AI-assisted buyer guidance based on supplied catalogue material and the methods described below. Sources & content standards
MDF, solid wood, acrylic or metal?
Start with the frame construction your range needs. The comparisons below describe supplied catalogue fields and what to ask next; they are not a test of strength, sustainability or service life.
Swipe across the table to see every column.
| Material | What the catalogue establishes | What to specify next | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF frame body | A frame-body material listed for everyday, document and selected set references. | Specify the profile and surface finish separately from glazing, backing and hardware. | MDF photo frame references |
| Solid wood frame body | A material listed for individual frames and selected keepsakes. | Confirm timber species and finish; a wood-colour name is not proof of species. | Solid wood picture frame references |
| Acrylic construction | A material listed for clear display and magnetic frame references. | Confirm panel thickness, closure or support, and the usable photo opening. | Magnetic acrylic frame references |
| Metal + glass construction | The factory’s material description for the floating-frame references. | Specify metal finish, glass details, photo placement and support together. | Metal and glass floating frame references |
The frame is one component
A material field such as MDF or solid wood identifies the frame body. It does not by itself establish the glazing material, finish, mat, backing or hardware. Ask for the full component list for the SKU you select.
Swipe across the table to see every column.
| Catalogue material | What to confirm | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| MDF | Profile, surface finish and covered edges. | MDF photo frames |
| Solid wood | Wood species, finish sample and construction. | Solid wood frames |
| Acrylic | Panel thickness, edges, connectors and mounting. | Acrylic references |
| Metal + glass | Metal finish, glass specification and support. | Floating frames |
A wood finish is not a wood species
Colour descriptions such as wood, oak or walnut can describe appearance. They should not be used alone to infer the timber species. Specify the frame-body material and the desired finish separately, then approve both against the sample.
Confirm the glazing
Do not infer acrylic, ordinary glass or tempered glass from the image. The supplied planning sheet and factory fields do not consistently identify glazing. Ask the factory to confirm material, thickness and any applicable test documentation.
Approve the complete assembly
Match the sample to a written bill of components: frame body, finish, glazing, mat, backing, stand or hangers, fixings and packaging. Material names alone do not establish safety, durability, environmental claims or certification.
Match each material requirement to evidence
A clear specification tells the supplier what needs to be identified in writing and what needs to be compared on the sample. Keep the component description alongside its evidence instead of relying on a colour name or a catalogue photograph.
Swipe across the table to see every column.
| Requirement | Useful confirmation | Record with the sample |
|---|---|---|
| Body and finish | Frame-body material, timber species where relevant, and the proposed finish. | Approved finish reference and photographs of the front, corners and back. |
| Glazing and backing | Material, thickness, fitting dimensions and how the components are retained. | Component specification and any change from the requested assembly. |
| Stand, hangers or closure | Construction, intended orientation and the proposed display method. | Sample observations using the intended arrangement. |
| Special performance requirement | The exact requirement, applicable product and relevant test evidence. | Report date, model or component covered, and any exclusions. |
For magnetic acrylic frames, identify whether the magnet closes the frame or attaches it to a surface. Neither function can be established by the material name alone. For personalized frames, keep the artwork version with the finish and process description.
Use the sample approval checklist · Understand the supplied company documents