Wood Picture Frames 4 Pitfalls To Avoid Before You Buy

Wood photo frames are a favorite choice for displaying special photos however there are a few drawbacks that you should know about. Before you shop for that perfect wood picture frame, you need to be aware of these four pitfalls. Pitfall #1- Be Careful of Mistaken Identity When shopping for a wood picture frame, you need to understand the difference between the three types of wood frames: solid wood frames, composite wood frames and wood veneer frames. These differences are important because the cost of the wood frame will vary depending upon the material used to make it. Solid wood frames don't need much explaining but composite wood is made out of wood pieces glued together with an adhesive. Decorative frames, frames with beaded borders, decorative round frames or oval frames are all made of composite wood. It's the most economical and quality conscious way to create a decorative wood edge without the high cost of hand carving or the poor appearance of glue-on wood ornamentation. Inexpensive wood frames are also made of composite wood which is why people often assume low quality with composite wood. However, composite does not mean low quality. It is simply a more environmentally friendly and superior way to create decorative and ornate wood frames. Wood veneer gives the real look of an expensive or rare wood without having to waste limited resources. Wood veneer is a thin sliver of real wood glued to a less expensive type of solid wood. In some cases, the veneer is glued to composite wood. The gorgeous look of an exotic or burl wood is a good example of when a wood veneer is often used. With expensive hardwoods there is no point in having a beautiful solid burl wood frame when all you see of the frame is the outside. A veneer of an exotic or expensive hardwood will allow more frames to be made with this limited resource and is an economical way to make a unique and beautiful wood frame. Pitfall #2- Wood is Not Perfect Most people like the look of wood but sometimes forget it's natural and can come with imperfections. Do not expect your wood frame to be perfect. For most people it's the color variations, natural wood grain and natural imperfections (like wood knots) that make wood frames beautiful. High quality frame manufacturers do minimize these variations however be aware that they can happen. Pitfall #3- Danger of Unfinished Wood You may already be aware of this pitfall if you have purchased unfinished wood pieces before but unfinished wood can easily be damaged. Unfinished frames are made of raw wood with no protective lacquer or coating to seal the wood and protect the frame from damage. Generally most frames are "finished" so the best way to spot an unfinished frame is to feel the rough natural wood texture. Unfinished wood frames can easily be damaged by water or any oily or sticky substance that may come into contact with the frame. Be especially careful with water or greasy fingerprints as they can leave a mark on the unfinished wood frame that can be difficult to fix. Pitfall #4- Watch Out for Misleading Colors Manufacturers of wood frames describe frames with words like cherry, walnut, rosewood or teak. Do not think of this wording as the type of wood used to make the frame. Many people can associate a color with the term so they know the exact color of the wood frame. Most frames are simply stained these colors but are rarely made out of solid wood like cherry or walnut. Usually if a frame is made out of solid wood, the description will identify the frame as "solid" like "solid walnut" or "solid teak." If it doesn't say solid, it's most likely just stained that color. Reading the frame description carefully or asking the frame retailer is the best way to know for sure if you are looking at a solid walnut frame, for example, or a wood frame stained a walnut color. Also, solid wood like teak, cherry or walnut will be considerably more expensive than staining a wood frame made out of a less expensive wood. By remembering, and avoiding, these potential pitfalls when buying wood frames, you will save yourself time and money and be pleased with a wood picture frame that is perfect for you and your favorite photo.

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