Complete Guide to Picture Framing at Hobby Lobby: Services, Costs, and What to Expect

When you have cherished photos, artwork, or memorable keepsakes that deserve proper display, finding the right framing solution can feel overwhelming. Hobby Lobby has become a popular destination for custom picture framing, offering a range of services that cater to various needs and budgets. Whether you're looking to frame a family portrait, preserve a canvas painting, or display important documents, understanding what Hobby Lobby offers can help you make informed decisions about your framing projects.

Understanding Custom Framing Services at Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby does provide custom framing services at most of their retail locations. The custom framing department operates as a specialized section within their stores, staffed with associates trained to help customers select appropriate materials and designs for their projects. Unlike purchasing ready-made frames off the shelf, custom framing allows you to choose specific frame styles, mat colors, glass types, and mounting options tailored to your artwork or photograph.

The process typically begins with bringing your item to the framing counter. An associate will measure your piece, discuss your preferences, and show you samples of available frames and mats. They use a design system that lets you visualize different combinations before making final selections. This hands-on approach helps ensure you're satisfied with the aesthetic choices before committing to the project.

What Items Can Be Framed

Hobby Lobby's framing services accommodate a wide variety of items. Standard photographs and prints are the most common, but they also frame canvas paintings, needlework and cross-stitch projects, jerseys and sports memorabilia, certificates and diplomas, and three-dimensional objects within shadow boxes. Canvas framing is particularly popular, as many customers seek to give their canvas prints a finished, gallery-quality appearance.

For canvas artwork specifically, Hobby Lobby offers both traditional framing with glass and gallery wrap stretching services. The gallery wrap option involves stretching the canvas around wooden bars, creating a frameless look where the image wraps around the edges. This contemporary presentation style has gained popularity for modern art pieces and photography.

Pricing Structure and Cost Considerations

One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the cost of custom framing at Hobby Lobby. Pricing varies significantly based on several factors: the size of your piece, the frame material and style you select, the type of glass or acrylic glazing, the number and color of mats, and any special mounting or preservation techniques required.

As a general guideline, smaller projects like an 8x10 family photo with a basic frame and single mat might start around forty to eighty dollars. Medium-sized pieces such as 16x20 prints with standard framing could range from one hundred to two hundred fifty dollars. Larger projects or those requiring premium materials like conservation glass, ornate frames, or multiple mats can easily exceed three hundred to five hundred dollars or more.

The cost breakdown typically includes the frame itself, which can range from affordable wood composites to premium hardwoods or metal; matting, usually priced per mat board with options for single, double, or triple mats; glazing, with regular glass being the most economical and UV-protective or museum glass commanding premium prices; and assembly and labor fees.

Taking Advantage of Sales and Discounts

Hobby Lobby is well-known for its rotating sales, and custom framing is no exception. The store regularly offers discounts on custom framing services, with promotions often reaching forty to fifty percent off. These sales typically run on a weekly basis, though the specific discount percentage may vary. Smart shoppers time their framing projects to coincide with these promotional periods to maximize savings.

It's worth checking Hobby Lobby's weekly ad, available on their website and mobile app, before committing to a framing project. The timing of your purchase can literally cut your costs in half. Some customers even plan multiple framing projects throughout the year, waiting for sale periods to bring each item in for custom framing.

Turnaround Time and Project Timeline

Patience is important when ordering custom framing. The typical turnaround time at Hobby Lobby ranges from seven to fourteen business days, though this can vary based on current workload, project complexity, and material availability. During busy seasons like the holidays or around graduation time, projects may take longer to complete.

When you place your order, the associate will provide an estimated completion date. Hobby Lobby typically contacts customers by phone when their framing is ready for pickup. Complex projects requiring specialized techniques or materials not currently in stock may extend beyond the standard timeframe. If you have a specific deadline, it's advisable to communicate this upfront and allow extra buffer time.

Additional Services: Dry Mounting and Preservation

Beyond basic framing, Hobby Lobby offers dry mounting services, which involve adhering prints or posters to rigid backing boards. This process eliminates wrinkles and provides a smooth, professional appearance. Dry mounting is particularly useful for poster-sized prints or artwork that arrives rolled and needs to lay flat.

For valuable or sentimental pieces, preservation framing options are available. These include acid-free mats and backing materials that prevent yellowing and deterioration over time, UV-protective glass that guards against fading from sunlight exposure, and spacers that keep artwork from touching the glass to prevent moisture damage. While these premium options increase the project cost, they're worthwhile investments for irreplaceable items or pieces with significant monetary or emotional value.

Personal Experience with the Service

I recently took a collection of family vacation photos to Hobby Lobby for framing, wanting to create a coordinated gallery wall in my living room. The associate spent nearly thirty minutes helping me select complementary frames and mat colors that would work together while allowing each photo to maintain its individual character. We settled on black frames with white mats for consistency, varying only the frame widths to add visual interest.

The ordering process was straightforward, with the associate creating a detailed invoice showing each frame's specifications and the total cost before the applied discount. I timed my visit during a fifty-percent-off custom framing sale, which brought my total from just over six hundred dollars down to slightly above three hundred dollars for five frames of varying sizes. The frames were ready in ten days, and the quality exceeded my expectations. The cuts were precise, the mats were perfectly centered, and the glass was spotless.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Customer experiences with Hobby Lobby's framing services tend to be generally positive, with most reviewers appreciating the competitive pricing, especially when sales are applied, wide selection of frame and mat options, and convenience of having framing services available while shopping for other craft supplies. Some customers note that quality can vary between locations depending on staff experience and attention to detail.

Common constructive feedback includes occasional longer-than-expected wait times during peak periods and the importance of carefully reviewing your order at pickup to ensure all specifications were met correctly. Most issues, when they occur, relate to communication or execution of specific details rather than fundamental quality problems.

Operating Hours and Visiting the Framing Department

Hobby Lobby's custom framing departments generally operate during regular store hours, though it's worth confirming with your specific location. Most stores are closed on Sundays due to company policy. The framing counter may close earlier than the main store on certain days, so calling ahead is recommended if you're planning to visit near closing time.

For the best experience, visit during off-peak hours like mid-morning on weekdays when associates have more time to discuss your project in detail. Bringing reference images of how you envision the finished product can be helpful, especially for complex projects or when you're unsure about design choices.

Comparing Value and Making Your Decision

When evaluating whether Hobby Lobby's framing services are right for your project, consider your priorities. If budget is paramount and you can wait for sales, Hobby Lobby offers competitive pricing that often beats specialty frame shops. For standard framing needs without extremely tight deadlines, their services provide good value and acceptable quality.

However, for museum-quality framing of highly valuable artwork or pieces requiring specialized expertise, dedicated frame shops or galleries may offer superior craftsmanship and preservation techniques. The key is matching your project's requirements with the appropriate service provider.

Tips for the Best Custom Framing Experience

To maximize satisfaction with your Hobby Lobby framing project, keep these suggestions in mind. Always check the weekly ad for current promotions before placing your order. Bring your item to the store rather than relying on measurements, as associates need to see the actual piece to recommend appropriate options. Ask about all available glass types and their benefits, especially for valuable items. Request to see physical samples rather than relying solely on computer renderings. Carefully review all specifications on your order form before signing. Inspect your completed project thoroughly at pickup before leaving the store. Keep your receipt and order information in case any issues arise.

Custom picture framing at Hobby Lobby provides an accessible option for most framing needs, combining reasonable pricing with adequate quality and convenience. By understanding their services, timing your purchases strategically, and clearly communicating your expectations, you can achieve professional-looking results that protect and showcase your cherished items for years to come.