Here’s how to order metal picture frames.

1.) Determine the Frame Size for the Calculator

The size of a metal frame is always considered to be the interior of the frame, the part that contains the glass, mat, art and backing. For this reason the frame size always conforms to what you load into it. So if you know the size of any of the items to load into it, you also know the size of the frame, and this is the size you will enter into the calculator.

Some examples:

You want to frame art under glass but without a mat

Measure the width and height of the art. This is what you enter into the calculator.

You want to frame art that is matted

Measure the overall size of the mat. This is what you enter into the calculator.

You want to frame art that is mounted on a backing board without a window mat

Measure the overall size of the backing board. This what you enter into the calculator.

2.) Be aware of the allowance

Whenever a frame is built, the frame builder adds an “allowance” of 1/16 inch along each edge (or 1/8 inch on the height and the width) so the stack of mat, glass and backing easily slide into the frame. You DO NOT need to figure this into your measurements. We will automatically add the allowance when we cut the frame for you. Enter only the size of the items you are loading into the frame into the calculator.

3.) Be aware of the stack  clearance

The stack clearance is the distance between the top and bottom of the extrusion. Since metal frames are loaded by sliding the stack of contents into the open end like a drawer and then assembling the final side, the stack clearance cannot be less than the thickness of the stack. For example, if the stack of glass, matboard, art and backing is 3/4″ thick, and the stack clearance is only 5/8″, the stack is too thick for the frame and won’t slide in. The stack clearance on most metal frames is 5/8″.

Remember, Your Frame Will Come Unassembled – Here’s How to Assemble It

See our full selection of metal picture frames