You have a piece of art you love. Maybe it’s a print you bought on holiday. A certificate you want to display. A family photo that deserves more than a cheap plastic frame.
But you’re hesitating because you’ve heard the rumours: “Custom framing is expensive.”
Here’s the truth: custom framing costs more than a ready-made frame from a big-box store. But it’s also a completely different product. And once you understand why it costs what it costs, you’ll see the value – and know how to get the best result for your budget.
At Art On Anything, we’ve framed hundreds of pieces for Pretoria homeowners. We’ve never upsold anyone. We’ve never hidden our prices. This guide tells you exactly what you’re paying for – and how to make smart choices.
Why Custom Framing Costs More Than Ready-Made
A ready-made frame from a discount store costs R100 – R300. A custom frame for the same size artwork might cost R600 – R1,500.
Here’s why:
| Ready-Made Frame | Custom Frame (Art On Anything) | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Cheap wood or plastic, thin backing, basic glass | Solid wood moulding, acid-free mat, UV glass (optional) |
| Fit | One size fits most (art may need trimming) | Perfectly measured to your artwork |
| Mat | Rarely included (or cheap, non-acidic) | Acid-free mat (prevents yellowing) |
| Assembly | Stapled or glued corners | Joined corners (stronger, cleaner) |
| Hardware | Flimsy sawtooth hanger | Professional D-rings and wire |
| Longevity | 5 – 10 years (then warps, fades, or falls apart) | 30 – 50+ years (heirloom quality) |
A ready-made frame is a disposable product. A custom frame is an heirloom.
The 4 Components of a Custom Frame (And What Each Costs)
When you order a custom frame, you’re paying for four separate components. Understanding each one helps you decide where to spend more – and where you can save.
1. The Moulding (The Frame Itself)
What it is: The wood or metal profile that goes around the outside.
What affects price:
- Wood type (pine is affordable, oak or walnut cost more)
- Width and thickness (thicker = more material = higher cost)
- Ornate detailing (carved profiles cost more than simple ones)
- Finish (painted or stained is standard; gilded or metallic costs extra)
Typical range per metre: R80 – R350
How to save: Choose a simple, medium-width wood frame in black, white, or natural pine. Avoid very thick or very ornate mouldings.
2. The Mat (The Cardboard Border)
What it is: The acid-free board that sits between the artwork and the frame. It creates breathing room and adds visual depth.
What affects price:
- Mat width (wider mats cost more)
- Number of mats (single is standard; double or triple mats cost more)
- Colour (basic white or cream is cheapest; specialty colours cost more)
Typical range per mat: R80 – R250
How to save: Use a single, standard-width white or cream mat. Fancy colours or double mats can wait for your most important pieces.
3. The Glass
What it is: The clear protective layer over the artwork.
What affects price:
| Type | Cost (Relative) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard glass | $ | Budget, low-glare not needed |
| Non-glare glass | $$ | Rooms with windows opposite the art |
| UV-protective glass | $$$ | Valuable or sentimental art (prevents fading) |
| UV + non-glare | $$$$ | Premium protection + visibility |
Typical range for an A2 frame: R100 – R500
How to save: Start with standard glass. You can always upgrade later (UV glass can be retrofitted to an existing frame).
4. The Backing + Hardware
What it is: The foam board or hardboard behind the art, plus the hanging hardware (wire, D-rings, bumpons).
What affects price:
- Material (foam board is standard; archival board costs more)
- Frame weight (heavier frames need stronger hardware)
Typical range: R50 – R150
How to save: None needed – this is the smallest part of the cost. Never skip on proper hardware; a fallen frame damages the art and the floor.
Real Pricing Examples (What Our Customers Pay)
These are actual prices for custom framing at Art On Anything. Your exact quote may vary based on moulding choice, mat width, and glass type.
| Artwork Size | Frame Only (basic moulding, no mat) | Frame + Mat (standard moulding) | Premium (thick wood + UV glass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 (21 x 29.7cm) | R220 – R350 | R320 – R480 | R450 – R650 |
| A3 (29.7 x 42cm) | R340 – R520 | R460 – R680 | R620 – R880 |
| A2 (42 x 59.4cm) | R520 – R780 | R680 – R980 | R900 – R1,350 |
| A1 (59.4 x 84.1cm) | R780 – R1,150 | R1,000 – R1,480 | R1,380 – R2,100 |
| A0 (84.1 x 118.9cm) | R1,150 – R1,800 | R1,550 – R2,300 | R2,100 – R3,200 |
All prices exclude glass (add R80 – R500 depending on size and type).
What these prices include:
- Custom-cut moulding (joined corners, ready to hang)
- Acid-free mat (where selected)
- Foam core backing
- Professional hanging hardware (wire, D-rings, bumpons)
- Assembly and cleaning
- Ready to hang
How to Get the Look for Less (Without Sacrificing Quality)
You don’t need to spend the maximum to get a beautiful result. Here’s our honest advice:
Strategy 1: Use Standard Frame Sizes
Custom frames cost more when we have to cut moulding to an unusual size. If your artwork is a standard size (A4, A3, A2, A1, A0), we can use pre-cut materials and pass the savings to you.
Tip: When buying art online, choose standard sizes whenever possible.
Strategy 2: Skip the Mat (Or Use a Narrow Mat)
Mats add cost and visual space. If your art already has a white border (e.g., a limited edition print), you may not need an additional mat.
Tip: A very narrow mat (15mm – 20mm) gives a cleaner look than no mat at all, without costing as much as a wide mat.
Strategy 3: Choose Simple Moulding
Ornate, carved, or deep-profile mouldings look stunning – but they cost more. A simple flat wood frame in black, white, or natural pine works in 80% of homes.
Tip: Spend your money on the art, not the frame. The frame’s job is to support, not compete.
Strategy 4: Frame Multiple Pieces at Once
Ordering five frames at once costs less per frame than ordering them one at a time. We can cut all the moulding in one run, saving labour and material waste.
Tip: Save your art until you have several pieces ready to frame. Or build a gallery wall over time and frame in batches.
Strategy 5: Start with Standard Glass
Upgrade to UV or non-glare glass later. Standard glass protects the art from dust and damage. You can swap it out for premium glass as your budget allows.
What About Framing Unusual Items?
We also frame items that don’t fit in standard frames:
| Item | Special Requirements | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sports jersey | Deep shadow box, acid-free backing, UV glass recommended | R1,200 – R2,500 |
| Medals or pins | Custom-cut mat with recesses for each medal | R800 – R1,800 |
| 3D art or memorabilia | Extra-deep spacer or shadow box | R1,000 – R2,200 |
| Large mirror | Heavy-duty frame, reinforced hanging hardware | R1,500 – R4,000 |
Contact us for a firm quote – these vary significantly based on size and complexity.
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Framing
We see it all the time. A customer brings us an old frame they bought somewhere else. It’s falling apart. The mat has turned yellow and brittle. The art is stained from the cheap backing board.
Here’s what happens when you choose the cheapest option:
| Problem | Timeline | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Mat turns yellow | 5 – 10 years | Replace mat (costs as much as a new frame) |
| Backing board acid burns the art | 10 – 15 years | Art is permanently stained – cannot fix |
| Frame corners separate | 3 – 8 years | Re-glue or re-frame (labour cost) |
| Hanging hardware fails | Anytime | Art falls, glass breaks, frame shatters |
A cheap frame costs you twice: once for the frame, and again to fix the damage it causes.
A quality custom frame costs more upfront. But it protects your art for decades. If the art matters to you, the frame is not where you cut corners.
What Our Customers Say About Cost
“I was nervous about the price. But when Art On Anything explained exactly what I was paying for – the wood, the mat, the labour – I understood. And when I saw the finished frame on my wall, I realised my cheap old frames had been doing my art a disservice for years.”
— Linda, Pretoria East
“They gave me three quotes: budget, mid-range, and premium. No pressure. I chose the mid-range and I’m thrilled. My wedding photo finally looks like it belongs on the wall, not just stuck there.”
— Michael, Centurion
How to Get a Quote from Art On Anything
We make it easy:
| Step | What You Do | What We Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measure your artwork (or bring it in) | Confirm the size |
| 2 | Tell us your budget (R500? R1,500? R3,000?) | Stay within it – we never upsell |
| 3 | Choose from 80+ moulding samples | Help you narrow down to 3–5 options |
| 4 | Pick your glass (standard, non-glare, UV) | Explain the difference without jargon |
| 5 | Approve the quote | Frame it within 3–7 days |
You can do this in person at our Pretoria workshop, or via WhatsApp with photos.
WhatsApp: +27 64 504 6275
Final Verdict: Is Custom Framing Worth It?
| If you have… | Custom framing is… |
|---|---|
| A cheap poster you might replace next year | Probably not worth it – buy a ready-made frame |
| A family photo you want to keep forever | Absolutely worth it (protect it with acid-free materials) |
| An original piece of art (painting, limited edition print) | Non-negotiable (protect your investment) |
| A certificate or diploma | Worth it – it will hang for decades |
| A gallery wall of mixed art | Worth it – matching frames create cohesion |
| A piece you’re framing as a gift | Worth it – a custom frame shows you care |
Our rule: If the art matters to you, the frame should protect it. Buy the best frame you can afford – and if you can only afford the basics, we’ll help you choose the basics that won’t damage your art over time.
*Ready to frame something? WhatsApp us a photo of your artwork and your wall. We’ll send you a transparent, no-pressure quote within 24 hours.*
Art On Anything – Art That Speaks
*Hand-stretched in Pretoria. 30mm chunky wood. Ready to hang.*