Work Process

Consultation

When a client contacts me to commission a custom piece of furniture, first I meet with the client to discuss the project. At this meeting, we look over initial designs and discuss materials. It’s always helpful when the client brings as much information to this meeting as possible. Items such as pictures and dimensions help me to have a better idea of what the client has in mind. In cases where the client requests for me to make a duplicate of an existing piece they own, I photograph the piece and carefully take measurements.

After I have a good idea of what the client envisions, I take time to explain the various types joinery involved in making a custom furniture piece. After we have discussed the concept, and the client decides to use my services, I charge a design fee ranging between $200 and $300 depending on the complexity of the piece which would be applied towards the final price if the client approves the design.

   Design Process

The design process begins in my mind as soon as I step out of the client’s home. I review the information and sketch various drafts to examine all the proportions. With more complex pieces, I may make a full size mock up to convey to the client the proportion of the pieces in relation to the client’s home, existing furniture pieces, and space where the furniture will be placed.

  Approval and Deposit

After the design is ready, I meet with the client a second time to present the design and the bid. Once approved, a 50% deposit is due to begin construction. The remaining amount is due upon delivery.

  Construction

The construction process starts with a trip to the local lumber yard where I personally select each piece of rough-milled lumber. After I return to the shop with the selected material, I carefully inspect the lumber and begin to lay out all of the pieces. My goal is to have all pieces match and ensure the grain of the wood has a constant flow throughout the piece.

Next, I allow the lumber to acclimate to the shop conditions which takes about a week. Then I measure, cut, and mill to specifications. After the pieces are cut to size, I carefully lay out the traditional handcrafted joinery which may consist of mortise and tenons, dovetails, frame & panel, bridle joints, or a specific joinery method the client has requested. When using these traditional joinery methods, careful planning is crucial due to the seasonal wood movement. Wood shrinks and expands depending on the moisture in the air.

All of these factors are taken into consideration when laying out the joinery to avoid any warping or cracking of any joints or boards. Once everything has been laid out, all pieces are then dry-fitted and sanded. If everything fits together to my satisfaction, the pieces are ready to be glued and clamped together. After the glue has dried, I apply the finish selected by the client, whether its lacquer finish tung oil or lacquer paint. Then I allow it to cure for about a week.

  Inspection and Delivery

After the final coat of finish has dried, I meticulously inspect the finished product to make sure it’s perfect. The finished piece is then wrapped and prepared for delivery. In most cases, I personally deliver the furniture to the client’s home to ensure safe handling of the delicate piece.

 

 

If you're ready to commission a piece of custom made furniture, please let me know. I'd be happy to set up a free, in-home design consultation to discuss your options.

Call me anytime at (832) 216-1939, email me or fill out our quick online form.