you're interested in working with fabrics that we don't stock, email us. For instances like this we charge cost on materials and then a stretching fee.

We can accommodate any profile depth up to 2.5" or any other customization to the PRO Mechanical Stretcher, including dimensions. There is no extra charge for custom profiles or dimensions.