Stretcher bars are used to build the internal frames which canvases are stretched around and stapled into. They provide the support for the image and allow hanging wires to be screwed or stapled into the back of the artwork. They can either be bought pre-made at particular lengths, but only one depth, or they can be made to fit at different lengths and depths. Until recently we have only been able to offer one kind of stretcher bar as we were just buying the only ones we could get, made by Fredrix in the US. However the Cowboy has recently turned his hooves to carpentry and we are pleased to be able to offer you a variety in length and depth. The difference between the two is illustrated below.