My artist friend advised that I avoid the big framing chains to stretch a piece of art, that I had rolled up in storage, as those stores are not expert canvas stretchers (which is an art, not a science). Henry is extremely knowledgeable and precise, noting that my canvas was not perfectly square. He provided me with options and did not push me at all on the sale, giving me time to think and shop around if I wanted to. He even advised that I not try and re-stretch another painting I had brought in, given the risk of paint cracking, which I appreciated. He was extremely responsive, affordable, fast, cares about the art, and most importantly takes pride in quality craftsmanship and his team's attention to detail. This last part was evidenced by how clean and evenly the back of the canvas was stapled to the bar on the back, and how my piece was carefully wrapped when I came to pick it up. While the neighborhood isn't the best, parking was easy to find right out front and it wasn't an issue at all. read more

I worked with Henry to hang a few pieces I bought while traveling. He works very meticulously and you can tell takes pride in his work. Very friendly and communicative. Will definitely use BSAB for the next piece of art, too. read more

I finally had two paintings stretched that I had purchased abroad in 2015. BASBars had great reviews so I gave them a shot. They really came through! Since their hours are limited to business hours, I coordinated a drop-off just after closing (6:15pm on a weekday). Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication, and I arrived to find the location dark. This was frustrating, but I returned the next week, again a little after closing as planned, and Henry was waiting for me. He apologized for the missed connection the week prior, but beyond that issue, he was very helpful, explaining to me what I could expect as Elizabeth, one of his employees, figured out how to best stretch my paintings. He was also very proud of his business, which could've initially been interpreted as chutzpah, but the good vibes I picked up on would prove to be well-founded. A few days later I received an invoice from Elizabeth, as expected. A week after that, I received another email stating that my paintings were ready, earlier than anticipated. I've since picked up my paintings, again just after closing and with advanced notice for Henry, and I couldn't be happier. The stretcher bars are very sturdy, and each set came with a pre-installed mounting wire, making them easy to hang on my wall. The paintings were also well-packaged for transport, negating the need for the waterproof duffel bag I had brought along (it was raining). I'm very glad that I chose BASBars over some of the DIY kits online, and super happy to keep my business local. Thanks a million, Henry and Elizabeth! I hope to be back soon. read more

See all

Great product and craftsmanship! Large stretcher bar frame I got is light and strong. Super helpful and nice service. Big thanks to Julie! read more

The best out there! Staff are patience and knowledgeable. They helped me saved over $1000 to do the stretching myself by educating me what to do, to avoid me paying a gallery. read more

I would give ten stars if I could. I bought an oversized canvas painting (78x43) from Etsy that I needed stretched. I must have called about every framing/stretcher bar shop in the East Bay and SF and was about to give up due to the shocking prices I was quoted (we're talking 2x more than the price of the actual painting!). And then I found Kevin, who not only offered a BARGAIN compared to the 6+ other shops I called, but was also the most friendly and helpful. At first, I was skeptical about Kevin's ability to truly deliver, as the price he quoted was a pretty friggin' great deal compared to the others. But my doubts were quickly banished as soon as I arrived at his shop. For starters, I saw samples of his finished works, which were finely crafted and just lovely. Secondly, Kevin VERY CLOSELY LISTENED to my needs and what I wanted, carefully asking me questions regarding my preferences on every aspect of the framing process. He really took his time speaking with me during our first meeting, never rushing me, never dictating, making sure that he was super clear about the end product that I wanted. Kevin and his team are also wonderful and so easy to work with -- they did the job on time, gave me updates, and handled the canvas and finished product like the delicate work of art that it is. His assistant Dustin also deserves special mention -- when I picked up the finished painting, Dustin was SO so careful with loading the plastic-wrapped painting into my friend's truck, and even stayed an extra 15 minutes past their closing time just to make sure the finished product was loaded carefully and that I was completely pleased and had total peace of mind. To say that I am overjoyed with the end product is an understatement. The canvas ended up being more beautiful than I first imagined. It is also very sturdy, I'm sure it'll last past my lifetime. I really can't say enough wonderful things about Kevin and his team. Will definitely use their services again. Very highly recommended! read more

If you're anything like me, you'll come back with 5 paintings every time you travel abroad. I did on my last trip and when I came home with all these rolled up canvases, I realized I needed help getting them up! In the past, I have gotten them framed but that can get pricey so I opted to get them restretched this time (which isn't cheap either - ironically it cost more than the paintings themselves but what is a girl to do?? Buy a painting to store it?). Bay Area Stretcher Bars offered a reasonable quote and did such an amazing job! They also helped me mount 2 oil paintings on to a cradled panel. Elizabeth, who helped me with through this entire process was super patient and friendly. I definitely am not afraid to come back with more paintings on a future trip now that I know I have this place (hopefully not though because I'm running out of wall space). read more

I contacted Kevin about a painting I brought back from Europe. It was cheaper to bring back in a tube than to ship the entire painting. I met with Kevin at the shop, and he explained couple of different options, and I decided to go with stretching it over stretcher bars. He did a great job at an excellent price! Very professional and very warm, too! Highly recommend him! read more

Kevin re-stretched one of my paintings that was originally on an embarrassment-of-a-stretcher. I had built it hastily with cheap doug-fir and it warped and bowed quite a lot over time. He did an excellent job, even completing it sooner than promised. AND this was after fitting me in to his tight-schedule so I could make a show deadline. He truly went above and beyond what any carpenter should ever be expected to do. He built it exactly to the dimensions of the old one, even though it wasn't perfectly square. Now, my painting is saved and looks excellent on it's nice, straight stretchers. It really makes a difference in presentation. And, considering the high-quality hard wood he uses, and the level of carpentry involved, it's a really fair price. In addition Kevin is personable, helpful, and genuine. I will definitely be calling Kevin for more panels, and I highly recommend others do the same. read more

I am a full-time painter and just discovered Bay Area Stretcher Bars. I needed a 56 x 60 x 2.5" canvas stretched as a gallery wrap canvas. They emailed me a quote 15 minutes after my phone call. The canvas is beautifully crafted and was ready when they said it would be! I loved that when I asked what depth they could make it, Kevin said, "Whatever depth you need it to be." A wonderful find, and I highly recommend them! read more

I was buying my wooden panels off the shelf from Blick, and they seemed fine. I recently ordered custom-built panels for an upcoming show from BAS Bars, and I am a convert. The customer service was excellent, and the panels are beautiful and sturdy. They were shipped directly to my door, which made the whole process seamless. read more

I highly recommend Bay Area Stretcher Bars. I came into the shop with little knowledge about art framing. I wanted a canvas stretched and placed on a wooden frame as a gift to my boyfriend. The person who helped me walked me through the process and gave me an amazing price! It was significantly less than any other place in town. I can't recommend them more highly! Museum quality work at a great price. read more

Beautiful, well made stretcher bars/panels. Top quality and nice folks!

I chose Kevin's business based on the previous Yelp reviews - and I was not disappointed. I had 6 paintings that an artist friend in Mexico had done on canvas sized in centimeters and pulled off the stretchers, and that needed to be re-stretched so that I could exhibit & sell them. Kevin did a fabulous job! I am so glad I brought this work to him. He explained everything that he was going to do, and gave me some advice for my artist friend on cutting/stretching/stapling canvas on stretcher bars that I'll pass along. Some of the paintings were not square, so he had to build the frame to fit the piece - they came out great. I needed an economical solution for this project, and he came up with a price that was unbeatable, and he had the work done in under 2 weeks, right on deadline. The carpentry work is superb, and it's clear that Kevin is a person who cares about what he does because it shows in the final product, and in the customer service. I highly recommend Kevin to all, and plan to use his services again in the future. Besides stretcher bars, he also does gorgeous wood panels for encaustic work. It's worth the trip over to the East Bay! read more

Bay Area Stretchers offers the most beautiful hand made canvases and panels for artists! Everyone is so friendly and helpful that works there and I am thankful to have found them. I highly recommend ordering with them! read more

Kevin was really helpful with our first painting. He completed the job in a reasonable amount of time, he gave us an unbeatable price for our 50"x70" painting, and he was also accommodating with delivery. Kevin was also great about mounting the painting in a way that would not cut off much of the painting -- the artist painted right up to the edge of the canvas. I don't know much about stretching paintings, but his work and service seem great to me. read more

Bay Area Stretcher Bars delivers both in quality of product and customer service. The team goes out of it's way to communicate with you about your best options and how they can help support your vision. Every product is made with care. read more

Over the years, I have asked Kevin and his terrific team to stretch many a canvas (sometimes, often, canvas with work on it, mind you :)), ranging in size from the humungous to the small, and their work is impeccable, their solutions creative, and they themselves are sweet and easygoing people who, yes, listen beautifully and deliver on time. I can't say enough great things about their wonderful shop. Thank you, Kevin and Co.! read more

I contacted Kevin based on the YELP reviews he received to see if he could help me with three paintings I needed stretched. I initially went to Jo-Ann and Michael's and they were quoting me $100+ per picture. I contacted Kevin and he was able to do all three for under $200. I went to his studio and he took the time to personally show me exactly how it would be done and ask questions to ensure I got a final product I loved. He gave me a written estimate and got to work. 2 weeks later, I got a call and picked up my paintings -- they looked awesome -- perfectly wrapped in plastic for protection. Kevin could not be nicer!!! read more

Kevin does absolutely great work. He's built stretcher bars for two large and oddly shaped paintings of ours, and the craftsmanship was wonderful. He's also very personable, asks all the right questions, completes the work when promised, and is reasonably priced. Who could ask for more? We will definitely continue to use him, and highly recommend him to others. read more

Excellent, friendly service, beautiful stretching, very reasonable prices. I had 3 canvas paintings that I got in Africa; they weren't square at all, but Kevin and Dustin did an excellent job! Kevin even declined to stretch the 4th painting because it was too fragile. I appreciate the communication, honesty, attention to detail and the friendly service. If you need a canvas stretched, you won't find a better place. I highly recommend them! read more

Just beautiful stretcher bars. Great service. Good prices.