When considering commissioning custom hardwood furniture, our clients often have questions about the process. A custom piece is an investment, and we understand the desire to make sure the design will truly represent your vision and that the piece will be expertly crafted using the highest quality materials. We want that too, so we take great care to listen carefully to what you are looking for in your piece in terms of style, function, materials, and how it will work in your existing space.
Take a look at our custom furniture design and build process outline below. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, or have further questions, please contact us here.
Initial Consultation (Complimentary)
In this first meeting we’ll go over the general concept of your design to get a feel for what you’re looking for. If you have inspiration images, dimensions etc. bring those along, but if you’re starting from scratch that’s fine too. Initial consultations for customized furniture may be held in our Santa Barbara workshop, or via phone or video conference. Consultations at your location can also be arranged (fee applies).
Ballpark Estimate (Complimentary)
If you already have the basic outline of a design we can often provide a ballpark estimate for your piece before heading into the design phase. Keep in mind that we can’t provide a final estimate until the design and build plan are complete.
Designing and Revising (Design Deposit)
The fun part. At this point we’ll work up initial 3D renderings of your design to use as a jumping off point, and then revise and refine with you until we have all the functional elements and stylistic details just right. A custom furniture design deposit is taken at this time, usually covering 3-4 hours of design time depending on the complexity of the piece. Design work is billed at $135/hr.
Design Approval and Build Scheduling (50% Build Deposit)
Once you have approved your revised design and estimate, a 50% build deposit is requested and we will add your project to the build schedule. Lead times are dependent on the current build schedule. In a hurry? You can reserve the next available slot in our schedule at any time by placing an estimated build deposit. Build deposits are non-refundable. .
Delivery and Installation (Final Payment)
Once your piece is complete our partners will deliver and install it for you. We partner with a highly-skilled fine art shipper for national and international shipping.
Please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation, or if you have any questions about our custom furniture design and build process.
FAQs
I have an idea…can you build it?
Probably! Only one way to find out: Let's talk.
How long will it take?
Lead time depends on a few factors, including how busy the shop is and the complexity of the piece, but as a guideline most pieces are finished within about 14 to 20 weeks. As a fully-custom workshop every piece we make is a unique process, so our schedule sometimes requires a bit of flexibility. If you need something faster contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
How much will it cost?
A hand-made custom piece is an investment that will always cost more than something mass produced. Our workshop has a wide array of expertise, including advanced joinery and structural design, complex carving and inlay work, and more, which makes us one of the few shops that can make just about anything, and make it well. Take a look at our recent work to see some examples. So - is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Can you ship or work remotely?
We partner with fine art handlers to offer white glove delivery nation-wide. Please contact us for information on international shipping. Remote work is considered on a case by case basis. Let's talk.
Have questions or want to schedule a consultation?
Just fill out the form below, email shop@keefridersb.com or call 805-617-3324.