The Great Frame Up prices depend on frame size, glazing, matting, artwork condition, and whether the job needs conservation materials or specialty work. For a standard custom-framed piece, a practical estimate is $200-$600, with small, simple projects sometimes below $150 and large or premium builds exceeding $1,000; actual store quotes vary by location and design.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small custom frame, up to 11 x 14 in. | $80 | $180 | $350 | Basic frame and standard glazing |
| Medium artwork, about 16 x 20 in. | $150 | $350 | $700 | Matting and upgraded glass increase price |
| Large piece, about 24 x 36 in. | $350 | $750 | $1,500+ | More glazing, frame material, and mounting work |
| Ready-made frame with fitting | $40 | $100 | $250 | Depends on size and any added mats or glazing |
What custom framing at The Great Frame Up usually costs
Most customers should budget about $150-$600 for one custom-framed print, photograph, diploma, or piece of memorabilia in a common size. A reasonable midpoint is roughly $350, assuming a 16 x 20-inch project, a standard wood or metal frame, one mat, ordinary glazing, and no restoration or unusual mounting. These are planning estimates, not a published chain-wide price list; stores quote projects individually.
Small pieces with a simple frame and no mat may cost $80-$180. A medium artwork with a mat and better glass commonly falls around $250-$500. A 24 x 36-inch piece can run $500-$1,200 or more, particularly with UV-filtering glazing, multiple mats, a deep frame, or a heavy object that needs secure mounting. Canvas stretching and framing can start near $150 and exceed $700 for large or complicated work.
For a typical 16 x 20-inch custom job, use $250-$500 as a starting budget and confirm the exact materials in the store quote. Size means the artwork or object dimensions, not necessarily the outside dimensions of the finished frame. Mats and frame width increase the overall footprint, which can also affect shipping or installation if those services are needed.
Assumptions: U.S. retail custom framing, standard access, ordinary artwork, and no restoration; local store pricing and promotions may differ.
How frame, glass, matting, and labor shape the quote
A framing estimate combines materials and hands-on work. Materials generally account for the largest share, while labor covers measuring, cutting, assembly, fitting, and special mounting. A store may quote one project total rather than itemizing every charge, so customers can ask which choices are included and request a revised price for alternatives.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Frame material and molding | $40-$250 per piece | Basic metal or wood versus designer, ornate, or wide profiles |
| Glazing | $20-$250 | Size, regular glass, acrylic, UV protection, or anti-reflective glass |
| Mat board and backing | $20-$120 | One or more mats, conservation board, color, and cutout complexity |
| Fitting and assembly labor | $40-$160 | Artwork handling, assembly detail, and mounting method |
| Specialty mounting or finishing | $30-$250+ | Canvas stretching, object mounts, shadow boxes, or preservation work |
These component ranges are approximate retail allowances, not guaranteed line-item prices. A small project may have a minimum charge that makes labor a larger percentage of the total. A large frame may cost more even when its design is simple because it uses more molding, glazing, and backing. Decorative or archival choices can overlap, so the final quote will not always equal the sum of the ranges above.
A rough labor-planning equivalent is $50-$100 per hour, though shops generally price a finished framing job rather than bill customers by the hour. A straightforward piece may involve about 1-2 hours of combined shop work; complex fitting or object mounting can take several hours.
The most useful quote comparison separates the frame profile, glazing, mat package, mounting, and any specialty labor. If one estimate is far higher, checking those specifications often reveals whether it includes premium glass, conservation materials, or a more involved build.
Why artwork size, glass type, and object depth change prices
Dimensions are a major cost driver because glazing, backing, and frame molding are sold and cut according to size. A piece under 11 x 14 inches can often be framed for $80-$350, while a 24 x 36-inch project may cost $350-$1,500+. Once a frame becomes especially large or heavy, the shop may need stronger construction, acrylic instead of glass, or additional support.
Glazing choices can move a quote by $30-$200 or more. Standard glass is usually the least expensive option. UV-filtering glass costs more but can help reduce fading from ultraviolet exposure; it does not prevent all fading caused by light. Anti-reflective or museum-style glazing may add substantially, especially on large pieces. Acrylic can be useful for oversized work or locations where breakage is a concern, but specialty acrylic may cost more than ordinary glass.
Matting ranges from a single standard mat to layered or conservation-grade boards. One basic mat may add $20-$60, while multiple mats or upgraded boards can add $60-$180 or more. A deep shadow box for an object with 2-4 inches of depth may land around $300-$900, with unusual shapes, secure supports, or fragile contents taking the price higher.
Specify both the artwork dimensions and the object’s depth before comparing estimates. A flat poster and a 3-inch-deep jersey may have similar face dimensions but require very different materials and labor. Conservation mounting, fabric stitching, or a shaped display window can also change the work involved.
How regional labor and store location affect framing estimates
Prices can vary between Great Frame Up locations because stores operate in different local markets and may use different suppliers, labor rates, and product selections. As a broad planning adjustment, a high-cost metro area may run roughly 10%-25% above a national-style estimate, while some lower-cost suburban or rural markets may be 5%-15% below it. These are directional comparisons, not fixed regional price schedules.
Rent and wages can influence the price of custom work, but material selection and project complexity often matter more than the state alone. A premium frame and museum glazing can make a quote high in any market, while a modest frame with standard glass can keep a project within budget in an expensive city. Local sales tax may also be added, and its treatment of framing services or materials depends on state and local rules.
Store-level promotions, seasonal offers, or package deals can change the out-of-pocket total. Customers should check whether a discount applies to custom framing, selected materials, or only particular dates. If the piece is needed by a specific deadline, ask whether the quoted price includes rush handling and whether the requested materials are in stock.
Compare itemized specifications rather than assuming a lower regional quote covers the same build. Two estimates are comparable only when frame dimensions, molding, glazing, matting, backing, and mounting requirements match.
How long fitting takes and when rush work costs more
A simple custom frame commonly takes about 1-3 weeks from design approval to pickup, depending on the store’s workload and material availability. Ready-made frames with fitting may be completed faster, often within several days, while specialty glazing, imported molding, restoration, or object mounting can extend the schedule to 3-6 weeks or longer. The store’s confirmed completion date matters more than a general estimate.
There is no single national rush fee. When expedited work is available, customers may see an added charge of roughly $25-$100 or 10%-25% of the project price, particularly if staff must prioritize the job or source materials quickly. Rush service may not help if a chosen frame profile or glass type is backordered. Confirm the fee and delivery date in writing before approving the design.
Customers can reduce schedule risk by bringing the artwork in early, providing exact deadlines, and deciding on materials during the first visit. Fragile, valuable, or irregular objects should be handled by the framer rather than packed tightly or disassembled at home. For oversized work, ask about pickup, delivery, or installation charges; local delivery may add about $50-$200 depending on distance and handling.
Plan around the material lead time, not just the estimated bench work. A standard frame profile can usually be sourced more quickly than a custom finish or specialty glazing, and last-minute design changes may restart the production clock.
Three sample framing quotes for common projects
The following examples illustrate how specifications affect a plausible retail estimate. They are not official Great Frame Up quotes, and a local store may price the same project differently. The assumed labor rates are planning equivalents rather than a promise that a store bills by the hour.
| Project and specifications | Materials estimate | Labor estimate | Likely total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 10 in. family photo, basic wood frame, standard glass, no mat | $55-$105 | 1-1.5 hours at $50-$85 | $105-$230 |
| 16 x 20 in. art print, one mat, UV glass, midrange frame | $170-$350 | 1.5-2.5 hours at $60-$100 | $260-$600 |
| 24 x 36 in. signed jersey, shadow box, acrylic glazing, fabric mounting | $450-$950 | 3-5 hours at $60-$100 | $630-$1,450 |
In the small-photo example, the absence of matting and specialty glass keeps material use modest, though minimum project pricing may apply. The art print costs more because the larger opening, mat, and UV glass add material expense. The jersey estimate is broad because shadow-box depth, mounting method, and acrylic specification vary considerably.
Use the project closest to the item’s size and construction as a starting point, then adjust for local pricing and chosen materials. Ask the store to show how a basic, midrange, and preservation-focused version would differ in total price.
When ready-made frames or repairs beat a full custom build
A ready-made frame is usually the lowest-cost choice when the artwork fits a standard opening, such as 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 16 x 20, or 24 x 36 inches. A frame may cost $20-$150 before fitting, while adding a mat, new backing, or professional assembly can bring the complete project to about $40-$250. The appearance and fit may be less tailored than a fully custom design.
Custom framing is more useful when the piece has a nonstandard size, needs a precise mat opening, or has meaningful financial or sentimental value. Repairing an existing frame can cost $30-$150 for minor fitting or backing work, while replacing glazing or rebuilding a damaged frame may reach $100-$400. The shop needs to inspect the item before confirming whether repair is economical.
For canvas, customers can compare a simple gallery wrap with adding an outer frame. Stretching a standard canvas may cost about $75-$250 for common sizes, while a decorative outer frame can add $100-$500 or more. A deep or valuable canvas may require careful handling, so the lowest-cost option is not always suitable if it changes the artwork’s support or finish.
Choose custom work for fit, protection, or presentation needs—not simply because the item is valuable. A standard-size print in good condition may look appropriate in a ready-made frame, while an irregular, fragile, or dimensional piece can justify the added cost of custom construction.
Which choices can lower a Great Frame Up quote?
Keep the design simple by choosing one mat, a standard frame profile, and ordinary glazing when the artwork does not require specialized protection. On a medium project, changing from premium glass to standard glass may save roughly $40-$150; selecting a simpler molding can reduce the frame portion by $30-$120. The actual savings depend on size and the store’s available options.
Ask for two or three versions of the same design: a basic functional build, a midrange choice, and a preservation-focused build. That makes it easier to see whether the cost difference comes from glazing, conservation materials, a wider frame, or extra mats. Removing unnecessary decorative layers is often more effective than bargaining over a single material line.
Bring the artwork clean, dry, and ready for framing, but do not trim or tape valuable pieces yourself. Removing old framing may help only if the shop does not need to preserve it, and disassembly can damage fragile paper or fabric. Ask whether fitting an existing frame is possible before buying a new one. Combining several pieces in one visit may save travel, but does not necessarily reduce each frame’s material cost.
Compare at least two local estimates using the same dimensions and specifications. Include tax, delivery, rush charges, and any special mounting in the final comparison. If the piece is not urgent, ask whether a standard production schedule avoids an expedited fee, and check current store promotions without assuming every frame or service qualifies.
The most controllable savings usually come from frame profile, glazing, mat count, and avoiding rushed or unnecessary specialty work. Keep the protection and mounting features that suit the artwork, then simplify the aesthetic choices to fit the budget.