Custom picture framing costs $50 to $365 per frame in 2026
Custom picture framing costs $50 to $365 per frame in 2026. Size is the biggest driver, then the mat, the glass and the wood. Framebridge charges $70 for an extra small print and $365 for its largest physical item, with mat, hardware and shipping included. CustomPictureFrames.com lists a 16x20 frame at $65 to $85 for an entry build and $175 to $230 for a premium build. Large pieces with archival work cost far more.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| CustomPictureFrames.com | CustomPictureFrames.com lists a 16x20 frame at $65 to $85 entry, $110 to $145 mid and $175 to $230 premium, and 24x36 conservation frames at $600 to $900. |
| Framebridge | Framebridge lists prints from $70 (extra small) to $300 (grand) and physical items from $85 to $365, with mat, hardware and shipping included. |
| Michaels Custom Framing | Michaels Custom Framing shows 10 minute framing for $29 and sale priced frames from $50.10 to $212.10. |
Custom framing prices by size and tier
| Size or tier | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 16x20 entry tier | $65 to $85 | CustomPictureFrames.com |
| 16x20 mid tier | $110 to $145 | CustomPictureFrames.com |
| 16x20 premium tier | $175 to $230 | CustomPictureFrames.com |
| 24x36 conservation frame | $600 to $900 | CustomPictureFrames.com |
| Extra small print (up to 5x7) | $70 | Framebridge |
| Medium print (up to 12x18) | $125 | Framebridge |
| Large physical item (up to 18x24) | $200 | Framebridge |
| Grand physical item (up to 32x40) | $365 | Framebridge |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Frame size | Bigger frames need more wood, more mat board and more glazing. Framebridge's price climbs from $70 for an extra small print to $300 for its grand size. |
| Moulding | The frame wood sets much of the price. CustomPictureFrames.com says moulding runs $5 to $60 or more per linear foot, so a plain frame costs less than fine hardwood. |
| Mat board | Basic acid free mats are cheap, while cotton rag mats protect art longer. CustomPictureFrames.com lists mat board from $5 to $50 depending on the grade you choose. |
| Glazing | Clear acrylic costs less than non glare acrylic. At 16x20 size, CustomPictureFrames.com lists acrylic at $15 to $35, and its premium build uses non glare acrylic. |
| Mounting and labor | Simple assembly costs less than careful mounting with hinges. CustomPictureFrames.com lists labor from $25 to $200 depending on how hard the mounting job is. |
What the price includes
A custom frame price usually covers the moulding, mat, glazing, backing and assembly. Framebridge says its price also includes hanging hardware and shipping, and its two largest sizes add a $25 shipping fee. Conservation mounting, special glass and very large sizes cost extra. Ask for each part as a line on the quote before you pay. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Custom framing is sold by local frame shops, craft store framing counters and online framers. Each bills a little differently. A shop usually adds up the moulding, mat, glazing, backing and labor into one total. CustomPictureFrames.com shows that math, such as an $85 entry build made of $25 moulding, $8 mat, $18 acrylic, $4 backing and $30 assembly. Online framers like Framebridge charge one flat price by size, with mat, hardware and shipping included. Craft stores such as Michaels list set prices for quick jobs, like 10 minute framing at $29. Ask which method the shop uses, then compare totals for the same size and the same glass.
When you need this
You need custom framing when a standard store frame does not fit. That happens with odd sizes, thick canvases, old photos, diplomas and original art. It also helps when you want a mat or special glass. If the piece is a cheap print in a common size, a ready made frame may be enough. If the piece cannot be replaced, a custom build with better materials is the safer choice.
How to judge your quote
- Does the quote list the moulding, mat, glazing and labor as separate lines?
- Is the glass clear acrylic or non glare acrylic, and does it fit the art?
- Are hanging hardware and shipping or pickup in the price?
- Do you have the total in writing for your exact size before work starts?
- Compare the total with the range above: $50 to $365 per frame for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Pick an entry build for prints and posters. CustomPictureFrames.com shows a 16x20 entry frame at $65 to $85, while its premium build costs $175 to $230.
- Match the glass to the art. Clear acrylic is fine for most prints, so skip non glare acrylic unless the piece hangs where light bounces off the glass.
- Compare your local quote to a flat size price from an online framer such as Framebridge, where the mat, hardware and shipping are in one price.
- Ask a craft store about quick framing for simple jobs. Michaels Custom Framing lists 10 minute framing at $29, though that is not a full custom build.
- Save museum grade work for original art. For a print you can replace, use the entry build and spend the difference on a bigger mat.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from CustomPictureFrames.com, Framebridge and Michaels Custom Framing. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a 16x20 custom frame cost?
CustomPictureFrames.com lists $65 to $85 for an entry build. A mid build is $110 to $145 and a premium build is $175 to $230.
What does Framebridge charge?
Framebridge lists prints from $70 for extra small up to $300 for its grand size. Physical items run $85 to $365. Mat, hardware and shipping are included.
Is custom framing worth the cost?
It is worth it for original art and pieces you want to last. CustomPictureFrames.com says its conservation build uses cotton rag mats and fine hardwood. For a cheap print, an entry build is enough.
Why are large frames so expensive?
They use more wood, mat and glazing. CustomPictureFrames.com lists 24x36 conservation frames at $600 to $900. Framebridge adds a $25 shipping fee to its two largest sizes.
Can I get a frame done fast?
Michaels Custom Framing lists 10 minute framing for $29 and says it is ready today. Full custom builds with special mats take longer.