About CustomPictureFrames.com
The Flagship Destination for Professional-Quality Picture Framing
Mural logo done by Art By Alysia
How We Build Custom Picture Frames
CustomPictureFrames.com operates a full-scale framing workshop in the United States where every order is built by hand from raw moulding stock. We do not dropship, outsource, or assemble from pre-made kits. Each frame passes through a five-stage production line: moulding selection, double-miter cutting, V-nail corner joining, glazing and mat assembly, and final finishing before being packed into our proprietary frame boxes and shipped to your door.
Where We Started
CustomPictureFrames.com started as a passion project back in 2015. Anthony Fontana, founder and still our CEO, was framing pieces out of his home for friends and family who wanted gallery-quality work without paying frame-shop prices. No showroom, no middleman. Just a guy who knew framing well and was willing to do it right.
Word got out the way it usually does. Someone hung a finished piece on their wall, a friend asked where it came from, and pretty soon strangers were emailing for quotes. The home setup couldn't keep up. So Anthony rented a small shop, hired his first framer, and kept going.
Today we're a full-scale workshop in Somerset, New Jersey, with a team of framers building every order to size by hand. New equipment, more materials, a real workshop floor. The idea Anthony started with hasn't budged.
We still answer our own phones. We still rebuild any frame that doesn't pass inspection. And we still believe a good frame shouldn't be a luxury.
A More Controlled Framing Experience
CustomPictureFrames.com combines modern design tools with disciplined production processes, giving customers control without complexity.
Our interactive designer allows you to:
- Specify exact dimensions
- Choose frame profiles, matting, and glazing
- Preview your frame before ordering
- See pricing update in real time
What you design is what we build.
Our Manufacturing Process
Production begins with kiln-dried moulding stock held at 6-8% moisture content in a climate-controlled warehouse. A Pistorius double-miter saw cuts each rail to within 1/8 inch of the specified dimension. Cut rails move to the V-nail underpinner station, where corrugated fasteners are driven at 90 degrees through both mitered faces simultaneously. This mechanical joint resists separation under the combined weight of the acrylic, matting, and artwork.
After joining, frames are inspected for corner gap closure, miter alignment, and profile consistency before moving to glazing and mat assembly.
Same Frame, Same Way, Every Time
Many of our customers return because they need repeatable results. The same frame, built the same way, every time.
Whether you're ordering one frame or many, the process remains consistent.
Materials We Trust
We source mouldings from mills that kiln-dry hardwood to strict moisture specifications. Our mat boards are acid-free, stocked in 45 colors. Glazing inventory includes frame shop grade acrylic and non-glare acrylic with low reflection. Backing boards are archival corrugated or archival foam core.
All mounting tapes, hinge strips, and adhesive products meet archival standards.
How Our Pricing Works
You'll see pricing as you build your frame. There are no hidden charges and no last-minute surprises.
Because every frame is custom-made to order, items are final sale when produced correctly. If a frame arrives damaged or does not meet production specifications, we address it promptly.
Who Frames With Us
CustomPictureFrames.com supports a wide range of customers, including:
Our process scales cleanly across use cases without sacrificing precision.
Quality Standards
Every frame undergoes a multi-point inspection before packing. Inspectors verify corner gap closure, miter alignment within 0.5 degrees, mat opening accuracy to 1/8 inch, glazing cleanliness, and dust cover adhesion. Frames that fail any checkpoint are rebuilt, not repaired.
Our rejection rate drives continuous improvement in tooling calibration and operator training. If a frame does not meet specification, we rebuild and reship at no charge.
Production and Logistics
- Standard production: typically ships in 3-5 business days
- Rush production: available by request
- Shipping: standard ground service via major carriers
- Local pickup & drop-off: available in Somerset, NJ by appointment
Our goal is to keep picture framing predictable, efficient, and professional from order to delivery.
Heritage and Mission
CustomPictureFrames.com is part of a family of shops built just for framing. We make frames at custom frame shop quality, without the high markup of a retail frame shop.
We use sharp tools, pro-grade materials, and a team trained to frame shop standards. Your frame stays strong and looks right for decades.
See the Difference Precision Makes
Build an archival frame in our designer. Pick from 82 frame styles, 45 mat colors, and two acrylic glazing options.
Design your frame online, or contact our team if you have questions.
Precision-cut custom frames, built to your exact specifications.
