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.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.