A lot goes into the make-up of a complete picture frame. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming trying to wade through all the terms and keywords associated with a picture frame listing. So we will attempt to describe some of the products that we use and talk about on a daily basis here at our facility. Hopefully this will give you a better understanding of what exactly it is that you are buying. There is nothing worse than getting excited about a purchase only to find that the item you recieve isn't quite what you thought you would be getting. We want you to be excited because you KNOW what you are getting...a quality product from us!

Acrylic

We offer acrylic as an upgrade to styrene in our larger frames. Acrylic is a crystal clear durable piece of .06" thick sheeting that acts as a protective barrier for your print from the elements. It is a lightweight material that serves as a great alternative to glass. Acrylic serves us well in larger picture frames because of its durability during shippment and it clearly showcases your framed art.

Styrene

If you have ever purchased a poster frame then you have more than likely dealt with styrene. It is lightweight but durable and offers affordable protection when used in larger frames. We use a clear styrene that is .04" thick. *STYRENE IS INCLUDED WITH ALL FRAMES THAT ARE 12x18 OR LARGER.

Hanging Hardware

Frames that are larger than 12x18 inches in size include hanging hardware that still needs to be attached to the frame before it can be hung on a wall. Some assembly is required. Hanging hardware includes: (1) 1" Nail, (1) 30# capacity Wall Hanger, (1) 9'6" length of Hanging Wire, (2) D-Rings, (2) 1/2" Screws.

Easel Backing

Picture frames can be displayed on more than just walls. In order to showcase a frame on a table or mantle you will need an easel. This is basically a kick-stand for your picture frame. We offer easel backings as an add-on option to the purchase of any frame measuring 8x10 inches or smaller. You can also buy easels attached to rigid backings without a frame purchase.

Picture Frame Backing

This backing material is non-corrugated cardboard and is 1/8" thick. It provides a rigid backbone and great looking backing for any picture frame measuring 12x18 inches and smaller.

Poster Frame Backing

Corrugated cardboard backing is used in many of our larger poster frames. We have found that this material provides lightweight stiffness and durability in our poster frames at an affordable cost.

Ash

Ash is popular among framers and cabinet makers because it produces a bold, open grain pattern and is fairly course. This wood creates a lightweight but sturdy frame with a distinct finish.

Basswood

A recent addition to our lineup is basswood. This soft wood tends to have subtle coloring. It offers a fine, uniform texture and a fairly straight grain. It is a popular choice among hobbyists.

Oak

Oak wood situates itself as one of the premier wood products in the framing industry. Oak offers a fairly straight, open grain and distinctive color variations. Quartersawn oak is a unique way of milling the wood. This method has created some wonderful period pieces and creates a very rich and distinct finish.

Pine

Pine tends to have an open, wide grain and a fairly rough finish. Even though pine has great overall strength, durability and great finish qualities it is usually quite affordable.

Poplar

Like ash, poplar wood makes for lightweight but durable frames. Poplar displays a smooth, soft wood grain finish. Poplar is also commonly used to make popcicle sticks.

MDF

MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers which are then bound together and formed with heat and pressure. As a picture frame material MDF provides durability at an affordable cost. It possesses no natural grain pattern or knots.

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a vinyl polymer material...more commonly known as plastic. This material can be injection molded so it allows for a wide variety of frame styles. It is a light weight, cost effective frame option.

Matting

Matting is that colored border that you sometimes see between the frame and the print. It adds a touch of color, style, and class. Our Crescent mats are .05" in thickness, are PH neutral, and have a cream core. Our matting is precision-cut using high volume, robotic cutting machines.