White oak
A durable hardwood with open grain and a warm, quiet color. A clear finish keeps the movement of the grain visible.
Choosing wood and finish for custom furniture
Wood species changes the color, grain, hardness, and upkeep of the finished furniture. Daily use and nearby woodwork help narrow the options.
Common woods in the shop
Color and grain vary within every species, so the available boards are part of the final selection.
Walnut
A naturally dark hardwood with color that shifts from board to board. A clear finish lets those variations become part of the piece.
Maple
A pale hardwood with a tighter, quieter grain. Its lighter color can keep a substantial table from looking visually heavy.
Reclaimed oak
Older material with existing marks, color variation, and surface wear. The available boards help determine the final look.
Hickory
A hard wood with pronounced light-and-dark variation. The natural differences between boards become part of the design.
Pine
A softer wood that records use more readily. It suits farmhouse pieces where a surface can become more relaxed and familiar over time.
What the finish changes
Finish is more than sheen. It affects how much the grain deepens, how the surface handles spills, and what future touch-ups require.
The written quote should identify the finish chosen for the piece. Daily use, nearby woodwork, and the room's light all belong in that decision.
See the wood in the room
Walnut will not look identical beside every walnut cabinet. White oak also appears different under warm evening light and cooler daylight.
Photos of the room and nearby woodwork help choose a material and finish that work with what is already there.
Think about daily use
A dining table will see spills, homework, and serving dishes. A console may be touched only in passing. The finish should account for that difference.
See how commissions workAsk about wood and finish options
Share the wood that caught your attention and a room photo if one is available. The options can then be narrowed around the piece, the room, and how it will be used.
- What to send
- Rough size, ZIP, and photos
- Typical build time
- 6–10 weeks after approval
- Written quote
- Before any deposit