Buying Custom Built Office Furniture

Looking for a piece of furniture and can’t find just what you want? Maybe the size, color, or finish isn’t right for you. Or you have a specific need in terms of storage, use, or flexibility. If that’s the case, you may be in the market for custom built furniture.

Keep in mind that custom built furniture will be much more expensive than furniture you buy from a major manufacturer. Why? Major manufacturers can take advantage of economies of scale – they can make hundreds of pieces at a time, passing the savings in labor, materials, and time on to you. A custom manufacturer has no economy of scale; they’re making a piece for you, so in effect it’s a handmade, specialty piece of furniture. As a result, prices are higher – typically at least 50 to 100 percent higher, especially if you require fine workmanship. Many furniture manufacturers specialize in custom built pieces. Your best bet is to find a local manufacturer so you can work with them directly to ensure you get the exact piece you want, made to your specifications.
How do you accomplish that? Most furniture makers will accept photos, drawings, pencil sketches on a napkin… whatever specifications you can provide. They’ll turn those specifications into a drawing for you to approve, and once you’ve settled on the details like size, type of wood, finish, etc, they’ll start on your piece.

Keep in mind that lead times can be long. Depending on the demand the manufacturer has, you may wait two to three months or longer for your furniture to be constructed. (Rarely will a manufacturer be able to make a desk in less than two to three weeks, for instance.)

So how do you find a good custom built furniture maker? You’ll have to shop around. First, check your Yellow Pages under “Furniture Manufacturers” or “Furniture Designers” or “Furniture Custom Builders.” Call each to find out what type of work they do. Ask to visit their showroom or their shop to see pieces that have been built or are being built. Also ask for references, and talk to some of their previous customers.

Once you’ve find a manufacturer you’re comfortable with, you’re ready to decide specifications and price. Many will come to your home or office to take measurements and get a feel for what your specific needs are. Take time to clearly describe exactly what you want.

Then, have the manufacturer write up a set of specs including sizes, types of wood, finish, delivery schedule, etc. Make sure you’re comfortable with all the details. Don’t be surprised if the manufacturer requires a 33 or 50 percent deposit to start the job.

Feel free to keep track of the progress of your furniture. You can call to check in or even visit the shop to see how the pieces are coming. The manufacturer may discourage your visit, but remember: it’s your furniture. You have a right to see it in progress.

How much should you expect to pay? Prices vary widely depending on the woods you use, the manufacturer you choose, and even where you live. A sold oak desk built in a small town in West Virginia by a local manufacturer may cost $1,500 to $2,500; the same desk built in Chicago can cost $4,000 to $5,000. Manufacturers with a solid reputation can charge a premium; smaller operations will charge lower prices. If you choose an unknown manufacturer, make sure to ask for references and to see pieces they’ve built before.

Many custom pieces are made with laminate woods. Laminates are thin sheets of hardwood attached to a less expensive base wood. When constructed well, laminates are virtually indistinguishable from solid wood furniture, and can cost between 20 and 40 percent less. Laminates are sometimes less durable and can take a little less wear and tear, so make sure the furniture you choose is right for the application you need. If you need a work surface that will suffer a lot of abuse, choose a hardwood finish that will stand up to the stress. Laminates are frequently used for credenzas, bookshelves, and other items that don’t get heavy usage, although some laminates are nearly as strong as hardwoods. Talk to your custom manufacturer about how you’ll use the furniture to get advice about what laminates may be right for you.

Custom office furniture can be beautiful, versatile, and can fit your workspace perfectly. It comes at a cost, though, so do your homework and make sure you’re buying a piece that’s exactly what you need.

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