Is Picture Framing More Expensive Than Artwork?
Friday, July 10, 1998–The nationwide average cost to custom-frame a picture rose to $104.46 over the last year. This is according to a mail-in survey of professional picture framers who subscribe to Decor Magazine. The Decor Magazine poll postulated a standard frame job to consist of a 16″x20″ hardwood frame, with a single rectangular window mat cut from regular matboard, drymounting, and glazing with regular glass. By comparison, in a fan-run picture framing business (EASyFrame Custom Matting & Picture Framing), the price for a similar framing job remains at $63.52, just 61% of the national average cost. Further, although the national average was computed using standard paper mats and regular glass, EASyFrame’s comparison was computed using archival cotton mat board and a plastic glazing that provides greater ultraviolet-light protection and shatter-resistance. While fan art has long been priced well below comparative commercial products, this survey is the first to indicate that the
