When choosing a wooden photo frame, the type of wood you go for can make a real difference in appearance, durability and cost. At Frametigo, we stock a selection of premium solid wood frames; including Okan, Pine, Oak, Walnut, Sapeli Mahogany and Obeche.
In this blog we’ll walk you through each wood’s characteristics, benefits and what to look for when making your choice.
Why wood frames remain a top choice
Wood brings a warmth, texture and timelessness that many other frame materials struggle to match. Beyond aesthetics, quality solid wood offers good strength, the ability to take finishes (oil, wax, lacquer), and better longevity than many cheaper synthetic alternatives. That said, wood is a natural material and will respond to changes in humidity and temperature; that’s why quality construction, good joinery and a stable wood species are key.
At Frametigo, our solid natural wood frames are crafted with care: we use double-splined mitre joints, sand them thoroughly, and apply oil/wax finishing to bring out the grain while protecting the wood.
Let’s dig into the strengths and trade-offs of each wood type in our collection.
Wood types and their pros & cons
Okan
Overview & appearance
Okan is a hardwood known for its rich red-brown tones and noticeable interlocked grain. Available in the Frametigo range, it offers timeless elegance.
Benefits
Strong, durable, and stable, good for medium to large frames
The red tones lend warmth and sophistication to photographs
Takes oil or wax finishes well, which enhances the wood’s character
Considerations
Slightly more expensive than softwoods
Grain direction (interlock) must be respected during cutting to avoid tear-out
Because it has colour variation, matching multiple frames can require wood grading
Pine
Overview & appearance
Pine is a softer, lighter wood with a pale, creamy “blonde” colour and relatively straight grain. In our Frametigo line, pine offers an attractive, more affordable natural wood option.
Benefits
Lightweight and easy to work with
Accepts stains or paints readily, giving great flexibility
Lower cost than hardwoods, making it ideal for larger runs or budget projects
Considerations
Softer wood prone to dents, scratches or dings
Can warp or distort under high humidity unless well sealed
Grain is less prominent, so it has a more subtle visual impact
Oak
Overview & appearance
Oak is a classic hardwood, trusted for centuries. Its strong grain, durability and neutrality make it versatile for many décor styles.
Benefits
Very durable and resistant to warping
Distinct grain adds texture and depth
Ages gracefully; can be stained or finished to suit different looks
Suitable for large, heavy frames
Considerations
Hard wood, more challenging to machine (cut, mitre, sand)
The grain can be coarse, so surface finishing must be well handled
More expensive than softwoods
Walnut
Overview & appearance
Walnut is prized for its dark, rich tones ranging from chocolate to deep brown, and often with subtle variations and grain patterns. It’s a premium frame wood used for more formal displays.
Benefits
Elegant, high-end appearance
Dense and stable, good for moderate to large frame sizes
Takes finishes and patinas beautifully
Considerations
Higher cost, so best reserved for premium or signature pieces
Because it is darker, mistakes in finishing or sanding show more easily
Light in some years; wood tone can evolve
Sapeli Mahogany
Overview & appearance
Sapeli (sometimes called sapele) is a tropical hardwood in the mahogany family. It has a reddish cast and relatively straight grain, somewhat more exotic than typical European hardwoods.
Benefits
Good hardness and durability
The reddish hue gives a classy, warm tone without being overly dark
Excellent finishing properties (oiling, lacquering)
Considerations
Tropical species, ensure responsibly sourced supply
Slightly more challenging to machine than softer woods
Price is typically between that of pine and walnut
Obeche
Overview & appearance
Obeche (also called African whitewood) is a lighter tropical hardwood. It’s often used for frame mouldings where a lighter base wood is needed, sometimes painted or stained.
Benefits
Relatively light in weight while still being workable
Takes stains and finishes well, making it versatile
Ideal when you want to paint or achieve a uniform finish
Considerations
Softer than oak or walnut, so careful handling is needed
The grain is not as prominent, so it’s best for painted or lightly stained finishes
As a tropical species, sustainability is again a factor to verify
What to look for when buying a wooden photo frame
Here are key features to prioritise when choosing a wood frame and what we do at Frametigo to ensure quality:
Solid wood vs veneer or composite
A truly solid wood frame (not just a veneer over MDF) gives better longevity and finish options. At Frametigo, our frames are made from solid natural wood with no veneer layers.
Stability & seasonality
Look for wood that is well-seasoned and kiln dried to reduce warping or movement. Hardwoods like oak, walnut and Okan tend to be more stable.
Joint quality
Strong, precise mitre joints are essential. We use double-splined mitre joints (no staples) to enhance strength and keep corners aligned.
Finish & protection
A good finish protects against moisture, fading and handling. Our frames are sanded multiple times and finished with oil or wax to bring out the grain while offering protection.
Colour consistency & grading
Especially for large orders, consistent colour and grain matching is important. Ask whether the supplier grades their wood and whether they can match across multiple frames.
Sustainability & sourcing
Given that some species (e.g. tropical hardwoods) may have supply or ethical issues, always ask for evidence of sustainable sourcing (FSC, PEFC) if that matters to you.
Weight vs size
Heavier woods (oak, walnut) can lead to very heavy frames at large sizes. For bigger frames, a mid-weight wood like Okan, or a strong softwood may be more practical.
How to choose the right wood for your photo frame
Here are a few guiding principles:
For elegance and statement pieces: Walnut or Sapeli Mahogany work beautifully when you want richness, depth and sophistication.
For durability and traditional appeal: Oak is a stellar all-rounder.
For budget and versatility: Pine is a practical choice, especially when the frame will be stained or painted.
For custom colours or painted styles: Obeche gives you a great base that responds well to treatments.
For warm, strong but slightly exotic tone: Okan is a unique option that balances character and performance.
It’s also good practice to request a wood sample or finish swatch before committing to a large batch, especially when matching frames in bulk.
Summary & next steps
Choosing the best wood for a photo frame involves balancing aesthetics, durability, cost and practicality. At Frametigo, we offer a carefully curated choice of solid wood frames (Okan, Pine, Oak, Walnut, Sapeli Mahogany and Obeche) each with its own advantages and ideal use cases.
If you’d like guidance on selecting the right wood for your photos, matching finishes across multiple frames, or placing an order with us, please contact us. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect wooden photo frame solution for your needs.
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