I have had several items framed here over the years, most recently a Disney cel. Both of the owners have knowledgeably helped me in selecting mat colors and appropriate frames. Their craftsmanship is excellent, and their fees are reasonable. It a pleasant shop to go into; both of the owners are so pleasant. read more

Went to several places for a frame. All of the other places were overpriced or were cheap materials. In which, i walked in here by accident, thinking it was an paint store. There were so many amazing paintings. The owners paint beautiful. And I left with an awesome frame for my certificate. Rating Service: 5 Price: 4 Ambiance: 4.5 Food: n/a Overall: 4.5 Definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a customized frame for any occasion. read more

Alameda Custom Framing - Awesome work on my certificate. - Framing Near Me - Alameda, California

I dropped by for a piece of glass to replace the one in a small antique frame. Within minutes, Tom provided exactly what I needed. I paid $6 for excellent service and a perfectly sized plate of glass. I highly recommend a visit. While you're there, check out Helen's beautiful paintings on every wall. read more

Alameda Custom Framing - Helen, the artist - Framing Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

I can't say enough good things about this little shop, which I have been going to for my quality framing jobs for over 20 years. The lady said they have been there for 40 years. This morning, I dropped off 3 framed prints that had broken glass. I wanted the glass replaced with UV plexiglass, and needed two of them within 3 days. That same afternoon, I received a call saying all 3 were done! Not only that, she had cleaned up and detailed the old frames so they looked like new, and replaced the backing paper and hanging wire and eyelets with new ones. What was previously were run of-the-mill frames now look first class! The price was not cheap, but fair, and well worth it. This will be my go-to framing shop whenever I want high quality custom framing and repair work, and/or if the job has a pressing schedule. read more

We brought 4 prints over to them to frame about two years ago, one of them being a large antique print. Initially when picking up the finished products, we found a single hair in one of the frames. We brought this up, only for them to cut the backing of the frame in front of us, remove the hair... and then duct tape it back in place. The large antique print was also duct taped. Recently, we just so happened to open up the antique framed print and it turns out they just glued the whole print onto the foam backing of the frame, making it impossible for us to take off as it will completely rip the piece. What was supposed to be a measure to preserve the antique print became the opposite. This print is now ruined. While the business offers affordable prices, the quality and care put into taking care of precious pieces is disappointing. If you have an antique print, I would definitely not recommend bringing it here to get framed. They don't treat the prints with enough care. read more

Lest you think this is a fluke, please check the other negative reviews and decide for yourself if you want to risk your artwork/photo. This is by far the worst experience we've ever had dealing with a business. They are unprofessional, rude, and inept. See the attached photos for the damage and debris underneath the glass. We have more photos of debris and detritus underneath the glass, but the attached examples are plenty bad enough. We brought a large signed series print for framing, and it was late by two weeks (we didn't mind since pandemic has presented logistic challenges for everyone). First time we went to pick up, there were large obvious scratches on the frame that they had patched (not to mention that the back was duct taped to the frame), and only offered to redo it after we complained. The second time, it wasn't until we got it home that we realized there were numerous and obvious debris trapped under the mounting. Once we started examining the print, we realized that it had also been scratched and damaged. Instead of proactively offering to make thing right, he started to talk about how there's no way that he caused the damage and asked us to look at things from his perspective since they've mounted the print multiple times now and had to pay for the damaged framing and that he did his best for being 83 years old. Not wanting to deal with this any further, we asked them to unmount it, return the damaged print, and to refund the mounting costs. He only reluctantly agreed after we threatened to take it up with the credit card company. All of this is egregious enough, but got much worse when we returned to pick up the print (that we have to arrange to have replaced). He was angry and wanted to be compensated. And despite having written a check for the refund, would not give that to us. So we left the shop and said that we'll just take it up with the credit card company. At this point, he followed us out to our car, and opened the car door and was trying to accost my wife and I had to get out of the car and tell him to step back and to get away from us. Eventually through more yelling and raving, he threw the check at us through the open car window and we couldn't leave there fast enough... I have no (polite) words to say other than "caveat emptor." read more

Alameda Custom Framing - denied scratching artwork; note that there's additional debris above the scratch - Framing Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

I took an antique print to them. They didn't have it ready when promised and when I got the picture home it had a piece of the print torn out. They did not treat my print either the kind of care it needed being it was Ann antique over 70 years old. I was so upset I didn't even go back to tell them how they mishandled my print. read more

I had a canvas painting I needed stretched. I made phone calls all around Oakland and Alameda. I ended choosing Alameda custom framing because I was quoted a slightly cheaper price. Upon arrival I met Tom and his wife. After examining my canvas, Tom's quote went up slightly to basically the standard price of most framing shops. (Even though I was quoted much higher prices as well) He was a very nice and humble guy, so I didn't mind paying the price to have my canvas done. It was finished as promised. Good quality job. I'll be using Tom again for framing art for me. read more

Called about a warranty for the frame. Owner laughed and said "sorry no warranty we are small store" I have over 100 paintings I will never in my life return back to this store and I do not recommend getting any frame work done here at all. read more

See all

I dropped off my print (which I inherited from my great-uncle 15 years ago) and I paid a couple hundred dollars upfront. 5 weeks later I get a call to tell me that they 'cut it wrong'. read more

I found Alameda Custom Framing on Yelp. The reason I needed to go there was to have both of our graduate diplomas framed for posterity; well actually I just didn't want to misplace or throw them out by accident. I've been known to do this on occasion. Just ask my wife. I wanted to surprise her, so I had them framed and hung them on our wall for her to eventually notice on her own. The owners, Tom Chai and his wife Helen, are the nicest and most cheerful people that I've met in a very long time. Tom was incredibly helpful by suggesting different framing and matting combinations. We decided on a very professional dark frame with neutral matting. (See picture) Their prices were really reasonable, but I think they may have given me a deal because it was my first time using their services and that I was doing it to surprise my wife. As we were finishing, I asked Tom should I come back in a week or so to pick them up. He said yes. This was on a Tuesday. To my delight, Tom called me on Thursday of that same week to let me know that I could pick up both frames. I hung them both before I had to pick my wife up to go to the gym. Well, it took some time that night for her to notice them hanging over our computer desk, but once she did, she was very surprised and ecstatic on how great they both looked side-by-side. Thanks Tom. I highly recommend Alameda Custom Framing. Cheers. read more

The owner is precious! Love this sweet man! He's heard of yelp and people have told him he has nice reviews on yelp, but he's never actually seen yelp. He did two 4 foot by 6 foot paintings for me. He helped me to pick the perfect frames. That in inside took awhile. Then he took the paintings for about a week. During that time, he personally built bracing frames for these huge paintings, then stretched them. Lastly, he professionally framed them. The end products were just very beautiful. The paintings are heavy and cumbersome. He placed heavy duty wiring to hang them with and told me about L brackets that I should place at the bottoms to help support the weight. I appreciate him looking out for the future of my paintings. I had verbally checked with one other shop and feel his price was better too. He has asked me to put pictures of these huge paintings on yelp and so when we get them hung, I will. He took a lot of pride in the work he did on my paintings. read more

Alameda Custom Framing - Framing Near Me - Alameda, California

So glad to see your business doing well. My wife commissioned painting of my Father for a wedding present. For an anniversary she had you frame them. Uniform blue with a gold coined edge. They have been a welcome addition to my home office and comforting during troubled times. Christmas brought another painting. Will see you soon for framing and ideas. read more

I needed to get something framed. I saw the negative reviews, but it's so close to my house so I thought I'd roll the dice. The owners were very accommodating and got it done right and at a good price. Maybe I caught them on a good day. read more

Went to have a print framed and was super disappointed with the quality of framing. One corner of the frame was not assembled properly leaving a gap. And there was dirt between the mat and glass that was begrudgingly fixed after I insisted, but the backing was then scotch taped back. I'm normally happy to support local businesses, but I expected much higher quality work, particularly given the high price tag. I've honestly gotten higher quality custom frames online. Would definitely go elsewhere in the future. read more

I called after closing time and this lovely shop stayed open for me to get me sorted. They are a very friendly and professional place. Highly recommend. read more

I was so happy that I found this wonderful local store! I simply adore Tom! He is so sweet and friendly and was very helpful when I had a print that I wanted to have framed for my husband's birthday. We went through the 'cheap' black frames first, but it just didn't feel right. I asked him for something a bit more fancy and we found a nice white frame that fit perfectly. He offered me a very good price and even stored the framed picture for me for a couple of weeks, so I didn't have to fear for my husband to find the picture before his birthday. Will come back here with all my framing needs! read more

I don't even know where to begin. I'm a Rock Art poster junkie and have 2 Social Distortion limited print posters and wanted them framed and matted nicely like a few others I have. I thought this store closed but they just moved. Tom was AMAZINGLY helpful. I took both posters in. We started off at about $245 a framing and dwindled it down to $200 for both!!!! He had a couple pre-made frames that fit and significantly reduced the price; also talked me out of purchasing UV glass until I need it. He took his time figuring out exactly what I wanted and how we could get it for the best price. I am sold and don't think there is a place worth going but here again. I got severely gouged at another local framing shop in Alameda, but not here. Fantastic business! Tom knows the key to success is to be honest and real. I can't wait to bring in more posters. Seize the day, frame your framibles because you CAN afford it. Plus they have great discounts because of the move to the new shop. read more

See all

They do a lovely job and are very nice people. I have brought them a few things in the past couple months and they have been really great and very quick to get my things done in a timely fashion. They're very careful with the artwork and I am very pleased with their work. read more

We have had three pieces framed at Alameda Custom Framing and have had exceptional experiences each time. The owner is professional, kind, and takes care to make sure each job is done beautifully. Prices are very reasonable with a fast turnaround time. read more

See all

This is the best frame shop! They have an excellent selection and are very helpful, kind and provide the best customer service. I have had framing done there before and have always been happy with their work. This time, I had an old photograph which I left in their shop until my frame arrived. I completely trust Helen and Tom with my old family photo. The photo was framed beautifully! I would never go anywhere else. I highly recommend this framing shop! read more

UPDATE: We finally were contacted by the owner and were able to pick up our beautiful original (see pic). He is 80 years old and was taking care not to catch COVID19 therefore staying in his house. I appreciate that he did finally reach out to us and arranged for pick up. We are very happy with the quality of the workmanship and happy he and his wife are healthy! A good ending for all! read more

In mid December I saw Julie Z's review of this framing shop and bookmarked it. When I was last in Ashland I bought a couple of photographs I wanted to have framed. I called and learned that they would be moving at the end of the year and w/ one thing and another it took me until today to go over there. I have been bereft since Amsterdam Art closed on University in Berkeley. Almost everything in our house that has been framed was framed there. It was a wonderfully funky store w/ quirky, artistic young people who offered great help in choosing mats and frames. I went to another framing place since, but didn't connect. Their work was OK, nothing wrong w/ it but it wasn't a place that drew me back. I found the shop today pretty readily. I walked in and was greeted by Tom. He was friendly and warm, excited about the new shop, which is attractive and well organized. I showed him the first photo, a magnificent owl w/ its wings spread. Because the mats were standard sizes he brought over a couple of ready-made wooden frames, one brown, one black. We agreed the brown was better. He gave me a 20% discount because of their new location, which was quite generous and much appreciated. The next photo was of a pierris in full bloom in the Japanese Garden in Lithia Park. I've admired it for a couple of years and had finally bought it. We used the same frame as the other. He will call me when they're ready and I'll get to take another trip to Alameda. I think I've found my new frame shop. read more

I purchased a print for someone as a birthday present. I waited until the last minute, of course, to look for a frame and discovered it was an odd sized piece. I decided to buy an oversized frame from a craft store and open up the window of the included mat to accommodate the piece. Day of and I decide I want it beveled so I would have someone do this for me. I call 8 custom framers who each tell me they could help me but there was no way on earth I would get it back same day. I kept getting quotes anywhere from a few days to two weeks. I've cut mats and know damn well how long it takes... so just as I'm settling on finding a mat cutter I decide to give one more place a call. Tom picks up and tells me to come by. I drive straight there, print in hand. Tom and Helen talk to me about what would look good in terms of window size, I give the thumbs up and Helen cuts the mat and mounts the piece in about 15 minutes. They were so friendly and so good at what they do - I quickly realized that all of these other framing shops would be sending out an order for a simple mat! There are so few people who know their craft well these days. We need to seek them out and give them business. With Tom and Helen, it's a no brainer considering they're also very reasonably priced! I'm going to break out everything I have that's waiting for a frame and go straight back. read more

Good job at framing my prints. Good price. good timing fine service. Recommended read more

The owner(s) of this shop are the sweetest people ever. I was given a great deal on matting and framing of 4 photos I brought in. The finished product was perfect and done sooner than expected. I'm on my way there now to have more done! I wish every business was run like this. read more

This couple is AMAZING! Before I moved to Alameda I had looked everywhere in Sacramento to frame my oddly shaped wedding poster. The best price I could find was over 380 dollars! So....in the corner it sat. But then once my husband and I moved to Alameda I was sick and tired of looking at the poor thing so I headed over to Alameda Custom Framing on referall from my father. BOY AM I GLAD! Tom was so sweet. He smiled and cracked jokes but at the same time was so knowlegeable. And best of all the PRICE! He quoted me (including taxes and everything) a whopping 200! Talk about a STEAL! I just picked up my frame today (Which was early btw) and I am more then pleased. Customer for LIFE :D read more

Honest, friendly and easy to work with, those are words I would used to describe Tom. As soon as I walked in he made me feel like a friend, that we been doing business for years even thou it's my first time in there. I've been searching for a place to frame my custom oil painting, it's 72" x 36". The painting was brought over from my native country and it came with a custom frame. For some unknown reason the frame wasn't cut properly and there was a missing piece. Tom wasn't able to help me personally, but with his years of experience he recommend some people that could help me. I left the painting with him and one week later he called me to come and take a look at the work that was done. The painting came out great and the framing looks really good from a distance, but you can see some minor cosmetic imperfections when you are standing right next to it. Given the circumstance that they had to work with I was really happy with the final product and believe that they really tried their best. I almost certain that given a better frame they would have done a perfect job on it. read more

Great place to frame your pictures, photos, medals or anything. The owner, Tom, and his wife (I did not get her name) are very friendly, and provide you the best quality of framing work. I had my son's basketball championship medal framed. Tom found the best frame to go with my son's medal, and somehow managed to put the ribbon behind the frame. Tom told me that many customers cut or remove the ribbon from the medal to frame, but I asked not to cut it. As you can see in the attached photos, he did a perfect job, and the medal even looks better and proud. Tom installed heavy duty wires on the back, and did not forget to put pads to protect the bottom of the back of the frame. The price for this job was actually cheaper than what I expected. The frame itself should cost $30 or so, so Tom hardly charged his labor. The best place for framing. I'll definitely go back when I put a label on this medal frame and any other framing. read more

See all

I went to these folks based upon these yelp reviews, and I don't regret it one bit! They are very friendly, professional, and better than reasonable. I took in 5 photographs and posters for framing. 4 of them turned out fantastic. The 5th one, after a few days.... started to look wrinkled. I took it back in, and they re-did and made it look great for free. They kept it for 5 days because they wanted to make sure. Nothing impresses me more than excellent work ethic, and the couple at Alameda Custom Framing have that. I am so glad that I now know where to go in the East Bay for custom framing. read more

Just had my 'masterpiece' framed. One of the best pieces of art I have ever done. Really proud of it. Alameda Custom Framing did an amazing job. Excellent job with great service! I highly recommend ACF for all framing work. THE BEST! read more

Alameda Custom Framing - Just had my 'masterpiece' framed. The best thing I've done. Really proud of it. Alameda Custom Framing did an amazing job. - Framing Near Me - Alameda, California

Great service. Recommended options for my pictures. Very polite and took their time. Will come back again for framing of my other pictures

If you live in Alameda - then you probably know how hard it is to find a local shop that is your go to source for mattings, and frames. I found the Alameda Custom Framing in my searches before but didn't want to have anything done for me. Part of being an artist is also selecting how your art is displayed. However after months of searching Berkeley, Alameda and such I decided to pop my head in Alameda Custom Framing on my lunch hour.... BOY AM I GLAD I DID! The owner was very helpful and gave me some great advice on how to frame my artwork, all for a great deal. I definitely will be back to get some more frames and mattings for my photography I am putting together. read more

Cute talented couple. I recently treated myself to two really nice art prints. One was a Ryden and I wanted it done right. I thought about he cheap price point of Michaels but opted for local, custom framing with a more personal touch. It wasn't cheap. I'm not really up on framing costs so I have no idea if this was a good price, normal price whatever. He did cut me a deal by eliminating taxes if I paid in advance, which i did. He also added anti-glare glass which he didn't charge me for. I'm not sure if anti-glare glass is more expensive than regular glass anyway so I'm not sure if it's a good deal. So why am I giving this 5 stars? Service and local store support. I'm sure I'd get a cheaper job at a big box place but there's nothing like supporting your local shop. This guy was friendly. Took his time with me (I had two prints and was waffling between frames because I wanted something cheaper) did come down on price of one of the frames, and he had a great eye. He selected the frames and did a good job with matching a frame to the print. read more

Very friendly and helpful framing professionals. Helen helped me pick out a new improved frame for a painting that really made it pop! Helen pointed out everything that I knew was wrong with the old frame; it was a dated, boring, gold-colored frame with beige matting that was too large and did nothing to compliment the artwork. Within minutes Helen had some narrower white matting and a very nice, modern, but unique frame held up to it that was obviously the right choice. She also saved me some money be reusing the existing glass, since it was still good. I expected the process of choosing a frame to take awhile, but I was happily walking out the door within 15 minutes. Oh, she ended up finishing the job a day early! Thanks so much! read more

This place is awesome.....The man who runs the place will bend over backwards to give you a good deal. I havent gotten my frames back yet, But I have gotten work done in the past here and I just had to yelp it. Two thumbs up. Got my frames back...impeccable work...couldnt be happier read more

I brought an art piece and frame into this shop after reading all the great reviews here on yelp. They absolutely deserve all 5 stars! Prompt service even before I walked in the door! As I struggled with a stroller, a frame, and the door, they raced to the door to help and then proceeded to take a look at the project. Since it was late afternoon, I figured they wouldn't have a chance to work on it for a few days. By the time I got home a couple of hours later, there was a message on my machine cheerfully telling me it was finished. Super friendly and great work! read more

Tom is the Bomb! had 2 jobs to be done, and his super friendly positive attitude and willingness to help pick out the perfect frame was second to none. the custom frame I chose ended up being a lot more expensive (I guess I have good taste) than the lower end frame options he originally showed me to keep me closer to my budget. My family has been using ACF for a long time and this was my first time having work done by them and Tom delivered in a crunch! I had a tight deadline (Christmas) and he made it happen. Highly recommend ACF for your framing needs, now that I've been there personally I plan to have all the stuff that I've been stacking up over the years that need frames get done by him read more

I have been used ACF for the past 18 years to frame my artwork and photos, they have always done a fantastic job. Very good at helping to find just the right frame at the right price. I wouldn't think of going anyplace else. read more

Ok, I live in Oakland. Now, I bought a bunch of posters that I wanted framing up that were all odd sizes so they would have to be custom made. After looking at yelp I went to Tom. Tom has been in the business forever, over 30 years. He knows what hes doing and has a good eye for what would look good with a given picture/poster, whatever. He accommodated all my needs and under-promised/over-delivered. Said it would take 10 days and it took 6. What to go. Final product looked great. I definitely recommend and would go back. I'm only giving him a 4 star b/c of two reasons: a) Admittedly, my reference pricing is unreliable but I would've liked to have seen him be a little less expensive for me. I brought in 7 posters all at once and while I don't feel ripped off by any stretch, I think could've cut me a bit of a better deal. b) He's old school so he's a bit of salesman. He had my business yet continued to try to convince me that he was a good guy and he deserved my business. Honestly, with a guy his age, it was more "cute" than annoying but it did get a little old after a while 4.5 stars for sure. read more