What Factors Drive Up Custom Design Costs?

 

Many design variables make custom furniture cost more than mass-produced furniture. Clients find it helpful to understand what some of these variables are.

The Design itself can range from the essence of Zen simplicity to richly adorned details. For starters, ask questions such as:

  • Will it require detailed carving and highlighting definitions including inlay and specialty trim work?
  • Will the budget support many drawers, or is it more realistic to consider open shelving? Understandably, more time would be spent handcrafting a desk with more drawers.
  • What higher-end materials will be used, or will high-grade plywood work better? Case in point—many people think solid wood is the only good option. However, depending upon design goals and functionality, quality plywood is better for some applications. We’ll be glad to help hone your selections with end-user goals in mind.
  • What accessories will imprint it as your signature piece?
    • Quality drawer slides that close on their own, are more pricey than $5 slides.
    • What kinds of hardware?
    • Prefer exotic veneers?
    • Upholstery options—leather, fabric, stitch type, upholstery style?
    • Finish—hand-rubbed poly with a tung oil base, or our most eco-friendly water lacquer (also our most economical option for hard coatings)?

Materials and Accessories

  • What higher-end materials will be used, or will high-grade plywood work better? Case in point—many people think solid wood is the only good option. However, depending upon design goals and functionality, quality plywood is better for some applications. We’ll be glad to help hone your selections with end-user goals in mind.
  • What accessories will imprint it as your signature piece?
    • Quality drawer slides that close on their own, are more pricey than $5 slides.
    • What kinds of hardware?
    • Prefer exotic veneers?
    • Upholstery options—leather, fabric, stitch type, upholstery style?
    • Finish—hand-rubbed poly with a tung oil base, or our most eco-friendly water lacquer (also our most economical option for hard coatings)?

 

Whatever your preference, we’re delighted to hear from you: tyfinefurniture@gmail.com

By Tarik Yousef

 

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