For large, bulky, fragile, and valuable items, we recommend ordering special reinforced crates. We create a protective frame made of wooden slats and cover it with solid sheets of fiberboard, plywood, or OSB panels. Such reinforced structures are significantly heavier than regular cardboard boxes, and therefore the shipping rates for these crates are much higher (5-7 times).

The specialists at ArtDom Gallery have been handling the transportation of art objects (paintings, sculptures, catalogs, books, icons) worldwide since 2016. We are happy to assist in transporting and delivering your valuable artwork to any corner of the globe. A cardboard box for mailing a painting of 60 x 80 cm weighs 2-4 kg, while a crate for such a painting made of fiberboard will weigh 10-15 kg, and one made of OSB panels will weigh over 20 kg. This must be taken into account as the shipping rate is calculated based on dimensions and, of course, weight. Higher weight means higher shipping cost.

Reliable Packaging from ArtDom Gallery

ArtDom Gallery has been delivering art objects since 2016 and has developed its own design for cardboard boxes. Our patented technology has undergone several crash tests, stood the test of time, and received many positive reviews from customers. For example, here is how cardboard boxes for international delivery of paintings from ArtDom Gallery look like.

cardboard boxes for international painting shipment
Example of cardboard boxes for international painting shipment

Ready-made fiberboard crates — sizes and prices

Need a standard crate? Choose the right size in our catalog. Need a custom crate or turnkey packing? We will calculate the cost within 10 minutes.

Fiberboard crate catalog →Get a crate quote: +38 063 247 8102

Wooden Crate Construction

The design of wooden crates includes:

  • Reinforcement ribs;
  • Interior lining with foam;
  • Hinged doors with locks.

In the video, we show what such a crate looks like and how a painting is loaded into it:

Advantages of Durable Packaging

The key to successful delivery of paintings, sculptures, catalogs, books, and icons is the creation of strong, reliable, lightweight, and functional packaging.

  • Lightweight packaging saves money since shipping and postal rates are calculated based on dimensions (H x W x D) and weight.
  • Strong and reliable packaging provides peace of mind to all parties involved. The sender and recipient (client, customer) can calmly wait 10-20 days for the package to arrive at its destination, while the carrier can easily transfer it from one vehicle to another or to a sorting center.
  • Functional packaging allows the box or crate to be opened and closed without compromising its protective functions. When a box or crate is designed to be opened and closed, customs officials can inspect and match the contents with accompanying documents without tearing or damaging the packaging.
box for multiple paintings, packaging
Multiple paintings can be placed in one cardboard box, separated by cardboard and foam

Proven Packaging Technology

ArtDom Gallery's boxes have withstood the test of time and numerous crash tests. As a result, we have achieved a universal packaging technology — lightweight and strong cardboard boxes, and reinforced crates that protect against most damages. Watch a video from the ArtDom workshop — making boxes for paintings and a crash test:

High-Quality Packaging Materials

For packaging production, ArtDom Gallery uses reliable and high-quality materials approved for customs regulations, sanitary standards, and norms.

cardboard box for paintings, international shipping fiberboard crate for international painting shipment

Materials for Protecting Art Objects

To protect against impacts and penetration, we use:

  • Fiberboard sheets (2-4 mm);
  • OSB panels;
  • Plywood;
  • 5-layer cardboard.

For protection against corner impacts, we create a protective frame, add reinforcement ribs, and cushioning materials:

  • Planed (solid) wooden slats;
  • Cardboard and metal corners;
  • Bubble wrap;
  • Soft and dense foam.
fiberboard box with foam for international painting shipment large, reliable boxes for art packaging and postal shipment

Fiberboard Crates for International Shipping: ISPM 15 Treatment of the Wooden Frame

When shipping paintings, sculptures, icons, and other valuable or fragile items internationally, it is essential to consider the phytosanitary requirements for the wooden components of the shipping packaging.

In ArtDom reinforced crates, fiberboard sheets are used alongside a protective frame and stiffening ribs made of wooden slats. It is the solid wood components that are of particular importance when preparing packaging for cross-border transportation.

For export purposes, we manufacture fiberboard crates with treated wooden frames bearing the ISPM 15/IPPC marking, often referred to as the "wheat ear" stamp. The wooden components subject to phytosanitary requirements undergo appropriate treatment, and an authorized operator applies a marking to the packaging material indicating the country code, operator code, and treatment method.

In everyday language and search queries, this preparation is often referred to as "crate fumigation." However, heat treatment and chemical fumigation are distinct methods of wood treatment. Therefore, for international shipping and transportation, the everyday terminology of the service is less important than the compliance of the wooden packaging components with ISPM 15 requirements and the presence of the proper marking.

These reinforced crates are suitable for transporting paintings, graphic art, icons, sculptures, ceramics, glass and stone items, monuments, and other objects requiring rigid shipping packaging. The structure is custom-built to the item's dimensions, utilizing internal shock-absorbing and protective materials such as polystyrene foam, Styrodur, and polyurethane foam.

You can read more about the requirements for wooden packaging, heat treatment, fumigation, and IPPC marking in our article on the fumigation of painting crates for international shipping.

Additional Packaging Modifications

You can also order a simple frame for transporting an item within the city or Ukraine. In this case, we will create a frame from slats and securely fix the painting, sculpture, catalog, book, or icon. If the art object is very fragile and being sent on a long journey, a more robust packaging is recommended — a protective frame covered with fiberboard sheets or OSB panels.

fiberboard crate for painting shipment cardboard box for painting international shipment
cardboard box for sculpture with fiberboard and corners large crate for painting, international shipment

Additional Packaging Features

  • Handles made of rope or metal;
  • Wheels;
  • "Feet" for easy lifting by a forklift.
cardboard box for painting with rope handles wooden crate for painting international shipment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cost of making reinforced crates?

The cost depends on the type and size of the crate, as well as the materials used. For an individual estimate, please contact our managers with the dimensions and quantity of your art objects.

What materials are used in the manufacture of reinforced crates?

We use protective frames made of wooden slats and cover the crates with solid sheets of fiberboard, plywood, or OSB panels. Additional protection includes foam, bubble wrap, and cardboard or metal corners.

How do reinforced crates differ from regular cardboard boxes?

Reinforced crates are significantly stronger and heavier than regular cardboard boxes, providing better protection for fragile and valuable art objects. However, shipping rates are higher (5-7 times) due to increased weight and size.

What are the benefits of using special reinforced crates for transporting artwork?

Special reinforced crates provide maximum protection against impacts, vibrations, and temperature changes. They ensure safe transportation of large, bulky, fragile, and valuable art objects during international shipments.

How to order the manufacture of reinforced crates or cardboard boxes at ArtDom Gallery?

To order the manufacture of reinforced crates or cardboard boxes, provide us with the quantity and dimensions of your art objects. Our managers will calculate the cost and execution time as soon as possible.

Does a wooden crate need fumigation to ship a painting abroad?

For international transport, packaging components made of solid wood must comply with ISPM 15 and bear the IPPC marking (the “wheat ear” stamp). Plywood, OSB and fiberboard are processed wood and are not subject to this requirement. We do not offer fumigation as a separate service: we make packaging that meets these requirements — fiberboard crates with a treated frame, plywood and OSB crates. Read more in our article on the fumigation of painting crates.

Packaging Cost Calculation

To calculate the cost of manufacturing a cardboard box, shipping crate, protective box, or framework, let us know the quantity and dimensions of your paintings, sculptures, catalogs, books, or icons. Our managers will make a calculation promptly and inform you about the cost and terms of this service.