William Lipovsky
Short Answer — Hobby Lobby’s custom framing prices vary depending on what you want to frame and how you want it to look. You can expect to pay anywhere from around $30 for a small, basic frame to $600 or more for a large, premium frame.
Hobby Lobby Custom Framing Prices
Custom framing at Hobby Lobby can cost anywhere from around $30 to more than $600.[1]
We spoke with framing department representatives at Hobby Lobby stores in Ohio, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Virginia to get an idea of what goes into custom framing price estimates.
Pricing depends on the size of the piece you want to frame, the frame itself, the glass covering, the mat backing, and other customizations. You do not need an appointment to use the framing services at Hobby Lobby.[1]
Cost Factors
The glass is typically the most expensive part of a custom frame order, though some premium frame options can cost more than the glass.[1]
Hobby Lobby offers three glass options for custom frame projects:[2][1]
| Type | Best Use | 8"x10" Price | 24"x36" Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Clear | Rooms with low light | $10 | $35 |
| Conservation Reflection Control | Rooms with average light | $12 | $60 |
| Museum Glass | Artwork, detailed photos, shadowboxes, and rooms with a lot of light | $25 | $120 |
Other cost considerations are the frame material and optional mat backing. Hobby Lobby carries more than 300 styles of frame molding and mats, starting at around $10 each for 8-by-10-inch frames (in addition to the cost of glass).[1]
All custom frames at Hobby Lobby are sold at 50% off retail prices.[1][2]
Hobby Lobby Custom Framing vs. Michaels
Custom framing prices at Michaels typically run a bit higher than at Hobby Lobby. Michaels’ custom frames start at $69 for an 8-by-10-inch project.[3][4]
A large frame with premium options can cost up to $500 or more.[5]
Both stores offer similar framing options, including several types of glass and custom mats; however, note that Michaels allows you to begin your custom framing order online and finish it in-store or by mail, which Hobby Lobby doesn’t.
Bringing Your Own Frame
If custom framing is outside of your budget or you find a frame you like elsewhere, you can bring a frame you already own to Hobby Lobby. When you bring your own frame, Hobby Lobby charges a labor fee based on the frame’s size; a 16-inch by 20-inch frame, for example, will generally cost about $12.[1]
For more on the products and services at Hobby Lobby, see our research on the retailer’s return policy.
Do I need an appointment? I have a 20 x 30 photo I would liked framed.
Hello, Mary! Great question! You do not need an appointment for custom framing at Hobby Lobby. We have updated our article to include this information.
How much does labor cost for framing if I have my diploma AND the frame, mat, etc. I just want a professional quality job done.
Hello, Karen! Great question! Hobby Lobby’s framing department can certainly use a frame and mat that you already own. We called several Hobby Lobby stores and were told that the labor fee varies depending on the size of the frame, but for a 16-inch by 20-inch frame is usually around $12. Since the quote we received may not match the exact size or specifications of your frame, you may want to contact your local Hobby Lobby for a quote before visiting the store. We have updated our article to include information about “bring your own” framing at Hobby Lobby.