apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

we've never had much luck at cheap pete's (and lord knows we've tried). everything there short of a custom order (which is almost as much as any other frame shop) looks like it came from walmart to me -- especially with the depth (shallow frames scream "document holder" to me)... ikea has nicer frames, but in weird (metric) sizes -- i like the ribba myself. we've had lots of luck with metroframe.com. ... most all of our work worth of framing is in their 106 profile solid (real) walnut frames. we order them loose (un-constructed... saves on shipping) and knock them together at home with the included corner hardware (a 10 min assembly) and then use danish oil and wax to finish them... they're beautiful, come with strainers and/or spacers and look like they cost 3X more than we paid.

really? I've had nothing but great experiences w/ cheap pete's. granted I do not expect to walk away w/ a masterpiece, if I needed something more ornate and intricate I would head to another frame shop but for my basic framing needs they are perfect. I generally pick up the ready-made frames from pete's as I detest the ikea frames (thin plexi is not suitable for my limited edition prints) and they have worked just fine. I've also ordered custom frames and mats and though the staff was not always the most, how would you say, knowledgeable, I managed to make the most out of it. for a do-it-yourselfer this place works great. I order the frame and the components I would need and bring it home to mount it myself. it would be safe to say that cheap pete's is equivalent to a home depot. get the parts and bring it home to assemble it yourself. if you need more assistance I highly recommend their sister store frame-o-rama on polk st. they are the higher end store and there selection is greater and their staff is more helpful than the geary location. they are able to build frames for odd size pieces. so for a what it's worth cheap pete's is worth a peek.

A. It'd be nice if AT could find a discrete way to delineate what is an ad and what isn't. It doesn't seem possible that this posting isn't an ad.

B. I have an obsession with flat art and I do a lot of framing. I've used Cheap Pete's a lot. They seem like a good deal on the surface but I have had countless problems with them. They have some decent frames but can't be trusted with doing the framing. There's been something wrong with almost every single order I've taken in to them. I've had original art mounted to form core without my permission, almost every matting has been done wrong and had to be redone, an employee's hair was framed inside a piece, and the worst, an antique family photo was torn due to their poor handling. Most of the employees don't know very much and you have to ask different people to get an accurate answer. Their excuse is always that they can't keep staff and are constantly training new people. If you do go in there and know you'll need help, don't go on a weekend. They have decent frames so it's worth a look. But they're not cheaper (and definitely don't do better work or have great customer service) then anyone else.

C. I've discovered a much better (non-chain) solution - Back to the Picture. I was referred to them by NewLab - the professional photo lab. It's a local, family-owned business. They have a custom framing shop south of Market and a do-it-yourself shop (similar to Cheap Pete's) at Valencia and 20th. They know their stuff and they're super patient and helpful. They take pride in their work and really make everyone feel like family. I like supporting local businesses that are good at what they do. I'm not going back to Cheap Pete's. www.backtothepicture.com

My partner owns a custom frame-shop and as a result, I have gained an education in framing materials. One truth about framing is that if the piece being framed is valuable to you, consider the framing an investment towards preserving that piece. Also, I don't know if every locally-owned frame shop does this, but my partner offers a deal that he refers to as "framer's choice". Basically, he will offer a dramatic discount if you agree to let him select materials that he has in stock. It is a matter of trust, but he's got a good track record with this arrangement, as he's been framing for twenty years and knows what looks good/what will still look good in ten years. I'd imagine that any custom-framer with any amount of inventory would offer a similar deal.

I'm with Kate Pierce about the investment aspect. I consider quality custom framing (maybe not every piece you own, but the ones you really treasure) to be responsible stewartship of your art. It makes sense to seek out fair prices, but sometimes you get what you pay for! Some framers cut corners when it comes to using archival materials, for instance, or the mounting of the art (which you wouldn't know unless you took the piece apart).

I wasn't too impressed with Cheap Pete's (at least, the one in Walnut Creek).

I looked in their shop for album frames, and couldnt find anyone - there was only one other customer in the shop, but it took BOTH the employees full attentions to help her (actually, they seemed to be arguing with each other about which frame). They never even noticed me, and after about 15 minutes of waiting, I left.

I had the exact opposite experience at Aaron Brothers (also in Walnut Creek) - as soon as I walked in, the cashier asked if I was looking for anything specific and helped me right away. I've bought all my frames there since.

-Ruth

I've been taking my prized artwork to Walter Adams on Fillmore Street - http://walteradamsframing.com/

They have the most amazing mouldings and do a terriffic job. Yes, the prices are rather precious, but for something that I'm going to keep for the rest of my life, it's well worth the investment.

The one thing Cheap Pete's is really good for is the frames that fit Fillmore posters. Otherwise, not necessarily worth the trek if you live far away from it.

I don't think I'd leave any original art there, but I've had a number of custom mats cut at Cheap Pete's (and then I put everything together myself) and they were good for that. It's mostly been for prints and such, nothing crazy valuable.

cheap pete's in san mateo did a great job on my mom's jefferson airplane poster, and the ork sf poster i got (it's a large square shape so you can't really find a pre-made frame for that).

michael's has done a good job too with my friend's triptych from art purchased in china town - just wait until the sunday chronicle to see if they have a coupon for framing (they usually do - and about 40% off).