Custom Work
Are you looking for a table that fits perfectly in that one corner of your living room? Or have your heart set on a small box for a special proposal? We take on custom projects all the time. We have built cabinets, desks, jewelry boxes, cutting boards, shelving, tables, and more. If there’s something you’re thinking about, get in touch!
Things to consider when choosing us for your custom projects (click each item for more details)
Type of Wood
The type of wood you choose for a custom woodworking project can vary based on your aesthetic preferences, and the eventual use of the piece. Hardwoods like walnut and maple are durable, and have a variety of natural color and grain patterns, which can make the finished piece look extremely decorative, or very minimal. Woods such as pine are less expensive and easier to work with but may not stand up to wear as well for high use areas. We have experience working with many wood types from exotic woods like Zebra wood (really challenging!) to Walnut from trees on a family farm in Iowa.
Timeline
The timeline for your custom woodworking project is important to consider. If you need a wedding present for specific date, a cutting board without any customizations can be completed pretty quickly, whereas a table or box takes longer. It’s not always the size that depicts the timeline, however. Details like double dovetails, an inlay, or a custom burned design will all add time to the project. Projects also have built in waiting time with glue-up, finish layers, and more, so it is important to reach out to us as soon as you have an idea about what you might need. The more time we have, the more we can ensure your project is perfect!
Size of Project
Smaller projects can often be fitted in between larger ones, especially when we are working with large amounts of the same kind of wood (several maple cutting boards, and boxes, for example, can be made with the same wood from a maple table). This can also reduce the time from order to creation. Make sure you reach out if you want to schedule a project, either large or small.
Your Budget
It’s good to know going in what your budget is for a project, so choices can be made up front in the design process. Making two tables of the exact same dimensions can be wildly different based on the available budget. Wood choice, design elements (inlays, live edge, or engravings), hardware (drawer slides, pulls) and timeline can all impact the budget. Come to us with your ideas, and your budget. We will try our best to work with you to get what you need!
Intention
Decorative objects can be more fragile that functional objects, and can include different elements. If you were to ask for a cutting board with curved lines, we would recommend a different approach, because we have found that curves in cutting boards are not very stable, particularly when subjected to pressure from knives, or moisture from food and cleanup. However, if you are asking for the same thing (a wooden board) for using as a decorative tray in the living room, the curved lines would not be a problem. Considering the potential use of your item when making a custom piece is another important element to ensuring that we create something you will enjoy for a long time.
Custom Details
James is the woodworker in the family, but his wife, Rachel, is also an artist, and can add custom details such as monograms, floral patterns, names, outlines of mountain ranges, and more to your custom wood piece. These details can turn a simple box into a long term keepsake that will be treasured always. Don’t hesitate to ask about additional custom details!
How It Works
Typically, you will reach out to us for a conversation on the project. We will discuss your ideas, timeline, budget (everything listed above!) and come up with a quote and project plan. When the plan is agreed to, you will pay a 50% (non-refundable) deposit for projects above $500, or full payment in advance for the project for anything under $500. Then the balance is due upon delivery of the project.
We then get to work buying the wood, buying the fittings, making sure the dimensions and drawings are approved by you. As we work, we will send you updates with photos, to keep you in the loop. Once the project is complete, we will arrange for delivery, pick up, or shipping, depending on our pre-arranged communication. Ideally, you will come by the shop to pick up your new heirloom!
*Note: If shipping is required, that will be in addition to the contract cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t know what I want, I just have some ideas. Can I still commission you?
You absolutely can. We love to have conversations about the ideas, and work with people to find the perfect project plan.
I have a very small budget/ short timeline. Do you have ready to go projects that I can just purchase?
We sure do! We are always working on little projects to try out our skills, and have things sitting around that can often do in a pinch! Reach out and let us know what you’re looking for!
Why do I have to pay up front?
Because custom work has to be scheduled into our workload, and we have to buy the wood and fittings to get started. We are a small shop so don’t always have the exact wood on hand for what a customer needs. We understand that you may have concerns about committing fully, but you will be part of the conversation during the entire design and build process, so your final project won’t appear out of the blue. We stay in touch to make sure our vision is aligned with yours.
If, for any reason, the final project is not up to your expectations, contact us directly to work out a solution. We are sure you will be pleased, so we don’t have a specific pre-arranged policy for disappointed customers. It’s our plan to ensure everyone is extremely happy with their new items.