Stretched / Framed vs. Rolled Canvas — What's the Difference?
The single most common question we get is which delivery option to choose. This page explains both, so you can decide with confidence.
Option A — Rolled Canvas (Unframed)
The painting arrives rolled inside a hard, dent-resistant art tube. The canvas itself is fully painted, but it has not yet been stretched onto a wooden frame. Around the painted image we leave a 2–5 inch (5–13 cm) blank white border so that a local framer has enough canvas to stretch onto stretcher bars.
Best for:
- Large or oversized pieces (above 48 inches on the long side)
- Customers who already have a local framer or want to choose their own frame
- Customers who want the lowest possible price and are willing to handle framing locally
- Anyone shipping to an apartment or narrow hallway where a boxed frame wouldn't fit
What to expect:
- The tube is sturdy and the canvas arrives unharmed
- You take the rolled canvas to a local framer, who will stretch it on wooden bars and, if you like, frame it
- Local stretching + framing typically costs $80–$250 USD depending on size
Option B — Stretched / Ready-to-Hang
The painting arrives already stretched on a wooden stretcher bar — the canvas is taut and rigid, with a finished back and corner bumpers. Hanging hardware (sawtooth hanger or D-rings with wire) is attached. You can hang it directly on the wall out of the box.
Best for:
- Customers who want the simplest possible experience
- Medium and small sizes (up to 48 inches)
- Anyone who doesn't have a local framer
What to expect:
- Packed flat in a reinforced cardboard box (small / medium) or a custom wooden crate (large)
- Arrives ready to hang — no extra work needed
- The sides of the canvas are also painted, so it can be hung without a frame if you prefer
Option C — Framed (Stretched + Frame)
The painting arrives stretched on a wooden bar and mounted inside a real wood floater frame or picture frame. It is the most "gallery-ready" option — a finished piece that you hang as-is.
Best for:
- Customers who want a finished, gallery-style piece with no extra work
- Walls where a framed look is part of the design
What to expect:
- Slightly longer production time (we frame after painting is complete)
- Packed in a reinforced box or wooden crate with corner protectors
- Frame colors available: black, white, natural oak, walnut, and gold leaf
Which should I choose?
- If you want the lowest price and have a local framer → Rolled canvas
- If you want it ready to hang out of the box → Stretched / Ready-to-Hang
- If you want a finished, framed look with no extra work → Framed
- If ordering a piece larger than 48 inches → Rolled canvas (safer and cheaper to ship)
Still not sure? Email us at customer-service@seegart.com with your wall size and we'll recommend the best option.