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How Much Should Custom Framing Cost?
How Much Should Custom Framing Cost?
It depends on size, materials, and how it’s done. Here’s how WE keep it simple, high quality, and affordable.
Custom framing costs vary depending on artwork size, chosen materials, and whether you Do-It-Yourself or have it professionally framed. At American Frame, we simplify the process, use premium materials, and make it easy to achieve professional results within your budget, with style.
What Goes into the Cost of Custom Framing?
When you understand what drives the cost of custom framing, you can make informed choices that fit your artwork and your budget. Four key elements affect price:
1. Size
How big is your artwork, and how large would you like to frame it?
We ask this question because size isn’t just a matter of measurement; it’s about intention. Framing can make a small piece feel grand with the right matting and proportions, or it can be scaled down to stay within a specific budget. Naturally, larger frames require more materials and labor, which increases cost. Shipping oversized work is also a cost consideration.
2. Materials
Do you prefer standard or premium materials?
You can achieve a professional, museum-quality presentation using our —an easy way to save while maintaining a refined look.
Premium options like veneered metals, American Hardwoods, Elite Hardwoods, and Optium Museum Acrylic are ideal for important artwork and photography, offering exceptional performance and visual depth.
3. Type of Work
The kind of art you’re framing also matters.
A canvas may only need a floater frame, while photographs, prints, and works on paper typically require mat board, acrylic, and backing boards. The combination of materials needed to protect and present your art directly affects overall cost.
4. Labor (DIY vs. Full Service)
Are you framing it yourself or opting for professional assembly?
DIY custom framing kits are an easy, affordable way to save on framing, without compromising quality. This is a framing solution artists have relied on for over 50 years.
Full-service framing, whether through your local shop or a Send-In-Your-Art program like ours, includes professional assembly, packaging, and presentation, at an added cost.
Bonus Factor: Overhead & Efficiency
Operating costs also influence what you pay.
For example, a boutique frame shop in Manhattan has higher expenses than a national manufacturer like American Frame. Our scale, efficiency, and Midwest location keep our prices lower, without cutting corners on quality.
The American Frame Advantage: Quality, Efficiency & Transparency
American Frame was founded on the belief that custom framing should be simple, accessible, and affordable, providing lasting value to those who create, those who exhibit, and those who collect.
Since our beginnings in 1973, our pricing has been 100% transparent. Every product has always been priced by the inch and clearly displayed at every step of our online Custom Frame Builder. You see exactly what you’re paying for, no bundled pricing and no hidden markups.
Our customers benefit from:
- Scale and purchasing power that keep costs low.
- Strong supplier relationships and trusted American manufacturing.
- Expert craftsmanship from our Northwest Ohio facility.
- Exceptional customer service co-located with production for quick, informed support.
Transparency is one of our core values. We believe you deserve to know what you’re buying, where it’s made, and why it matters. Some online framing providers exaggerate or obscure material details; American Frame provides clarity. We tell you exactly what you’re getting and how it benefits your art.
Your Framing Options With American Frame
The service that started it all, and still our most favored.
Simply choose a frame by browsing our collections, enter your artwork’s dimensions, and our online design tool guides you through each step. We will ship a precisely cut, custom frame kit with everything you need to assemble it yourself, priced by the inch for exactly what you choose.
Prefer us to handle it?
Send your artwork to our experts or upload a digital file for printing and framing. We’ll take care of the rest. (Please note: We don’t recommend mailing irreplaceable or high-value pieces. Take those to a trusted local shop or visit us in-person at our showroom).
For the fastest, most economical option, shop our Ready-to-Ship line. These handcrafted American-made frames are offered in standard sizes with the same high-quality craftsmanship as our custom frames. Add mats or spacers to personalize the look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Framing Costs
Q: What’s the average labor cost for framing?
A: Labor costs vary by provider and location, but full-service custom framing typically adds $40–$100+, depending on complexity and materials.
Q: Why does custom framing cost so much?
A: It doesn’t have to. At American Frame, each custom frame is made-to-order using precise cuts, quality materials, and skilled craftsmanship, making our DIY option approachable. Keep in mind that factors like artwork size, frame style, glazing or acrylic type, mat board type and quality, and whether you choose DIY or full-service framing all affect the price.
Q: What’s the average price to frame a picture?
A: For a medium art print (around 16x20 inches), custom framing generally ranges from $75 to $250, depending on your selections.
Q: How much should I pay for a frame?
A: DIY custom framing kits at American Frame start around $35, while premium full-service frames for large or high-end art can exceed $400+ per frame. How much you spend will depend on your purpose, style and budget.
Would you like expert guidance?
Our team is here to help you design your next frame with confidence. Book your appointment today.
