bespoke items made for you

I work with you on your ideas, providing options as appropriate and ensuring the finished design meets your requirements.  Your piece will be unique and custom made just for you.

The project will be made locally in my workshop in Ruddington, just to the south of Nottingham.

Wherever possible, I use traditional hand tools and techniques on wood that is responsibly and locally sourced.

step one

Design

I discuss your ideas with you, offering suggestions and asking questions in order to help to clarify the furniture you have in mind.

I will provide sketches and drawings during the design stage.

The design stage may involve several visits to your home. It would not be unusual for the design to change and be tweaked during this time.

Once a final design is agreed, I will provide an estimate of time and costs.

At the end of this stage I would expect a payment to cover some of the material costs as a sign that you wish to go ahead.

step two

Preparation

I use a detailed design with precise measurements to work out the wood needed.

The wood is left in the workshop to acclimatise for a couple of weeks before each individual  part is cut and planed roughly to size.

step three

Building & Assembly

This stage often takes the longest as it involves making all the joints, cutting and planing to accurate dimensions.

The separate parts are then assembled.  Often in sections and then the sections are put together.  This is where the furniture takes shape and all the design work pays off.

There is a lot of finishing where edges are smoothed and surfaces are cleaned of pencil marks.

Hinges, door catches, door handles are all added to complete the furniture.

step four

Finishing

This will vary depending on each piece of furniture.

Finishing could involve staining to a specific colour, then applying wax, oil, lacquer, varnish or polish.

It is important to note that as wood is a natural material, there will be differences and variations in grain and colour.

I will make arrangements with you to deliver the finished furniture to your home.

The furniture should last for years, and it will need a bit of tlc from time to time. I give advice on how to care for the furniture and by request I can return to your home to refresh it.