One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering custom furniture is simple and completely reasonable:
“How long does it take?”
At Luke’s Furniture Company, the honest answer is this:
Most custom furniture projects take anywhere from 3 to 6 months from order to delivery.
That may feel long compared to buying furniture online—but there’s an important distinction most buyers don’t realize:
The actual build only takes about one month.
The rest of the timeline is intentional and essential to quality.
This article breaks down exactly where that time goes, why it matters, and what you can expect at every stage of the process.
For most projects at Luke’s Furniture Company, the timeline looks like this:
2–5 months: Waitlist before the build begins
1 month: Lumber acclimation in climate control
~1 month: Active build and finishing
Total: 3–6 months from order to delivery
Each phase serves a purpose—and skipping or rushing any of them compromises the long-term quality of the piece.
The process begins with a detailed conversation about how the piece will be used, where it will live, and what matters most to you.
This phase includes:
Confirming dimensions and proportions
Choosing wood species
Selecting a finish
Discussing lifestyle needs (kids, pets, daily use)
Aligning expectations on timeline and budget
Once the design is finalized and the order is placed, the project enters the production queue.
Why this matters for timing:
Custom furniture doesn’t start immediately. Each piece is built one at a time, in order, rather than rushed through a production line.
This is the longest part of the process—and the most misunderstood.
Luke’s Furniture Company operates with a controlled production schedule to ensure:
Consistent quality
Proper attention to detail
No shortcuts or rushed work
Your project may sit in the queue for 2 to 5 months before the build begins, depending on:
Current workload
Time of year
Project complexity
Why a waitlist is a good sign:
A backlog often indicates demand for craftsmanship, not inefficiency. It allows each piece to receive full focus once work begins.
Before any cutting or assembly happens, solid wood must be allowed to acclimate.
At Luke’s Furniture Company:
Lumber is brought into a climate-controlled shop
Moisture content stabilizes to match indoor conditions
Boards are evaluated for grain, color, and character
This acclimation process typically takes about one month.
Why this step cannot be rushed:
Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with humidity. Skipping proper acclimation increases the risk of:
Warping
Cracking
Seasonal movement
This step is especially critical in coastal and humid climates like southeastern North Carolina.
Once acclimation is complete, the active build begins.
This phase includes:
Milling lumber flat and square
Cutting components to precise dimensions
Creating strong, long-lasting joinery
Shaping bases, legs, or profiles
Assembling the piece
Sanding and surface preparation
Although this is often referred to as “the build,” it’s actually many small, careful steps layered together.
Important clarification:
The build itself takes about one month, not several. The longer overall timeline comes from preparation and scheduling—not slow craftsmanship.
Finishing is both a visual and protective step.
At Luke’s Furniture Company:
Finishes are selected for durability and real-world use
Multiple coats may be applied
Proper cure time is allowed before delivery
This ensures the finish reaches its full hardness and durability before the piece enters your home.
Why cure time matters:
Using furniture before the finish has fully cured can reduce resistance to heat, moisture, and wear—especially on dining tables.
Before delivery:
The piece is carefully inspected
Final touch-ups are completed
The furniture is protected for transport
Delivery or installation is scheduled
Mass-produced furniture is optimized for speed and volume. Custom furniture is optimized for longevity.
The extended timeline allows for:
Proper wood acclimation
Strong joinery instead of fasteners
Durable, long-lasting finishes
Careful sanding and prep
One-at-a-time attention
These are the exact things that prevent problems years down the road.
Rushing often leads to future issues. While minor adjustments are sometimes possible, shortening acclimation or cure time is never recommended.
No. Smaller or simpler pieces may be closer to 3 months, while large dining tables or multiple-piece projects trend toward 5–6 months. Our waitlist also fluctuates. Feel free to give us a call at 91--613-0641 to get our current waitlist time.
The waitlist exists to protect quality. It ensures each project receives proper time and attention.
For homeowners who value:
Exact sizing
Long-term durability
High-quality materials
Furniture built for daily life
…the answer is almost always yes.
Rather than replacing furniture every few years, custom pieces are designed to live in your home for decades—and can be repaired or refinished as needed.
You can help avoid delays by:
Finalizing design decisions early
Responding promptly during approvals
Avoiding mid-build changes when possible
Trusting the recommended timeline
Clear communication benefits everyone involved.
Custom furniture isn’t about speed—it’s about intention.
The 3–6 month timeline reflects careful planning, proper material handling, and craftsmanship built to last. When your furniture finally arrives, it isn’t just new—it’s stable, durable, and designed specifically for your home.
If you’re considering custom furniture and want a clear, realistic timeline from the start, we’d be happy to talk through your project.
→ Schedule a Visit to Our Wilmington, NC Showroom