Commissioning a Piece

Initial Conference

You may have an existing piece of furniture that you to compliment or just a general style in mind. We will explore those issues plus any other likes or dislikes you have that can guide my design. If you have particular requirements, I may well ask to see the space where the piece will live. Regardless, I am equally happy meeting with you at your office or home, or at my office at the Slaughterhouse.

Design Process

Once I have a general idea of what you want I will design the piece. While I usually begin with sketches, I do all of my serious designing with TurboCAD. That way you get a set of properly proportioned drawings with dimensions and I get a construction roadmap. If the design is radical or we're not quite sure we're going to like it, I may build a scale model. Even the best drawings are a poor substitute for a solid wood object. When I am finished with the design process, I will present you with a set of drawings and a letter detailing the piece: price, wood, finish, hardware, etc. If there is an aspect of the design you're not happy with, speak up! I'll happily tweak the design until you are satisfied. Once we are agreed, we will both sign the letter and you will pay the deposit (50% of the final price).

Pricing

When I design a piece I estimate construction time/cost, add the materials, and that gives me a total price. That price, the one I present to you, is final. If the piece takes me twice as long to build as I thought, I will not ask you for more money. That being said, custom furniture is expensive. I would encourage you to explore the gallery on this site for an idea of the range of prices I charge. At our initial meeting I may ask you about your budget. I would rather build you furniture you can afford rather than spend the time to design a piece that is totally out of range. Even a simpler piece will still be custom designed and built for you, which in my book is better than settling for something from a furniture store.

Construction

While I use machines and power tools for all of the heavy work, I try to use hand tools for the final surfaces as much as possible. This gives my furniture a traditional, hand-worked feel. Too much modern furniture looks like plastic to me; I want my furniture to still look and feel like wood when I'm finished.

I build one project at a time. Payment of the deposit puts you on the list and I will get to your furniture when you reach the top. I will be happy to keep you updated on the status of your project.

I have been asked a number of times if I mind if people come by to see their furniture under construction. Absolutely! Just give me a call or send me an email to set up a time. Whether your furniture is still a pile of parts or nearly finished, you are more than welcome to stop by.

Delivery

I will contact you as I am finishing up your piece. If you live in the the greater Pittsburgh area and if the furniture fits in my truck I will deliver it at no extra charge. If you live farther afield or the piece is large enough to require a larger truck (or shipping) there may be a delivery cost. Regardless, I will discuss this with you when we settle on the final design and price. The balance of the cost, plus any applicable sales tax, is due at delivery.

Damage, Defects, and Wear

I build my furniture to last and I want you to be happy with it. If there is a flaw in the finish or manufacture, I'll make it right. I am also happy to repair normal wear at my hourly rate.

Cancellations and Refunds

If you decide, for whatever reason, that you do not want the furniture before you pay the deposit then the project ends there at no cost. After we have signed the letter and you have paid the deposit and you wish to cancel, I will offer refunds as follows. If I haven't purchased the wood or begun work, then I will refund the entire deposit less a 10% (total project cost) design fee. If I have bought the wood but little or no work, I will refund half the deposit. If I have done the bulk of the work or the piece is finished, I cannot offer a refund.