What Questions Should I Ask a Custom Furniture Builder Before Ordering?

Ordering custom furniture requires trusting someone with a significant amount of money and a meaningful purchase. Before you commit, there are questions you should ask every maker you're considering — and the quality of their answers will tell you a lot about whether this is the right relationship.

A good builder will answer all of these questions clearly, without hesitation, and without making you feel like you're being difficult. If a builder gets evasive on any of these, pay attention to that.

What materials will you use — specifically?

Not "solid wood" — specifically. What species? What grade of lumber? Is the top solid wood throughout, or are any panels veneered? What material are the legs? The apron?

You have every right to know exactly what goes into your table. A builder who builds with quality materials is proud to tell you. One who's evasive has something to hide.

How do you attach the top to the base?

This matters because solid wood moves seasonally — it expands in humid months and contracts in dry months. If the top is fastened rigidly, it can crack or cup over time.

Quality builders use wz-clips, figure-8 fasteners, or slotted clips that allow the top to move freely while keeping it flat on the base. If a builder fastens the top directly with screws through the apron, that's a red flag.

What finish do you use and how is it applied?

Ask how many coats. Ask what happens between coats (sanding is the right answer). Ask whether the finish can be repaired in the field. Ask whether the inside of the apron and the underside of the top are also finished — they should be, because finishing both sides prevents moisture imbalance that causes warping.

A builder who knows their finish process will answer this in detail. One who says "I'll put a nice finish on it" is not giving you enough information.

What is your timeline and what happens if it changes?

Get a specific lead time. Ask what communication you should expect during the process — will they contact you when the lumber is selected, when the table is in glue-up, when finishing begins? Ask what happens if the timeline extends and how you'll be notified.

What does your warranty or guarantee look like?

A reputable custom furniture maker stands behind their work. This doesn't mean every scratch or dent is covered — normal wear is expected. It does mean that structural defects in joinery, finish failures not caused by misuse, or wood movement problems caused by construction error should be addressed.

Ask what's covered, for how long, and what the process looks like if you have a problem.

Can I see examples of your work, and can I contact past customers?

Portfolio photos are expected. References from actual customers are better (a good build will also have Google Reviews). A builder who is confident in their work is happy to connect you with people who've bought from them before.

Ready to get started?

Ready to see what a table built specifically for your home looks like? Tell us about your space and we'll put together a quote — no pressure, no obligation. Request a Quote from Luke's Furniture Company.