Table of Contents

• The short answer before the long story
• Custom versus off the shelf
• Materials matter more than people realise
• The hidden work people never see
• Labour and overheads are real
• Design is part of the value
• Comparing custom and mass production
• Protection is not optional
• Why the price feels higher at first glance
• Why people still choose it
• A quick word on Mulbury
• Final Thoughts

The short answer before the long story

Handmade framing is expensive for several reasons and none of them are about fancy jargon or inflated egos. It comes down to time, materials, skill and care. A handmade piece is not pulled from a shelf. It is built around you, your space and your artwork or object. That difference alone can significantly impact the final outcome and the way your walls feel every single day.

Custom versus off the shelf

A ready-made frame is designed to fit standard photos and prints. These are made to standard-sized formats, often using mdf, produced in huge quantities and shipped worldwide. They suit standard sizes and styles and that is their strength.

But what if your piece is non-standard. What if it is a custom-sized print, a textile, a record sleeve or something truly one-of-a-kind. That is where custom work steps in.

Custom frames often need to be built from scratch to fit your artwork rather than forcing the artwork to fit the frame. That difference changes everything.

Materials matter more than people realise

When people ask about the materials used, they are often surprised. Handmade framing uses carefully chosen components that support art preservation and long-term preservation.

Think solid hardwood instead of composite board. Think acid-free backings and carefully selected mats and openings. Think glass or acrylic options including uv-protective finishes that help protect your artwork from fading.

These choices require more materials and higher grade inputs. They are not cosmetic upgrades. They exist to protect and preserve pieces that may be valuable or irreplaceable or simply meaningful in a deeply personal way.

The hidden work people never see

The framing process is detailed and surprisingly hands on. Custom framing involves consultation, design, sourcing, cutting, joining, fitting and finishing.

Every piece begins with precise measurements. A fraction out and the whole thing feels off. A frame takes time because accuracy matters. There is no shortcut button.

This is where framing requires skilled attention. True craftsmanship relies on skilled labor, not automation. That expertise is learned over years, not weekends.

Labour and overheads are real

It is easy to forget the human side. Labour is not just hands on tools. It is experience, judgement and care. Add to that costs such as rent, power, tools, insurance and yes even overhead vosts that come with running a local workshop.

These elements quietly contribute to the cost and add to the overall cost of each framing project.

Design is part of the value

A good framer does not just build. They guide. Choosing the right frame is about balance, tone and proportion. A well-chosen frame elevates the visual appeal and creates lasting visual impact.

The goal is a selected frame that suits your artwork, your home and your sense of interior design. It is not about trends. It is about longevity.

Comparing custom and mass production

When you compare custom framing with mass production, the differences become obvious. Frames are often made in factories overseas, mass-produced, stacked high and shipped far.

Custom work is local, intentional and personal. It allows you to personalise, customize and truly connect with the finished piece.

This is why framing can vary so much in cost. It depends on framing needs, framing materials, design complexity and finish.

Protection is not optional

If you are looking to frame something special, protection matters. A piece of valuable artwork deserves thoughtful care. Using proven conservation methods ensures your framed artwork ages gracefully rather than fading or warping.

This is particularly important for artwork or memorabilia that holds emotional value. Yes, even the memorabile from a family moment deserves respect.

Why the price feels higher at first glance

The high cost of custom framing is not about luxury for luxury’s sake. It reflects the cost of materials, the time involved and the expertise required to create custom frames properly.

The price of custom frames reflects craftsmanship, not shortcuts. When people ask about the cost of custom, they are really asking what lasts longer and looks better over time.

That is the real answer to why picture framing so expensive feels confronting initially.

Why people still choose it

People choose custom framing because it offers confidence. Confidence that the perfect frame for your artwork exists. Confidence that the piece will age well. Confidence that the result is a worthwhile investment.

A custom approach also offers flexibility that framing offers beyond the obvious. You can design for light, space and mood. You can support art preservation without compromise.

A quick word on Mulbury

At Mulbury, we approach this craft a little differently. Our work is grounded in handcraft, sustainability and storytelling. We use reclaimed timbers, minimise waste and design with purpose.

Our aim is not to upsell. It is to make framing feel approachable, honest and human. We believe a high-quality result should feel good on the wall and in your conscience.

Final thoughts

So why handmade framing costs more than expected is because it is slower. Because it is thoughtful. Because it respects your specific artwork rather than treating it like an afterthought.

The next time you wonder about framing shops or consider your next custom framing decision, remember this. You are not just buying timber and glass. You are investing in care, skill and longevity.

And honestly, that feels like money well spent. Especially when you smile every time you walk past it. That is the bit no receipt ever shows.

Get in touch - we'd love to help you!

To make an enquiry, please head to our Shadow Box Frame page, Custom Framing Page or Floating Frame Page and fill out the form or head straight to our standard size picture frames.

Prefer to pick up the phone? Call us on 03 9532 3424

Email: hello@mulbury.com.au

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