Once you have contacted the craftsman of your choice you are on your way to ownership of a fine furniture creation design and built exclusively for you. Here we provide a quick list of items to make sure you discuss all the pertinent information needed to ensure that you get exactly what you want.

Where will the furniture be used?

Where the piece is used will play a major role in determining what type of wood, finish and size is best for the situation For example if a large country style table will complete your dining room design you may want to select a durable wood such as oak or walnut and will want to shy away from a species that is prone to dents and scratches such as pine. Also discuss sizing and shape for use in the space. You may want a large square table, yet if the space is tight a round table will save you space.

What style of decorating do you like?

If you’ve already found your favorite style of furniture – congratulations! Yet, more and more decorators and homeowners are using an eclectic style — meaning mixing a number of styles — within a room. Pieces of different styles in one room can appear more “collected”, adding interest to the space. You can learn more about furniture styles by visit our Design Tips page.

What kind of wood do you like?

All wood furniture is made from either hardwood (trees that lose their leaves seasonally) or softwood (from trees that keep their leaves year round). Oak and teak are hardwoods that really are hard and heavy. Fine hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, maple, cherry, or oak are found in the most expensive pieces. Softwoods like are used in less formal pieces. You can learn more about the different wood species by visiting our Wood Species and Types page page.

Is the furniture 100% solid wood?

"Solid walnut" furniture means that all exposed parts of the piece are either hardwood or softwood. But the frame and inner parts may be made of other, less-costly wood. Because timber cut from trees is not the size or shape required for furniture, bonding is used to join pieces together. Thin layers of fine, decorative wood can be bonded to the face of furniture pieces. This centuries-old technique is called veneering. To learn more about the different wood products visit our Wood Species and Types page.

What kind of finish will be on the wood?

The finish on furniture can enhance the natural look of wood or change it completely. A finish of oil or wax lets the wood shine. For more durability, lacquer or varnish is applied when the piece is manufactured. Distressed furniture can be natural (as with an old piece) or man-made (via sanding or beating the wood with chains). Painting, gilding, and inlays can change the look of a wood piece as well. The finish of case goods should be smooth to the touch and any table leaves should match. To learn more about wood finishes, visit our Wood Finishes page.

What type of details do you like?

The furniture can contain details such as exposed dovetails, inlays, different edge profiles, carvings and the list goes on and on. Much of the detailing can be determined from the style you like but there are always those special touches that will truly set a piece off and make it your unique style.  Be sure to discuss these fine details with the artisan.

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