Frames are sent to you unassembled in "stick" form. You will require a good quality corner vise and framing glue to join the frame together yourself or the services of a professional picture framer. These frames are not thumbnailed.

Frames do not come with glass or backing unless you contact Kauai Frame first and agree to the additional charges for assembly and glazing.  Packing and shipping costs are based on the finished, boxed size of your frame and are billed separately.

Why unassembled?   It will cost you less in the end.

First is the cost.  There are no Fitting or Assembly charges.  When sent, the size of the box is much larger for an assembled frame but in most cases it is not very heavy.  This results in the shipper charging what is called  "Dimensional Weight"; what a box that size should weigh according to their industry standards.

Second is the glass.   Shippers prefer Plexiglas® (plastic) because it is less likely to break however, it costs more than glass.

Third is the damage factor.  The larger the box, the more likely it is that it will sustain some damage.  Although most damage is minor and usually does not result in damage to the frame, fame corners/joints can be broken requiring repair or at worst replacement.  Because of the variations of Koa it is not possible to replace just one side of the frame and expect it to match the other three sides.

Kauai Frame is a custom frame shop.  All Koa frames are cut and finished accordingly when ordered.   Therefore, all sales are final.

Except for the Koa virtually all materials used in the framing process are sent or shipped here from the U.S. mainland.  Our glass, mat boards, backing, glue, hooks etc. all cost us more than your local framer pays and that cost is of course, reflected in the pricing.

Your local framer will charge you to assemble the frame but I am fairly confident that you will save money in the end.  I would like to see you spend that money in making a nicer presentation of your art rather than have you settle for a lesser frame because of the added packing and shipping costs