Custom Made Oak Furniture?

[dr_gn]

Can anyone recommend a good furniture maker (preferably Yorkshire area)?

I have drawn some plans for a bookcase and sideboard which I'd like making in Oak.

The reason for having them built is that I can't find a 7' tall book case (shelves in the upper section, cupboard doors in the lower section) with a sideboard in matching style (more traditional than contemporary).

Ta.

[Planet Claire]

There are many cabinet makers around the Kilburn (Thirsk) area, many of whom were time served at Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson's and they all have their own mark. I used the 'Wren Man', Bob Hunter for a side table. http://www.wrencabinetmakers.com/

Edit: just found this website which may help
http://arthurhunlip.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/these-a...

I also checked out this guy: http://www.philipbastow-cabinetmaker.co.uk/index.h...

Edited by Planet Claire on Monday 24th October 10:32

[Drumroll]

Give this guy a ring, if he can't do it due to his other commitments, he will know someone who can.


http://www.christribefurniturecourses.com/

[joestifff]

http://www.philipbastow-cabinetmaker.co.uk/

He is based in Reeth, superb workmanship.

I actually went on his night classes for a couple of years, very impressed with him.

Edit... Just looked at the website, my blanket box I made with him is actually in the "evening class" section I am also on there in the photo of his workshop, showing three people, I am on the left... Had no idea I was on his website!

Edited by joestifff on Monday 24th October 11:54

[Crumpet]

Beaver Furniture up near Thirsk are excellent. Generally done in the 'Mouseman' style but I seem to remember them telling me they'll knock up whatever you want!

[sparkythecat]

Get yourself along to the woodworking show at Harrogate next month. There'll be plenty of artisan woodworkers there

http://www.skpromotions.co.uk/

[dr_gn]

Thanks guys, It's nothing elaborate I'm after, it's just the size (height) doesn't seem commonly available these days.

I've been in discussions with a local place, but their payment terms seem a bit onerous: 50% on order, 50% on commencement of cutting the wood. That seems to leave me with all the risk should anything not be to contract, spec. or quality, or if the place went under. They say it's normal for bespoke work, and that without those terms the price would be much higher. I suggested 25% on order, 50% on cutting, 25% on delivery, but they don't seem to like that.

Nice people to deal with, and the stuff in the showroom looked nice enough etc, but...Any thoughts?

[Blakeatron]

dr_gn said:

Thanks guys, It's nothing elaborate I'm after, it's just the size (height) doesn't seem commonly available these days.

I've been in discussions with a local place, but their payment terms seem a bit onerous: 50% on order, 50% on commencement of cutting the wood. That seems to leave me with all the risk should anything not be to contract, spec. or quality, or if the place went under. They say it's normal for bespoke work, and that without those terms the price would be much higher. I suggested 25% on order, 50% on cutting, 25% on delivery, but they don't seem to like that.

Nice people to deal with, and the stuff in the showroom looked nice enough etc, but...Any thoughts?

I am a bespoke maker, anything over £1k is 50% upfront remainder on completion/delivery.

Anything over £10k is 50% upfront, 25% midway (pre agreed position/date) remainder on completion.

I would never expect full payment before completion - but I will also never take less than a 50% deposit, trust works both ways!

[fatboy b]

Not local to you but we've used four corners a few times. They did our bespoke office furniture a few years back. Nice job. I would take a pic, but it's a bit of a tip in there currently

http://www.fourcornerstrading.co.uk

[dr_gn]

fatboy b said:

Not local to you but we've used four corners a few times. They did our bespoke office furniture a few years back. Nice job. I would take a pic, but it's a bit of a tip in there currently

http://www.fourcornerstrading.co.uk

Thanks, I'll send them the drawings. TBH if I could find something I could see before buying I would...as I said it's nothing special, but a 7' tall bookcase with a pair of cupboard doors at the base seems a lot to ask!

[dr_gn]

Blakeatron said:

dr_gn said:

Thanks guys, It's nothing elaborate I'm after, it's just the size (height) doesn't seem commonly available these days.

I've been in discussions with a local place, but their payment terms seem a bit onerous: 50% on order, 50% on commencement of cutting the wood. That seems to leave me with all the risk should anything not be to contract, spec. or quality, or if the place went under. They say it's normal for bespoke work, and that without those terms the price would be much higher. I suggested 25% on order, 50% on cutting, 25% on delivery, but they don't seem to like that.

Nice people to deal with, and the stuff in the showroom looked nice enough etc, but...Any thoughts?

I am a bespoke maker, anything over £1k is 50% upfront remainder on completion/delivery.

Anything over £10k is 50% upfront, 25% midway (pre agreed position/date) remainder on completion.

I would never expect full payment before completion - but I will also never take less than a 50% deposit, trust works both ways!

My thoughts exactly. They said over £1k is 50% on order, 50% on cutting. Which leaves me open to pretty much every potential issue in the book with zero cash to withold. I'm amazed anyone accepts those terms, but I guess they must.

[Murph7355]

I had a sideboard/TV cabinet made about 5yrs ago - http://roebuck-holmes.co.uk/. Great firm to deal with, and excellent quality. I really couldn't recommend them enough.

Payment terms included a 50% deposit (more or less). But I don't think I paid the rest until later.

They took a design I wanted but needed it scaled. Recommended various options and alternatives, walked me through some mock ups etc. Very, very good.

Edited to add, mine's not oak but cherry. However they would have done any wood.

[dr_gn]

In the end I went with Hallam Oak and Pine in Sheffield - as it happens less than 10 miles away. They were very good to deal with, only asked for a nominal deposit, and built the furniture to my drawings and specified finish. Marginally more expensive than the place I first contacted, but way cheaper than the other 3 I emailed. Very happy with the items all things considered. Would use them again.

Thanks for the advice & comments.

[shopper150]

Some nice links here. But everything seems quite old fashioned. Is there anywhere that does bespoke stuff with a modern finish, like laquered finishes and use of glass?

[dr_gn]

shopper150 said:

Some nice links here. But everything seems quite old fashioned. Is there anywhere that does bespoke stuff with a modern finish, like laquered finishes and use of glass?

I expect if you provide a drawing of what you want, contemporary stuff is potentially easier to make than the more traditional furniture.