Start Smart: A Guide to Planning Your Custom Furniture Piece

From the sawdust-covered floor of my shop, the process of building furniture looks a lot different than it does in a showroom. When you walk through my doors, you’re not just buying a table or a console; you’re commissioning a collaboration.

Custom furniture is an investment in "forever." To help us get there, here’s a guide to help us through the journey of bringing a piece to life.

1. Start with the Why, Not the What

When we first sit down, don't feel like you need to have the technical specs ready. Instead, tell me how you live.

• Do you have kids who will be doing homework (and spilling juice) on this surface?

• Are you looking for a "statement piece" for a formal foyer, or a workhorse for a busy kitchen?

• My Advice: Understanding the lifestyle of the piece helps me recommend the right construction methods and wood choice.

2. Let’s Talk Wood, Beyond Just the Color

Clients often come in asking for "dark wood" or "light wood," but species matters for more than just aesthetics.

• Walnut: Rich, chocolatey, and prestigious, but it’s a softer hardwood.

• White Oak: Incredibly trendy right now for its neutral tone, but also prized by makers for its extreme durability and water resistance.

• Mahogany: High density and straight-grained, prized for its deep reddish-brown luster and remarkable stability, even in Oklahoma.

Note: If you love a specific tone more than a specific wood, we can discuss custom stains to match you vision.

3. Respecting the "Movement"

Wood is a living material. It breathes, expands, and contracts with the humidity in your home. Part of my job as your maker is to design joinery that allows for this movement so the piece doesn't crack ten years down the line. If I push back on a specific thin leg or a wide seamless top, it’s because I’m looking out for the structural integrity of your investment.

4. What to Bring to Our First Meeting

To make our initial consult productive, try to have these three things ready:

• The Max Dimensions: Knowing the absolute limit of your space prevents us from designing something that blocks traffic.

• Inspiration Photos: You don't need a mood board, just show me what catches your eye so I can learn your visual language.

• A Realistic Timeline: Quality takes time. If this is for a Thanksgiving dinner six weeks away, we need to talk rush order or bringing you a loaner.

Ready to build something that your grandkids will argue over one day?