What Is Polcore? Everything You Need to Know

If you're choosing a picture frame moulding, you may have come across the term Polcore and wondered what it means. While solid wood frames are well known, Polcore has become an increasingly popular material used by professional picture framers and manufacturers.

So, what exactly is it?

What Is Polcore?

Polcore is a high-density engineered core material used to manufacture picture frame mouldings. Unlike solid wood mouldings, which are cut from natural timber, Polcore is made from at least 80% recycled polystyrene, giving new life to materials that might otherwise become waste.

The material is manufactured into a dense, stable core then finished with decorative veneers, foils or specialist coatings to replicate the appearance of natural wood, painted finishes or contemporary metallic effects.

In addition to its consistent quality and durability, Polcore offers important environmental benefits. Because it is produced using recycled polystyrene and can be fully recycled at the end of its life, it provides a more circular solution for modern picture frame manufacturing.

Is Polcore Better Than Wood?

Not necessarily - it's simply different.

Solid wood has a natural grain and unique character that many people appreciate, especially for traditional or luxury framing projects.

Polcore, on the other hand, offers excellent consistency, a wide choice of finishes and often represents a more cost-effective option without compromising on appearance. It is not subject to the natural variance of wood so it always consistant in length without knots or twists.

Both materials are widely used by professional framers, and each has its own advantages.

Will You Notice the Difference?

For many finished frames, the difference isn't immediately obvious.

Modern manufacturing techniques allow Polcore mouldings to replicate the appearance of real wood extremely convincingly. In many cases, the choice comes down to the style you're looking for, your budget and the type of artwork being framed.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're framing a treasured painting, family photograph, certificate or limited-edition print, both Polcore and solid wood can produce beautiful results, in fact Polcore is an excellent choice for conservation framing as the artwork does not need protecting from the natural acids etc produced from wood.

A professional framer can help you choose the most suitable moulding based on the artwork, the room where it will be displayed and the finish you want to achieve.

Final Thoughts

Polcore has earned its place in the framing industry because it combines durability, consistency and an impressive range of attractive finishes. Whether you're a professional framer or simply looking for the perfect frame for your artwork, understanding what Polcore is can help you make a more informed choice.

The best frame isn't determined solely by the material - it's the combination of quality craftsmanship, the right moulding and a design that complements the artwork.

View the extensive range:Polcore Picture Fame Mouldings