How we design our custom woodworking projects
At Crooked Willow, our custom creations add function to your space and brighten up your home. We’ve worked on many different types of projects, including tables, chairs, built-in storage, and more. We can create just about anything you can imagine and provide tailored work you won't find anywhere else.
So if you’re looking to add some extra flair to your living areas, this article will help you understand our design process for custom creations.
1. Conceptualizing the project
In the conceptualization stage, we work with homeowners to come up with ideas for the custom piece. We’ll discuss what you’re looking for and the best way to achieve it. This is the perfect opportunity to get creative and think outside the box.
Whether you are looking for a table, cabinets, floating shelves, or something else entirely, we can help make your custom piece a reality.
Once we have an understanding of what you’re looking for, we start to sketch out some ideas. This helps us get a better sense of the project and how it will come together. We consider the size and shape of the piece and how it will fit with your existing furniture. After all, we want this to be a seamless addition to your home.
2. Planning the project
Once we have a general idea of what you’re looking for, we start planning the details of your project. This is where we begin to bring your vision to life.
We consider these five elements when it comes to your custom project:
A. Size and shape
One of the most important things to consider when planning a custom woodworking project is the size and shape of the final product. We want to make sure that it will fit perfectly in your available space. Not so big that it stands out, but not so small as to fade into the background.
To make sure this happens, we will come and measure the space that the finished work will sit in. This will help us build based on the area you have to fill.
B. “Look" and fit
Another important consideration is how the project will fit in with your space. We want to make sure that it blends in seamlessly and doesn’t look like an afterthought. We take into account the color, style, and material of your other furniture so that the finished product looks like it was always meant to be there.
Whether it's classic, elegant, rustic, or something else entirely, our focus is on creating a design that works for you.
C. Type of wood
When selecting the type of wood to be used, we take into account a few factors. We want to make sure that the wood we choose will complement the existing rooms in your home. We also want to make sure that it will be durable and withstand everyday use.
Here are some of the woods we like to use:
Oak
Oak is a strong, hardwood that is perfect for furniture making. It is resistant to wear and tear, making it a great choice.
Cherry
Cherry is also a hardwood that is known for its durability. It has a beautiful reddish-brown color that will add warmth to any space.
Pine
Pine is a softwood that is easy to work with and affordable. It has a natural whitish color that can be stained or painted to match any style.
We will always pick the suitable wood for your unique job, taking into account your size requirements and the look/feel of the room.
D. Finishes
When selecting the right finish, we take into account a few factors. We want to make sure that it will be durable and withstand everyday use. It also needs to match your preferred style.
You will have a few finishes to choose from, including:
Stain
If a specific stain is what you are after, we will match the color to your existing furniture. We have a wide range of stains/paints to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for you.
Paint
Paint is another popular choice for woodworking projects. It allows you to create a custom color that matches your décor perfectly.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a clear finish that protects the wood and gives it a beautiful shine. It is perfect for pieces you expect to use regularly because it is very durable and stain-resistant.
Natural
Some clients prefer the "natural look", which is perfectly fine as well.
We will always pick the right finish for your unique job, taking into account your needs and the look/feel of the room.
E. Hardware
We can also provide any custom accessories that you may need for your doors and drawers. This includes drawer pulls, knobs, hinges, latches, and assembly tools. We will select the perfect components for your unique job, taking into account the style of your home and the look you are going for.
Once we've completed the planning, it’s time to get started on construction.
3. Building the project
This is where we really shine. We pay close attention to detail and make sure that every aspect of the work meets your exact specifications. We want you to be thrilled with the final product so we take great care in making sure each detail is perfect during construction.
To ensure the finished product is perfect before we deliver it, we put it through a series of quality control checks.
We check for:
The overall aesthetics of the piece
The functionality of the piece
Any imperfections in the wood
Once we've completed these quality control checks, your custom piece is ready to be delivered and installed in your home!
4. Delivering the finished product
Once we've completed your custom project, it's time for delivery and installation. We will carefully package and deliver it to your house at a time that works for your schedule. As most of our work is heavy and difficult to move, we will ask that you move any possible obstructions from our path before we arrive.
Delivery and setup can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours as we want to make sure everything is perfect and level before we leave.
Final thoughts
When it comes to home improvement projects, custom woodworking is a popular choice for many homeowners. Not only does it add value to your home, but it can also be a great way to express your unique style.
We understand that planning and executing a custom woodworking project can seem daunting, so we take the time to walk you through every step of the process.
Do you have the perfect piece in mind but haven't been able to find it in stores or online platforms like Etsy? We can help!
Drop us a line on our contact page and we'll set up some time to about what you are looking for.