No Products in the Cart
Premium Custom Frames, Shipped Nationwide – Design Yours Today!
You've got a photo, print, or piece of artwork worth displaying, and now comes the decision that trips up almost everyone: do you grab a ready-made frame, or have one made to measure?
Both are good options. They solve different problems. The right choice depends on your item's size, your budget, how soon you need it, and how much you care about getting every detail just right.
At West Coast Frames, we've been handcrafting picture frames since 1928, and we offer both ready-made and custom options. That means we have no reason to push you toward one or the other. This guide lays out the honest tradeoffs so you can decide with confidence.
Ready-made frames (sometimes called stock or off-the-shelf frames) are pre-built in standard sizes like 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14. The frame, glass, and backing are already assembled, so you simply place your photo inside and hang it.
Our ready-made frames include clear glass and a sawtooth hanger, so they're ready to display as soon as they arrive.
A custom frame is built to your exact specifications. You choose the moulding (the frame profile and finish), the size, and often the matting, and the frame is made to order around your piece.
With our Frame Designer, you can upload an image of your photo or artwork, browse hundreds of mouldings and mats, and preview the result before you order. You can choose Frame and Mat, Mat Only, or Frame Only, depending on what you need.
| Factor | Ready-Made Frames | Custom Frames |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing | Standard sizes only | Any dimension |
| Turnaround | Ships quickly | Made to order (about two weeks) |
| Price | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Style choices | Fixed designs | Hundreds of moulding and mat combinations |
| Fit for odd-shaped items | Limited | Excellent |
| Best for | Common photo sizes, fast turnaround | Unique pieces, precise styling |
Price is usually the first question, so let's address it directly.
Ready-made frames cost less because they're produced in standard sizes and styles, which keeps production efficient. Many of our ready-made frames fall in the budget-friendly range, making them a practical choice for family photos and gallery walls.
Custom frames cost more because each one is cut, assembled, and finished to your measurements. You're paying for the exact fit, the wider range of materials, and the added labor.
The better question isn't "which is cheaper?" but "which is better value for this particular piece?" A $25 ready-made frame is a great value for a standard 8x10 school photo. For a one-of-a-kind print or heirloom, a custom frame protects and presents it the way it deserves.
If you remember only one thing from this article, make it this: sizing is usually what decides the question.
Standard photos fit ready-made frames perfectly. But many pieces don't follow standard dimensions:
If you're not sure whether your item is a standard size, our guide to choosing the right picture frame size walks through the most common dimensions and how to measure.
In many cases, you don't have to choose strictly one or the other. Many of our ready-made styles also offer custom sizes on request, so if you love a particular frame but need a different dimension, just ask.
Ready-made frames win on speed. They're built and waiting, so they ship quickly.
Custom frames take longer because each is made to order. Plan on roughly two weeks for your frame to be crafted and shipped. If you have a deadline, such as a wedding, graduation, or holiday gift, order your custom frame early, or choose a ready-made style that fits your timeline.
A common myth is that custom automatically means higher quality, and ready-made means lower. In practice, quality depends on the maker, not the category.
Our ready-made and custom frames are both handcrafted in the USA by a family-owned business with nearly a century of framing experience. What differs is the level of personalization, not the care that goes into the work.
That said, custom framing gives you more control over details that affect long-term preservation, such as matting and glazing choices that protect your piece and keep it from touching the glass.
Choose ready-made if:
Choose custom if:
Not sure? Browse our handcrafted picture frames to see what's available ready-made, or reach out to our team with your item's dimensions and we'll help you decide.
They can be, especially for non-standard sizes, valuable artwork, or sentimental pieces. For a standard-size photo, a ready-made frame is often the smarter value.
Allow about two weeks for your custom frame to be crafted and shipped after you place your order.
Often, yes. Many of our ready-made styles are available in custom sizes on request. Just ask before ordering.
Yes. Our ready-made frames include clear glass and a sawtooth hanger, so they're ready to hang when they arrive.
Yes. Our Frame Designer lets you upload your image and see how it looks with your chosen frame and mat before you order.
Contact our team with your item's size and a description, and we'll recommend the best route. With nearly a century of experience, we've seen almost every framing situation.
Neither option is better in every situation. Ready-made frames offer speed, simplicity, and value for standard-size photos and prints. Custom frames offer a precise fit, more style control, and the right solution for unusual or treasured pieces.
Start by measuring your item. If it fits a standard size and you're happy with the available styles, a ready-made frame will serve you well. If it doesn't, or you want complete control over the final look, custom is worth it.
Either way, you're covered. Explore our ready-made and custom picture frames, or start building your own in the Frame Designer.
