The material of your photo frame affects far more than just its appearance. From durability and weight to environmental resistance and price, understanding frame materials helps you make choices that suit your needs, budget, and home environment. This comprehensive guide explores the most common frame materials available in Australia, their characteristics, and the situations where each excels.
Solid Wood Frames
Wood remains the most popular and traditional choice for photo frames, prized for its natural beauty, warmth, and timeless appeal. However, not all wooden frames are created equal.
Hardwoods
Premium hardwood frames offer superior quality and longevity:
- Oak: Extremely durable with prominent grain patterns. Suits both traditional and contemporary interiors. Naturally resistant to warping
- Walnut: Rich, dark tones with fine grain. Considered a luxury material. Excellent dimensional stability
- Mahogany: Classic reddish-brown colour that deepens with age. Traditional choice for formal displays
- Tasmanian oak: A popular Australian native with warm blonde to light brown tones. Sustainable and locally sourced
When shopping for wooden frames, look for certification marks like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) indicating sustainable sourcing. Many Australian retailers now prioritise environmentally responsible timber.
Softwoods
More affordable options that still offer natural beauty:
- Pine: Light-coloured, affordable, and readily available. Takes stains and paints well. More susceptible to dents and scratches than hardwoods
- Cedar: Naturally aromatic with good moisture resistance. Lightweight with attractive grain
- Bamboo: Technically a grass, but increasingly popular as a sustainable frame material. Modern appearance with good durability
Pros and Cons of Wood
Advantages:
- Natural warmth and character with unique grain patterns
- Can be refinished, repainted, or restored
- Biodegradable and often sustainably sourced
- Excellent for traditional, rustic, and Scandinavian aesthetics
Disadvantages:
- Susceptible to humidity changes, potentially warping or cracking
- Heavier than synthetic alternatives
- Quality solid wood frames are more expensive
- Requires more care in humid Australian climates
MDF and Engineered Wood
Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) and other engineered wood products offer a middle ground between solid wood and synthetic materials.
What is MDF?
MDF is made from wood fibres bonded with resin under heat and pressure. The result is a smooth, consistent material that accepts paint and veneers beautifully.
- Wrapped MDF: MDF core covered with wood-effect vinyl or paper. The most affordable option for wood-look frames
- Veneered MDF: Thin real wood veneer applied to MDF core. Combines the appearance of solid wood with greater stability
- Painted MDF: Often used for coloured frames where paint finish is the primary aesthetic
Key Takeaway
MDF frames offer excellent value when you want a painted finish or consistent appearance. For natural wood aesthetics, solid wood or quality veneered MDF are better choices than vinyl-wrapped alternatives.
Metal Frames
Metal frames suit modern and minimalist interiors, offering clean lines and durability that wood cannot match.
Aluminium
The most popular metal choice for photo frames:
- Extremely lightweight yet strong
- Does not rust or corrode in humid conditions
- Available in numerous finishes: brushed, polished, anodised, painted
- Thin profiles create modern, gallery-style displays
- Recyclable and environmentally friendly
Steel and Iron
Heavier metal options for specific aesthetics:
- Stainless steel: Premium option with excellent corrosion resistance. Heavy but extremely durable
- Wrought iron: Industrial or rustic aesthetics. Ornate designs possible. Requires protective coating to prevent rust
Brass and Copper
Decorative metals for accent pieces:
- Develop natural patina over time (can be polished to prevent)
- Warm metallic tones complement certain interiors
- Generally more expensive than aluminium alternatives
For bathrooms and humid areas, aluminium frames are the safest choice. They resist moisture far better than wood or steel and maintain their appearance in challenging conditions.
Acrylic and Plastic Frames
Synthetic materials offer unique advantages, particularly for safety and budget considerations.
Acrylic (Plexiglass)
High-quality acrylic frames are increasingly popular:
- Crystal-clear or coloured options available
- Shatter-resistant—ideal for children's rooms
- Very lightweight for easy hanging
- Modern, floating appearance
- Can scratch more easily than glass (use appropriate cleaning methods)
Polystyrene and Composite Plastics
Budget-friendly options with some trade-offs:
- Often moulded to simulate wood grain or ornate designs
- Very affordable for multi-pack purchases
- Lightweight and easy to hang
- Less durable than other materials
- Can fade or become brittle with sun exposure over time
Glazing Materials: Glass vs Acrylic
The material covering your photo is just as important as the frame itself.
Standard Glass
- Traditional choice with excellent clarity
- Scratch-resistant surface
- Heavier than acrylic alternatives
- Breaks into sharp shards if damaged
UV-Protective Glass
- Filters harmful UV rays that fade photographs
- Essential for valuable or irreplaceable prints
- Available in both standard and museum-grade options
- Higher cost than standard glass
Non-Reflective Glass
- Reduces glare from lighting
- Slightly softer appearance than standard glass
- Excellent for frames in brightly-lit locations
Acrylic Glazing
- 50% lighter than equivalent glass
- Shatter-resistant for safety
- Can scratch—requires careful cleaning
- Available with UV protection and anti-reflective coatings
Choosing the Right Material for Your Needs
By Location
- Living rooms: Any material suits, based on your decor style
- Bathrooms: Aluminium or acrylic for moisture resistance
- Children's rooms: Acrylic frames with shatter-resistant glazing
- Outdoor areas: Weatherproof aluminium or treated wood only
- High-traffic hallways: Durable materials like metal or hardwood
By Budget
- Budget: MDF, plastic composites, basic aluminium
- Mid-range: Pine, bamboo, quality aluminium, veneered MDF
- Premium: Solid hardwoods, brass, stainless steel
By Style
- Traditional: Oak, walnut, mahogany
- Modern/Minimalist: Slim aluminium, clear acrylic
- Rustic/Farmhouse: Reclaimed wood, distressed pine
- Industrial: Black metal, iron, raw steel
- Scandinavian: Light oak, white-painted wood, bamboo
Understanding these materials empowers you to select frames that not only look beautiful but perform well in your specific environment and meet your practical needs.
Ready to explore frames in your preferred material? Browse our curated collection with detailed material specifications for each product.