Commissioning a Devon Furniture Maker

Commissioning a piece of beautiful, handmade furniture is an exciting and rewarding experience. You will become the owner of a unique design made to the highest standards and to your exact requirements. Working closely with the designer-maker you will be involved from the outset: with design, timber choices and finish.

The following guide explains the basics of the commissioning process:-

As a starting point, all the makers on this site will be pleased to discuss your initial ideas and are happy to receive enquiries for the full range of furniture types. This website shows a broad range of styles and you can search by area, maker and furniture type. You will also find links to the websites of individual makers which can give you a fuller picture of their work.

When you have chosen a maker you can commence initial discussions on the brief. This can be done on the telephone or via email but a face to face meeting is often beneficial. The maker may want to see the intended setting for the piece and it can be a good idea for you to visit the workshop where it will be made, to see examples of the makers work and timber samples. Drawings, and maybe a model, will be made as you move towards a decision.

Once a final design has been agreed the maker will also provide a price and a completion date for your commission. A deposit is usually required, with the balance due on delivery. Interim payments may be requested.

Bespoke furniture cannot, by definition, be rushed. Unique designs, well seasoned timber, quality fittings and a durable finish all require time and expertise. Traditional methods of construction and hand tools are used alongside power tools and modern adhesives to create furniture that will last for generations to come.