Dyer Custom Woodworking
Dyer Custom Woodworking
Q. Do you have reviews from former clients?
My best advertisers are former clients. Do a search on Facebook or Google Maps for Dyer Custom Woodworking and you’ll find plenty of reviews from former customers. I promise to deliver the best piece of handmade furniture I can make. I strive to make cabinets and furniture of which we can both be proud and I stand behind every piece I make. Unless otherwise stipulated, each piece that leaves my shop is guaranteed to last the lifetime of the original owner — or it will be repaired or replaced at my discretion, provided the piece was not abused.
Q. Can you make a piece of custom furniture for less than an identical piece in a store?
In a word, no. Production store-bought furniture is always less expensive than the exact same custom piece. Though finding high quality production furniture is extremely difficult, if you can find exactly what you are looking for in a store, buy it and consider yourself lucky. My “niche” is building pieces for people who want input on the design, who want a one-of-a-kind piece, or who need something built to fit a specific function or dimension.
Q. What sort of finishes do you use on your furniture?
I will help you to choose the best finish for your given situation. Contrary to popular belief, there is no one "best" finish. However, there is a best finish for each specific situation, based upon the intended use of the object, the amount of care that the user wants to put into to maintaining the finish, the look desired, etc. That said, I (and most of my clients) prefer a professionally sprayed satin lacquer finish.
Q. How much will it cost?
Simpler and less complex pieces will, of course, be less expensive. Cost is based on several factors, including design time, the complexity of the piece (inlays, fancy joinery, etc.), finish, and choice of materials. Materials are usually less than one-quarter of the total cost. Walnut and mahogany are two of the more expensive hardwoods, as much as twice as expensive as maple, birch and oak.
Q. How are payments arranged?
Payment can be made by cash, check, money order or credit card. Acceptance of the design requires a 50% deposit, which will place your order in my production schedule. Make checks payable to Dyer Custom Woodworking. I’ll do my best to complete each order by the estimated time of completion. However, circumstances beyond my control can cause a delay. I will send regular updates with digital photos of your piece if you so desire.
Q. If I have a detailed drawing/design, can you build the project, and will providing the design lessen the cost?
In most cases, the answer is "Yes" to both parts of the question. Designing a piece from scratch requires a significant amount of time in the cabinetmaking process. If you do it, I don’t have to charge you for creating your design.
Contact me via email at DyerWoodworking@icloud.com or by phone at (210) 680-1889. We can then arrange to meet for a one-on-one consultation. There is a consult fee of $95 plus mileage for this service which is applicable to the overall fee. This is particularly important for built-ins.
Q. What choices do I need to think about when ordering a custom project?
© David Dyer 1985