Why Custom Art Crates Are the Best Investment for Your Artwork
When you’ve spent countless hours creating, curating, or acquiring artwork, the last thing you want is to see it damaged during transport or storage. Whether you’re an artist sending a painting to a collector, or a gallery shipping valuable pieces to an exhibition, protecting your artwork is non-negotiable.
That’s where custom art crates come in. These purpose-built wooden crates are designed to shield artwork from impact, moisture, and environmental changes, making them the safest way to move or store your creations.
In this post, we’ll explore why custom-built art crates are not just a shipping expense — they’re a long-term investment in the safety, value, and professionalism of your artwork.
1. Maximum Protection Against Damage
No two artworks are alike. A standard cardboard box or off-the-shelf crate can’t provide the same level of protection as a crate that’s built for your artwork’s exact size and weight.
A custom art crate from ArtCrates is precision-engineered to fit your canvas or framed piece perfectly. Each crate is:
Lined with protective foam to absorb shocks and vibrations
Constructed from heat-treated timber, compliant with international ISPM 15 standards
Designed for strength and stability during long-distance or overseas transport
This tailored fit prevents artwork from shifting inside the crate — the number one cause of damage during shipping.
2. Ideal for Long-Term Storage
Beyond shipping, custom crates are perfect for art storage. Temperature fluctuations, humidity, and dust can all degrade artwork over time. A well-sealed wooden art crate provides an additional barrier that helps preserve your pieces in perfect condition.
Many galleries and collectors use ArtCrates not only for shipping, but as permanent storage containers for their most valuable works.
3. A Professional Impression
When a buyer or gallery receives a painting in a professional-grade wooden crate, it immediately communicates value, care, and credibility. It shows that you take your craft seriously and are committed to delivering artwork in perfect condition.
For galleries, using branded or labelled custom crates also reinforces professionalism and trust — key factors that influence repeat business and client confidence.
4. Compliance with International Shipping Standards
If you’re sending art abroad, international regulations require that any wood packaging material be ISPM 15 certified to prevent pests and contamination. All ArtCrates are built from heat-treated timber that meets these global standards, ensuring smooth customs clearance and hassle-free transport.
5. Long-Term Cost Savings
While a custom crate may cost more upfront than a standard box, it’s a smart investment that pays off over time. Because our crates are reusable, you can ship multiple artworks safely using the same crate.
More importantly, preventing damage means you avoid costly repairs, insurance claims, and lost reputation — expenses that far outweigh the cost of professional packaging.
6. Designed for Your Exact Needs
Every artist, gallery, and collector has different needs. That’s why ArtCrates offers fully customisable designs — from lightweight single-use crates to heavy-duty, foam-lined options for international transport.
We can tailor the internal supports, foam type, and crate style to suit your artwork’s specific dimensions, fragility, and travel distance.
7. Peace of Mind, Every Time
Art transport can be stressful, but a well-built custom crate provides complete peace of mind. Knowing that your artwork is housed in a crate built precisely for its protection allows you to focus on what truly matters — creating and showcasing art.
Why Choose ArtCrates?
At ArtCrates, we specialise in custom-built wooden crates for artists, galleries, and collectors across the UK. Each crate is handcrafted to your specifications and designed to meet the highest standards of safety and presentation.
We offer:
Custom sizing for canvases, sculptures, and framed works
ISPM 15-certified heat-treated timber for export
Protective foam interiors for added cushioning
Fast UK-wide delivery and quick turnaround times
Protect your artwork — and your reputation — with expert craftsmanship from ArtCrates.