The Difference Between a Floater and a Traditional Frame

Two frames, two different jobs. A floater frame holds a stretched canvas with a visible gap around it, so the edges of the canvas stay in view. A traditional frame laps over the edge of what you are framing. Which one you need comes down to what your artwork is and how deep it is.

What you need to know

  • A floater frame is built for stretched canvas. The canvas sits down inside the rabbet with a gap, the float space, showing all the way around it. We build the frame to the exact size of your canvas plus the spacing you pick.
  • A traditional frame covers the edge of the artwork. It is what you want for paper, prints and photos, usually with glazing, a mat and a backing. We build it to your artwork size with an industry-standard 1/8" allowance.
  • Depth matters differently. In a floater, the canvas must not sit proud of the frame face. In a traditional frame, the canvas must not protrude out the back.
  • The hardware is different. Offset clips are for floaters. Points are for traditional frames. D-rings and wire work on both.

How to choose

  1. Start with the artwork. Stretched canvas can go either way. Paper, prints and photos go in a traditional frame.
  2. Measure your canvas depth, including the stretcher bars, not just the height and width.
  3. Compare that depth to the rabbet depth of the frame you are looking at. A 1-5/8" floater is designed for a 1-1/2" canvas.
  4. Decide if you want the edges of the canvas visible. If you do, that is a floater. If you want the frame to sit over the edge, that is traditional.
  5. On a floater, pick your float spacing. We suggest at least 1/8" per side, and 1/4" is the most popular.
  6. If your canvas depth and the frame's rabbet depth are not close to each other, ask us before you order.

Shop this

Related

Need help? Contact us and we will talk it through with you.

Frequently asked questions

Can a stretched canvas go in a traditional frame?

Yes, as long as the canvas fits inside the rabbet and does not protrude out the back. The frame will cover the outside edge of the canvas.

Can paper artwork go in a floater frame?

A floater is designed to hold the depth of a stretched canvas, so it is not the frame for a print or a photo. Use a traditional frame for those.

What is the float gap?

It is the visible space between your canvas and the inside of the floater frame. You choose it when you order, and it also gives a little room for small variations in canvas size.

Does the hanging hardware change between the two?

D-rings and wire work on both. Offset clips are a floater thing, and points are for traditional frames. None of it is included with the frame.