Why is custom framing so expensive? (And when it’s worth it)

The first time I got a custom picture framing quote, I thought there had to be a mistake. It was nearly triple what I was expecting. I quietly smiled, told the framer I’d get back to him, and shuffled awkwardly out of the store, certain I’d never come back.

Now that I’m in the professional printing business, I understand why the cost was so high. In fact, having met and worked with custom framers, I’ve learned that despite their prices, these businesses don’t have large profit margins. So, how can that be? Why is custom framing so expensive?

It comes down to several factors. Materials and overhead play a part, but the biggest reasons are the labor and time it takes to create something one-of-a-kind.

Despite its expense, it doesn’t mean custom framing isn’t worth paying for—it just depends on what you’re actually framing.

Why custom framing costs so much

Custom framing is expensive because it combines several elements that don’t scale efficiently: specialized labor, long production times, quality materials, and one-off production.

Labor and production times

Custom framing is a very labor-intensive process. It generally starts with a design consultation with the customer, in which various frames, mats, and other options are discussed. Once that is established, materials have to be ordered if they’re not already in stock. Frame moulding and mats must be measured, remeasured, and cut. Then the artwork is mounted, and everything is carefully assembled. All in all, this process can take several hours just for one frame.

Materials cost

Custom framers use quality framing materials, including acid-free mats, archival backing boards, and UV-protecting glass or acrylic. Pricing will vary depending on what you order, but even the cheapest options will generally be better than most mass-produced frames. According to the framers I’ve talked to, glass and acrylic in particular can be very costly, especially for larger sizes.

Retail overhead

As a business owner myself, I can tell you that most people vastly underestimate how much it costs just to keep the lights running. Custom frame shops also require a variety of very expensive, specialized machines used to help assemble frames (which are pricey to repair as well). Add in rent, insurance, and all the normal business expenses, and it compounds quickly. These expenses are then baked into the price of service.

“Frame consultation” by Callahanb, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)

Why are ready-made (prebuilt) frames so much cheaper than custom frames?

If all of this is so resource-intensive, why are ready-made frames so much cheaper? I think this is at the heart of why custom framing prices feel so offensive. If I can buy a $20 frame from Ikea, why does it cost $100+ to make the same size frame at a custom frame shop?

Companies that make mass-produced frames benefit immensely from economies of scale. Unlike a custom frame shop, which can only order frame materials in small quantities at a time, mass-produced frame manufacturers can order parts in the tens of thousands at a fraction of the cost per unit. Labor costs, too, are much less intensive, in part because production is often offshored to countries where it’s cheaper, but also because when you are creating thousands of 16x20 frames at a time, there’s no need for human measuring and cutting over and over again—a machine automates it.

So, if you can buy a ready-made frame for a fraction of the cost, does it ever make sense to go to a custom framer?

To be honest, I think for most framing needs the answer is no. Whenever a customer buys a print from my shop and asks about custom framing, I generally don’t suggest it, as it’s too expensive to justify. However, there are several circumstances in which custom framing is absolutely worth the money you will pay for it.

When is it worth it to get something custom framed?

There are several scenarios in which it is worth the cost to go to a custom framer.

What you’re framing is very valuable or very fragile

Say you’re framing an expensive, one-of-a-kind artwork, or a very old, very fragile photograph of your grandparents. If something has a lot of value to you, it is worthwhile to have a professional frame it. Not only will they handle your piece with the utmost care, but they will also have the knowledge, archival tools, and materials to frame it in such a way that protects it from damage and degradation over the years.

What you’re framing is unusual in size or shape

Mass-produced frames only come in so many different sizes, and sometimes it’s impossible to find a pre-made frame in the size that you need. You can consider cutting or trimming what you want to frame into the size that fits a pre-built frame, but if you don’t want to do that (I generally don’t recommend this), then you’ll have to get a custom frame made.

A note: This is why at AnnaPrintsCo we only sell art prints in common frame sizes. We want it to be as cheap as possible to frame your prints.

Also, if you want to get something framed that isn’t flat (say, a jersey, medallion, or a collection of small items), a custom framer will be able to create specialized frames that can hold your items and arrange them inside in a neat, beautiful way.

You are looking for something bespoke and one of a kind

The beginning of a custom frame job starts with a consultation where you bring in the artwork and find the perfect mat and moulding to best accentuate your art. Custom frame shops generally have hundreds of mat and moulding options and can create many unique and interesting combinations that would be impossible to find in a pre-built frame. Personally, I love frames with thick, intricate moulding, yet it’s difficult to find ready-made frames like that. My local custom framers, on the other hand, have several moulding options in that style to pick from. Other parts, like glare-free glass or textured mats, are also hard to find in pre-built frames, yet are almost always offered in custom frame shops.

You are looking for the highest quality frame

Custom framers know how to create a beautiful and sturdy product. While not all mass-produced frames are flimsy or low-quality, they can sometimes be hit or miss. Also, they don’t always use archival materials. Custom framers, on the other hand, generally offer higher-quality and archival-grade materials, and many shops can build to true conservation standards if needed. Plus, if there’s any issue with your frame after you take it home, most frame shops allow you to return it for them to fix.

A final note (if you’re serious about getting something custom framed)

Some major chains like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby offer custom framing. Many of them do a wonderful job and have professionally trained framers on staff, but not all of them do. Often, you’ll get regular store employees who have only gone through a short training process. I highly recommend checking out an independently owned frame store instead, which should have a higher likelihood of skilled labor to handle your framing needs.

Conclusion

A beautiful frame can truly elevate a piece of artwork, and a well-made frame can protect it for many decades. Custom framing guarantees both of these, yet because it requires skilled technical labor, it can be quite expensive. As such, ready-made frames are generally the best and most cost-effective option for most framing needs, but in certain situations, a custom frame job is worth the price and may save you money in the long run.