Question: How much will my project cost?

Answer: Reach out to for an estimate of what you would like.

Question: How long will it take to complete a project?

Answer: Time varies  depending on how many projects are in the queue and how complex the build is. Time can vary  weeks for shorter projects to six months or more at the longer end for more complex projects. The best way to know is to reach out.

Question: Are the products really made in the US?

Answer: Yes. I have made some projects with hardwood from my town and some even from my backyard. I look to several suppliers including a local sawyer and a local lumber mill.

Question: Do you have a current set of inventory?

Answer: No. To keep prices at a minimum and allow customization, furniture is built on an as needed basis. 

Question: Can you match or beat prices I see of furniture at a big box store?

Answer: No. Just as a  steak restaurant can't sell you a ribeye for cheaper than a burger at a fast food chain, I cannot match assembly line work with particleboard (which warps and can get destroyed when exposed to water) and much of which off-gases formaldehyde, among other unhealthy things. 

Question: I saw something I liked on another website, can you make something like that?

Answer: Yes- each project is customizable, including engravings, inlays, and personalization. Respecting the artistic integrity of another craftsman, there will be something in common with the design you like with something to make your order distinct. 

Question: I have wood I would like to use- will you work with that?
Answer: Depending on what it is, bringing your own materials can save on costs and can be an excellent way to personalize your project. Degraded wood or nail embedded wood (reclaimed) can pose damage to my equipment and I am limited on my ability to work with that. 

Question: Can I finish the material myself? 
Answer: Yes.  One way to save on time until receiving the product and cost is to complete the work yourself. While this can be an enjoyable process, many people are surprised to find the labor, dustiness, and time required. Some are even disappointed in their results.  Scratches, bubbles, and drips are just a few of many issues that can occur. Professional sanding equipment and finishing equipment does increase my efficiency and provide more consistent results.

Question: Why don't you accept credit cards?

Answer: In order to minimize additional costs to customers, operating directly by check and cash allows a cheaper overall product for customers.  

Question: What is the fee schedule?

Answer: In general, an upfront 50% payment is due to begin a project to purchase the lumber and hardware, with the balance due at completion.  Larger projects- such as built in bookcases or a dining set- do require a fee to generate a quote which is credited towards the project, should you choose to proceed. 

Question: What are the different grades of wood and what is their price?
Answer: Toward the most economical end is rustic lumber which features numerous knots and character and color variations. Rustic lumber can generate more project waste, which requires more wood, as some boards may not be structurally sound. Common lumber is the next grade up of lumber. Selects and better features much more consistent color throughout, with minimal surface defects such as knots, and is considered a furniture grade wood. Toward the premium end of lumber would be logs that are 'quarter-sawn' or 'rift-sawn'. These boards yield consistent straight grain and boast superior stability. They also can provide very unique 'fleck' patterns. 

Question: What is the cost of lumber?

Answer: Lumber prices fluctuate. Currently the premium domestic hardwoods are white oak and walnut. Somewhere less than that is hard maple and cherry. 

Question: Where do you get your lumber?

Answer: When I first got into this, I found mixed qualities of boards at garage sales, auctions, online listings, and from friends.  In the area, I have found Gary Green, an urban forester in Syracuse, IN, to be very knowledgeable and to deliver a consistently good quality product at a good price. For many of the boards he has provided a helpful backstory on the tree and location that it came from and even the subspecies that particular tree belonged to.