Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you build a ________?
A: Yes. If it is primarily wood and you know what you want out of the piece, I can more likely than not build it for you.
Q: What kind of wood do I want?
A: Well, that all depends on what you want out of it. If you are looking for something that will be durable, and last a long time, you likely want a hardwood. Some commonly used hardwoods are white oak, red oak, cherry, aspen, poplar, and alder. If you are looking for something a little more economical and not as scratch and scrape resistant, a softwood such as pine might be your choice. Again, the type of wood will vary depending on the application and use. If you are unsure as to what type of wood you would like, feel free to contact me.
Q: What is the difference between a hardwood and softwood?
A: Although the names seem self-explanitory, that is not necessarily the case. The general rule of thumb is if you push your fingernail into the wood and leaves a mark, it is a softwood. However, since there are about 100 times more varieties of hardwoods than softwoods, there is a fair amount of overlap in characteristics. For example, there are some hardwoods, such as balsa, that are softer than most softwoods.
As a general rule, the fingernail test is usually a safe bet, but the actual definition of a hardwood and softwood is the true difference. A hardwood is a broad-leaved, mostly deciduous tree. The exception to this is exoctic and tropical lumbers. A softwood is a coniferous tree. The most common softwoods are cedar, pine, and spruce..
Q: What should I clean the wood with?
A: A mild cleaner is always the safest bet. I have heard of people having problems with furniture polish products, removing the finish off of furniture. Generally, simply dusting or a dampened cloth will do the trick.
Q: What information do I need for you to design something for me?
A: First of all, you need to know how big the space is that you are wanting to fill. The measurements needed will be length, width, and height. It is also a good idea to have a certain style or design in mind. Most importantly, I will need to know what your intentions are for the piece. This will help me in the designing procesess, and possibly allow me to suggest further ideas for your piece that you may not have considered.
Q: How long will it take?
A: Of course, the amount of time it will take depends on the size of the project. For most projects, I will let you know in advance when I plan on starting it and when I hope to have it completed by. As a general rule, I will likely be able to start your project within 1 - 3 weeks.
Q: Can I make changes to my order after it has been started?
A: Unfortunately, it's not easy. Once there has been a final agreement as to what is to be done, changes cannot be made without drafting a new contract. Also keep in mind that if changes are necessary, full payment may be required before the changes can be accepted and applied.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: I accept payment in the form of cash, check, or money order only. If use of a credit card is absolutely necessary, you may be charged a processing fee.
Q: Do you require a deposit?
A: Simply put, yes. As a rule, I require a 50% deposit on all custom-built items.
Q: Do you accept payments electronically?
A: Yes, I accept payments through PayPal. Payments made as a direct transfer from your checking account linked to PayPal are free, however, credit card payments are subject to a 5% convenience fee.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, I can accept credit cards through PayPal. There is a 5% convenience fee for all credit card transactions. Most contractors and retailers add the 5% to all of their prices, however I do not, so i can keep my prices as low and competetive as possible.