Frequently Asked Questions
Why custom furniture?
What types of wood does Stu's woodworks use?
Can the wood, finish, or style of my existing furniture or built-ins be matched?
How long will it take to create my furniture?
Does Stu deliver?
Where can I learn more about the Arts and Crafts movement?
Can Stu work with my interior designer?
How does the design process work?
Why custom furniture?
The value of custom furniture can not be found in a store. The value evolves from the piece; a piece of furniture that was conceived in your mind; and a design that is nurtured by me and ultimately handcrafted for you. The value is in the careful hand selection of boards to enhance the form and function that you envision. The value is in the hand-rubbed finish created to harmonize with your environment. And the value is in the craftsmanship that brings your idea to life. Finally, the value is also in the service--the willingness of the designer/builder to visit your home throughout the creation of your custom furniture; and also if after-sale care is required. Also consider these factors when considering custom furniture:
- Do I want to know that the solid wood in my piece came from responsibly managed forests that meet FSC standards?
- Do I want furniture handcrafted with time-test solid joinery or a piece assembled with biscuits and dowel-rods?
- Do I want to have an input into its design?
- Will I want matching pieces in the future?
- What level of customer service will the retailer provide?
What types of wood does Stu's Woodworks use?
Originally, Arts and Crafts furniture was built using quarter-sawn white oak. It was also not unusual to find pieces built from mahogany or cherry. My coffee tables, end tables, and sofa tables are created with quarter-sawn white oak and sometimes accented in walnut. As we design your furniture, we can incorporate any species of wood available. I can find almost any domestic or exotic species of wood. I have worked with cherry, white oak, red oak, maple (hard, soft, curly, and tiger), mahogany, walnut, zebra wood, ebony, and bubinga.
(Back to top)Can the wood, finish, or style of my existing furniture or built-ins be matched?
It is extremely difficulty to perfectly match any finish because of the many variablesthe wood (its cell composition), finishing products and application process to mention a few. However, when finish matching is critical, we can take scrap pieces of wood from your custom piece and experiment with various finish and application techniques to ensure the closest possible match.
(Back to top)How long will it take to create my furniture?
I am truly a one-man operation. Delivery schedules are guided by the number of orders I have and the amount of time required to build your furniture. While it varies, typically the complete process is 2 to 3 months.
(Back to top)Does Stu deliver? (top)
I offer free delivery in the greater Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland metropolitan area including Fairfax, Montgomery, and Prince William counties; the neighborhoods and communities of Great Falls, Middleburg, Potomac, Waterford, Dunn Loring, Fairfax Station, Highland, Georgetown, McLean, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Laytonsville, Brookville, Spring Valley, Boyds, Tysons Corner, Clifton, Arlington, Clarksville, Oakton, Fort Hunt, Lovettsville, Silver Spring, Hamilton, Broadlands, Brambleton, Shepherd Park, Round Hill, South Riding, Aldie, Fairfax, Leesburg, Purcellville, Kensington, Rockville, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, Ashburn, Vienna, Germantown, Waldorf, Alexandria, Barcroft, and Hyattsville. Shipping outside these areas can be arranged for an additional shipping and handling charge.
(Back to top)Where can I learn more about the Arts and Crafts movement?
Arts & Crafts History and Background- Charles & Henry Greene bio
- The Gamble house
- Greene & Greene virtual Achieves
- Gustov Stickley bio
- Founders of the Arts & Crafts Movement
- Arts & Crafts Society Forum
- Greene-style-furniture (Yahoo Groups Forum)
- Style 1900 (Yahoo Group Forum)
- Greene & Greene: Design Elements for the Workshop
By Darrell Peart; 2006, Linden Publishing, Fresno, CA - The Stickley Brothers
By Michael Clark & Jill Thomas-Clark; 2002, Gibbs Smith, Publisher - The Furniture of Gustav Stickley
By Joseph J. Bavaro & Thomas L. Mossman; 1982, Linden Publishing; Fresno, CA - The Shaker Legacy: Perspectives on an Enduring Furniture Style
By Christian Becksvoort; 2000, The Taunton Press; Newton, CT - In the Arts & Crafts Style
By Barbara Mayer; 1993, Chronicle Books; San Francisco, CA - Arts & Crafts Furniture: From Classic to Contempary
By Kevin Rodel and Jonathan Binzen; 2003, The Taunton Press Newton, CT
Can Stu work with my interior decorator?
Yes! Stu has worked with the following Northern Virginia interior designers
Roslyn Ashford
Jeanne Turner
How does the design process work?
Initial MeetingI prefer to hold an initial meeting in the location where your commission will reside. At this meeting we will agree upon the design and materials to be used for your piece. After this meeting I will provide you with a written proposal that is good for 30 days. If you find the proposal acceptable, the next step is for you to send me a non-refundable $150 deposit. This deposit places you on my work list. Because I usually run a 2 to 3 month back log of orders, the deposit allows me to schedule work and provide clients with more accurate start dates for their work. The deposit amount will be credited toward your down payment.
Pre-Work ArrangementsI will contact you 2 to 4 weeks before I am ready to begin work on your piece. At this time I will require a 50% down payment. This payment allows me to purchase materials and store them in my shop so they can start to acclimate to the shops environment. This 2 to 4 week acclimation period is necessary to ensure wood has stabilized prior to building your piece.
DeliveryWhen your piece is complete I will contact you to schedule delivery. Upon delivery, payment of the balance due is required.
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