Why Choose Wood Frames Over Metal Frames?

A family album hanging on walls.

The Allure of Wood Frames

Wood has a classic, timeless quality that has made it a framing favorite for centuries. Whether it’s the warmth of oak or the rich tones of walnut, wood frames tend to complement a broader range of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Here are some of the key reasons why people choose wood frames:

  • Warm Aesthetic Appeal
    Wood brings a natural warmth to any piece. Whether your style is rustic or minimalist, the grain texture, and natural variation in each piece of wood add character to your frame.

  • Variety of Finishes & Styles
    With wood, you have a diverse range of finishes and stains — from natural looks to painted customization. This versatility makes wood frames a perfect match for almost any decor.

  • Durability & Longevity

A sturdy, well-maintained wood frame can last for decades without losing its charm. It can also be refinished or repaired over time, which isn’t as easy with metal frames.

A short-haired man in a white shirt and a beige couch is surrounded by multiple small pictures in a common area of a home.

Environmental Impact

In a world where sustainability matters, wood frames made from responsibly sourced materials offer an environmentally friendly choice. Many companies, including us at Text To Frame It, are committed to sourcing wood from sustainable forests.

  • Renewable Material
    Wood, when harvested consciously, is a renewable resource. Most metal frames are typically made of industrial alloys or raw materials — much of which requires significant energy to extract and manufacture.

  • Biodegradability
    Disposing of wood frames is environmentally easier than metal. When wood is no longer usable, it biodegrades naturally, minimizing its environmental footprint.

At Text To Frame It, every frame is crafted from sustainable materials, ensuring that the choices you make for your home also support the planet. Whether you're framing art, family portraits, or creating a gift, you can feel confident that your selections contribute to a responsible, environmentally friendly option.

Two art frames, one colorful water scene and the other depicting a similar water scene.

Wood vs. Metal Frames

When comparing wood vs metal frames, it really comes down to preference. Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help guide your decision:

Advantages of Wood Frames:

  • Natural Aesthetic
    Nothing beats the raw charm of wood. Its earthy tones and organic texture complement a wider range of decor styles, from cozy and traditional to sleek and modern.

  • Customization
    Wood is easy to paint, stain, or refinish. With wood, you can effortlessly alter the color or finish years later to match evolving tastes or designs.

  • Repairability

Wood frames can often be fixed or restored if damaged. Scratches or chips can be sanded down or stained; corners can be reinforced.

Advantages of Metal Frames:

  • Slim & Sleek Design
    Metal is often the go-to material when you want a minimalist or industrial look. Its slim profile makes it less intrusive when framing modern artwork or photographs.

  • High Strength
    Metal frames, generally lighter and stronger, offer a reliable solution for large works that demand support without bulk.

  • Resistant to Environmental Factors

Metal can withstand temperature fluctuations or high humidity better than wood, which might warp if exposed to extreme conditions.

Disadvantages of Wood Frames:

  • Susceptible to Moisture and Heat
    If not properly sealed or treated, wood can be sensitive to climate changes. Over time, it may absorb moisture, swell, or warp.

  • Heavier Weight
    Depending on the type of wood, it could be heavier compared to metal, making large wood frames harder to manage at times.

Disadvantages of Metal Frames:

  • Cold, Industrial Aesthetic
    While metal appeals for its sleek, modern designs, it can also feel cold or impersonal, lacking the homey touch many seek in decor.

  • Limited Customizability
    Metal frames have fewer options for texture or finish. You can typically choose from polished, matte, or brushed looks, but customization limited.

A sofa with a variety of pictures sitting in front of it.

Wood Frames for a Variety of Pieces

Wood frames can adapt to almost any medium, making them an excellent choice for framing a diverse range of pieces. Whether you're looking to preserve memories, showcase art, or present a favorite photograph, wood frames can provide the appropriate balance of durability and visual appeal.

  • Canvas Prints
    One of the best uses for wood frames is hanging canvas prints. The solid, natural structure of a wood frame complements the depth of framed canvas prints, offering long-lasting support without detracting from the art itself. The texture of the wood seamlessly adds to the organic feel of canvas artwork, fostering a cohesive visual presentation.

  • Photographs & Portraits
    Photographs, whether they are family portraits, vacation memories, or special moments, are wonderfully framed by wood. The warmth of the natural grain enhances the personal and intimate nature of the image, making wood frames especially ideal for displaying memories in homes with a cozy, lived-in ambiance.

  • Puzzles or Memorabilia

Wood frames are versatile and strong enough to hold unconventional items such as puzzles, awards, or other types of memorabilia. These items, particularly puzzle framing, are an excellent gift idea and can quickly become a talking point in homes or offices. We at Text To Frame It offer this option to help you turn your favorite puzzling hobby into a beautiful display piece, allowing you to both preserve and present your memories creatively.

By relying on our high-quality wood frames at Text To Frame It, you’ll add a touch of elegance and durability to any piece you wish to frame. Whether it’s a canvas, photograph, or unique keepsake, our wood frames will ensure that your memories stand the test of time.

Cost Considerations

When thinking about the costs of wood vs metal frames, it's important to recognize that the pricing can vary not only based on material but also the customization, durability, and finishes offered.

  • Wood Frames
    Wood frames, especially those crafted from high-quality timber such as oak, walnut, or cherry, will typically fall into the higher price range. The natural appeal and craftsmanship associated with wood often come at a premium, but that also means you're getting a frame that can weather the years, both in terms of aesthetic and structural integrity. Additionally, the ability to refinish or repair a wooden frame over time adds to its long-term value, making it more versatile and cost-effective in the long run.

  • Metal Frames
    Metal frames can initially come off as a more cost-effective option, particularly if you're after a slim, lightweight profile without additional aesthetic frills. However, custom sizes, higher-grade metals, and premium finishes can drive up the cost quickly. While metal may seem like a budget-friendly pick for smaller, minimalist pieces, it can escalate in price if your sizing needs or preferences stray from the standard.

In summary, although metal frames might seem like the more affordable option upfront, wood frames often provide better longevity, repairability, and value — particularly if you're framing something meaningful that you want to stand the test of time.

A gold glass frame hangs on the wall, displaying a painting of a woman with flowers in her hair.

Why Text To Frame It Champion Wood Frames

At Text To Frame It, we proudly offer high-quality wood frames because we believe that natural materials provide a unique warmth to any image being showcased. Our wood framing process involves only sustainable materials, and our product line is designed to provide durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Whether you're hanging a custom canvas print or an important memory, we stand by the timelessness and adaptability that wood frames provide.

Not only are our wood frames crafted with care, but the process couldn't be easier. With Text To Frame It, you simply text us your image, and within moments, you’ll receive a private link to view and purchase your custom-framed artwork from the comfort of your own device. Our wood frames are designed to bring your image to life while being eco-friendly and built to last.

We take pride in offering four different product types to fit your needs. But it’s the warmth, durability, and sustainable qualities of our wood frames that stand out.

Paintings, portraits and  pictures frame a beautiful woman in photo collections on the wall.

Conclusion

When weighed against metal, wood has a lot to offer. The warmth, versatility, and natural charm of a wood frame make it suitable for a wide range of home or office decor styles. Additionally, the potential for customization and repairability extends the life of wood frames far beyond their metal counterparts, making them a long-term investment for your cherished memories, art, or custom pieces.

Are you ready to showcase your favorite pictures in a timeless wood frame? Check out our service at Text To Frame It where you can text in your photo and choose from our beautiful selection of frame options. Let us help you transform your photos into works of art!

  • Step 1

    Text us a picture you want framed to 917-905-1015.

  • Step 2

    We'll text back a private link to a webpage where you can buy a framed version of that pic.

  • Step 3

    In about 1 week, the framed pic will be delivered to you & you can hang it up on your wall!

1 of 3

Collapsible content

Psst! We proudly use AI!

Hey lovely readers! A big part of the reason we're able to offer the best prices out there is because we run lean. We use AI for customer interactions, generating our blogs, promotional content, etc... While there's always a human around to keep an eye on things and jump in if needed, the time and money we save is spent making sure we have the best products for you! This also means that some of our blog content and blog images may not always meet the mark. While we do our best to identify those cases, please kindly give us some grace and/or let us know if you catch something that feels off.

Now, we know that may not be for everyone - at least not yet - and we completely understand that. Hopefully we'll win your trust in due time. If you fall in that camp, please feel free to use the PROMO CODE: SKEPTICAL for 25% off your first order. Hopefully we're able to win your trust!