Protecting Large Artworks: Why Size Matters in Crate Design
When it comes to shipping artwork, size isn’t just a detail — it’s a critical factor in determining how your piece should be packed, supported, and protected. Large artworks bring unique challenges: they’re heavier, more fragile, more difficult to handle, and far more likely to experience shock, vibration, or pressure during transit.
That’s why Custom Canvas Art Crates are essential for transporting oversized pieces safely, whether you’re an artist, gallery, museum, or private collector. A well-designed crate does far more than hold the artwork — it actively protects it from the heightened risks that come with size.
In this post, we’ll explore why large artworks require special attention, how crate design changes with scale, and why investing in a custom crate is the smartest decision you can make.
1. Large Artworks Experience More Stress During Transit
The physics of shipping are simple: the bigger and heavier the item, the more force it absorbs during movement.
Large canvases are more vulnerable to:
Frame warping
Canvas loosening
Corner compression
Impact damage
Vibrations over long journeys
Standard packaging simply isn’t strong enough to compensate for these forces. That’s why UK galleries and art couriers rely on heavy-duty Custom Canvas Art Crates specifically engineered to stabilise and secure oversized pieces.
2. Bigger Art Requires a Stronger Structural Frame
The larger the artwork, the more reinforcement the crate needs. With big canvases, the crate must support both the weightand the surface area, preventing any flexing or pressure on the artwork itself.
A professionally built crate from ArtCrates includes:
A durable timber frame
Reinforced corners
Thick side panels resistant to compression
Internal bracing for extra stability
This ensures the crate remains rigid throughout transport — even when handled by multiple couriers or machinery.
3. Custom Foam Inserts Make All the Difference
Large artwork cannot be allowed to shift even slightly inside the crate.
That’s why custom crates use:
Cut-to-fit foam walls
Floating supports
Shock-absorbing cushioning
Protective corner caps
These materials are engineered to prevent movement, absorb vibration, and protect delicate canvas tension.
Generic foam rolls or bubble wrap can’t provide the same level of protection. Custom inserts eliminate air gaps and keep the canvas surrounded by a perfectly shaped protective barrier.
4. Oversized Art Needs Moisture & Climate Protection
Large crates create more internal space, which makes them more susceptible to:
Moisture
Condensation
Rapid temperature changes
These conditions can warp frames and loosen canvas fibres.
To counter this, Custom Canvas Art Crates are built with:
Moisture-resistant linings
Sealed timber panels
Optional insulation
Desiccant/silica inserts for humidity control
This is especially important when shipping overseas or storing large pieces for long periods.
5. Handling Large Art Is Riskier — Crates Make It Safer
The bigger the artwork, the more hands (or machinery) it takes to move it. That introduces more opportunities for error.
A well-designed large art crate includes:
Oversized lifting handles
Reinforced grip points
Secure fastening systems
Mechanical handling compatibility
This helps couriers, art handlers, and gallery teams move the piece safely and reduces the risk of accidents.
6. Custom Crates Prevent Pressure Points & Canvas Distortion
Large canvases are more flexible than smaller ones — and without proper internal supports, they can bend or twist during shipping.
Custom crates solve this by incorporating:
Floating boards
Cross-braced interior supports
Foam-lined pressure guards
Custom spacers that prevent surface contact
These components protect the artwork structurally, ensuring the canvas tension remains intact.
Why Custom Canvas Art Crates Are a Must for Oversized Pieces
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for large artwork. The bigger the piece, the more unique its risks — and the more essential a custom approach becomes.
A Custom Canvas Art Crate ensures:
Maximum protection from impact, pressure, vibration, and moisture
A precise fit tailored to your artwork’s exact dimensions
Structural strength for long-distance or international transport
Professional presentation for galleries, collectors, and exhibitions
Peace of mind knowing your artwork is protected at every stage
If you work with large canvases, a custom crate is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Why UK Artists and Galleries Choose ArtCrates
At ArtCrates, we create bespoke wooden art crates engineered specifically for large and oversized artworks. Each crate is built with gallery-grade materials and fully compliant with international shipping standards.
Our Custom Canvas Art Crates include:
ISPM 15-certified timber for export
Precision-cut internal foam for shock absorption
Reinforced frames for heavy or oversized pieces
Optional waterproof and climate-protective features
Fast turnaround and UK-wide delivery
From single large canvases to multi-panel artworks, we design crates that keep your pieces safe — no matter how far they travel.