Easel Materials: Wood vs. Metal – Which Should You Choose?
As an artist, you will find different types of easels in an art store from which to choose. Some are wooden, giving off a warm, classic feel. Others are metal, sleek, and modern. You might stand there for a minute, wondering which would suit you best. Both materials can hold up your canvas, but each has different traits that affect your comfort, painting style, and budget.
If you’re just starting, it’s easy to think an easel is just a stand for your canvas. But once you explore a bit, you’ll realize the material matters much more than expected. In this blog, we’ll look at the main differences between wood and metal easels. After reading, you should have a better idea of which one matches your lifestyle and art goals. Let’s get started!
Why Material Matters
Easels come in all shapes and sizes, but the material is the real backbone of how they function. Wood and metal can do the job, but they feel different, handle weight differently, and offer unique vibes.
Weight and Portability
Some easels must be super sturdy because you’re painting big canvases that demand a stable base. Others need to be light and collapsible if you like to paint outside. Wood can be heavier but also has a good, solid feel. Metal can sometimes be lighter and easily fold, but not always.
Style and Aesthetics
Some people love the natural warmth of a wooden easel, while others like the sleek look of a metal frame that complements a modern workspace. While style isn’t everything, it does matter if you place your easel in a living room or home studio where you want it to blend in.
Durability and Maintenance
The lifespan of your easel often depends on the materials used and how you care for it. A suitable easel should stand firm for years, even with regular use.
Wooden Easels: A Cozy Classic
When you picture a painter in a vintage studio, you probably imagine a wooden easel holding a halfway-complete canvas. Wooden easels have a long history in the art world and continue to attract artists of all levels.
Natural Feel and Aesthetic
A wooden easel can bring a touch of tradition to your workspace. It often feels warm and inviting. That may seem like a small detail, but it can put you in a calmer mood, which is helpful for creativity. If you love the classic vibe of an art studio, a wooden easel might be a perfect fit.
Strength and Stability
Many wooden easels, especially H-frame models, can handle large, heavy canvases without wobbling. This sturdy design can be a significant relief if you work on bigger pieces or use thick layers of paint. Also, the weight of some wood easels helps keep them in place. You don’t have to worry as much about it shifting around if you’re applying brushstrokes with a bit of force.
Maintenance and Care
Wood does require some upkeep. Over time, it might absorb moisture if your studio is humid or get nicked if you move it around a lot. It’s generally wise to keep it clean and maybe wipe away paint spills before they harden—some artists like to oil or polish their easel occasionally to keep the wood in good shape. With routine care, a wooden easel can last for many years.
Possible Downsides
One downside to a wooden easel is that it can be heavier, making it harder to transport. If you’re mainly painting at home, that won’t be much of an issue. But if you enjoy outdoor painting sessions or move between different studios, lugging a heavier easel can feel like a chore.
Metal Easels: Sleek and Modern
Metal easels have gained popularity, especially among artists who want something more portable or streamlined. These aren’t the rickety stands you might remember from a school assembly. The right metal easel can be pretty sturdy, even if it looks thinner or lighter than a wooden counterpart.
Lightweight and Portable
Many metal easels easily fold and slip into a carrying case, perfect if you like painting outdoors or traveling. If you’re frequently on the go, you might appreciate being able to pick up your easel and head out without much hassle. Some metal models weigh only a few pounds, which feels like a dream compared to a bulkier wooden frame.
Modern Appearance
A metal easel’s sleek lines can complement your style if you love a contemporary look. These easels often come in black or silver finishes, blending well with modern furniture. They also fit nicely in smaller living spaces where you might want something less bulky.
Maintenance
Metal easels usually don’t need much care. They don’t absorb moisture or scuff in the same way wood can. If paint splatters onto the metal, you can wipe it off more easily. Rust can be a concern if the easel is stored in a damp place, but many newer metal easels are treated to resist corrosion.
Potential Drawbacks
Some artists complain that metal easels feel less stable on huge canvases. A lighter frame might sway if you press hard with your brush. Also, some metal designs have more moving parts, which might need tightening over time. It’s not a big deal, but it's worth considering if you plan on loading your easel with huge, heavy canvases.
Quick Comparison
Below is a short table summarizing the key points about wooden vs. metal easels. This might help you see which material speaks to your needs.
Feature | Wooden Easel | Metal Easel |
|---|---|---|
Weight | Often heavier, sturdy feel | Generally lighter, suitable for travel |
Style | Classic, warm look | Modern, sleek design |
Durability | Long-lasting with moderate upkeep | Long-lasting with minimal care |
Stability | Very stable for large canvases | Can be solid but might sway if too light |
Portability | Not always easy to move | Usually folds up for quick transport |
Maintenance | Needs occasional oil or polish | Mostly wipe-down cleaning |
Additional Factors to Think About
Budget
It’s essential to consider the price. Both wood and metal easels come in different price ranges. You can find budget-friendly wooden easels, but high-quality hardwood models can cost more. Metal easels also vary, with premium brands offering sturdier builds or special features.
Space and Storage
If you have a spacious home studio, lean toward a larger wooden easel that stands out. But a foldable metal easel might be more convenient if you live in a small apartment. You can stash it in a closet when you’re not painting. Think about where you’ll put your easel when it’s not used. Will it always stay out, or do you need it to collapse and tuck away?
Artwork Size
The size of the canvases you typically paint also plays a role. A sturdy wooden easel might be your best bet for large pieces. Metal easels can handle decent canvas sizes, but the heavier or bigger your canvas is, the more you should check the easel’s weight capacity.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Easel
- Test Stability: Visit a local art store and gently shake the easels on display. Depending on their design, some wooden easels stand like rocks, and some metal ones might do the same.
- Look at Adjustability: Check how easily you can raise or lower the main mast. This is important if you switch between sitting and standing while painting.
- Assess Weight: If you plan to move your easel often or take it outdoors, a lighter metal one might make your life easier. However, weight might not matter as much if you want a permanent fixture in a studio.
- Consider the Legs: If you plan to paint outside, are the legs stable on uneven ground, like grass or gravel? Some metal easels have telescopic legs that adjust to various surfaces.
- Think Long Term: Picture where you see your art journey going. If you plan to paint more significant pieces or experiment with heavier mediums, you might want something more robust from the start.
Can You Mix Materials?
There are hybrid easels out there that combine wood and metal elements. For example, some wooden frames might have metal fittings to add strength without too much extra weight. These easels can offer the best of both worlds but might cost more. If you like blending classic wood with modern functionality, you can explore hybrid options in certain art supply stores.
Where to Buy a Good Easel
If you’re ready to find a new easel, Blick Art Materials is a great place to look. They carry a wide range of wooden and metal easels so that you can compare different models in one spot. You can check product reviews, read up on features, and pick the one that suits you best. Some artists prefer to visit a local Blick store to see the easels in person, while others find it easier to shop online and deliver it to their door. Either way, you’ll get plenty of choices and helpful product details.
Additional Table: Quick Pros and Cons
Let’s put all the key pros and cons in one more table to make it even easier. Pick your most important features and see which material checks the right boxes.
Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Wood | - Classic appearance | - Can be heavier |
Metal | - Typically lightweight | - Might sway with larger canvases |
Final Thoughts
Selecting a wooden or metal easel depends on your style, budget, and practical needs. A wooden easel might be your go-to if you prefer that classic art studio look and want a solid, steady frame for more significance. On the other hand, if you love traveling to paint in nature or are pressed for space, a portable metal easel might fit your life perfectly. So, take your time to research, read some reviews, and test a few models. Happy painting!
