I would like to create a piece of fine custom furniture for you. 

Most people are not familiar with how to go about commissioning a piece of fine furniture, so I want to help you understand the process.

The Concept

First you have an idea for a special piece of custom furniture, or other wooden treasure, you would like to have.  Simply contact me and we will start the process.

I will meet with you, or correspond via emails, to learn what you have in mind.  I will ask about the function you want the piece to provide, the special features, and its size.  Together we will determine what style the design should be, which will lead to a selection of the types of woods to use and the color and finish.

I will make a sketch of the piece to share with you just to be sure we are on the right track.

Detail Design

Then I’ll create a detailed design.  From that I will determine the proper types of joinery and other construction techniques to use.  I use only time-tested, traditional construction techniques – mortise and tenon joinery, dovetailed drawers, and frame-and-panel construction as appropriate.  I build with solid wood, or hardwood veneered cabinet grade plywood, as the design of the piece dictates.

This detailed design will also give us the opportunity to select just the right hardware to provide the needed function and aesthetics to compliment the piece.

Pricing

From this detailed design I will get the information I need to quote a price.  I base furniture prices on the size of the piece, the cost of materials, the types of joinery needed to construct it, the level of detail work required (moldings, carving, inlays, etc.) and the finish desired.  My pieces will always cost more than a similar piece you can purchase in a furniture store.  That’s because it will be a one-of-a-kind piece, made by hand with the finest quality materials.  It will be constructed with care and skill that will allow it to last generations, not to be discarded in a few years when the shelves begin to warp, the joints loosen, or the “wood grain” wears off.

Approval

Next, I will create a realistic photographic rendering of your piece of custom furniture, closely reflecting the wood grain texture and color of your choice.  This will be your opportunity to verify this is the piece of furniture you are looking for.  I will present this to you along with the price and the delivery schedule.  Delivery times vary greatly, from a few weeks to a few months, depending on complexity of the piece and work schedules in the shop.

When you approve the design, I will typically require 50% of the quoted price down to purchase materials and get the job started, with the balance due on delivery.

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I hope you allow me to build a custom heirloom-quality piece of fine furniture for you.

Click to contact me today...