Investing in custom furniture is a big decision. You want a piece that not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time. Unfortunately, not all custom furniture makers are created equal. Some may cut corners, lack the necessary expertise, or use subpar materials, leaving you with a product that falls short of your expectations.
We would love to work with you here at Luke's Furniture Company, but if for some reason we are not the best fit, we want to help you find someone who will provide you with great service and craftsmanship. To help you avoid costly mistakes, we’ve compiled a list of seven red flags to look out for when selecting a custom furniture maker.
1. They Only Work with Softwoods (Commonly Pine)
If a furniture maker exclusively uses softwoods like pine, poplar, cedar, or cypress, proceed with caution. These woods are less durable and more prone to warping and denting over time. If they are the only woods a maker is willing to use, it is a sign of a lack of experience and equipment, as hardwoods such as maple, walnut, mahogany and oak require more special skills and equipment to work.
Hardwoods are the gold standard for heirloom-quality furniture because of their strength, durability, and beauty. That being said, no judgement to anyone who builds with pine and other softwoods, I (Luke) built my first table with pine, and it was a great way to learn, but I pretty quickly learned that these were not good woods to use for a high-end piece of furniture.
Pro Tip: Ask the maker what wood options they offer and why. A true professional will understand the nuances of different wood types and recommend the best choice for your needs.
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Left: Pine table with gaps between boards.
Right: Maple (hardwood) table with seamless joinery, creating a solid top.
2. Furniture Making Is Just a Side Hustle
Be wary of makers who build furniture on the side. While passion projects can produce great results in some cases, part-time builders often struggle with consistency and time management. I have heard stories of a two week timeline turning into 6 months and of customers just being disappointed in the final product. That being said, you can get lucky and have a great experience, but it is less likely than when you go with a professional that does it day in and day out.
When furniture making isn’t their primary focus, there’s a higher likelihood of missed deadlines, communication issues, and rushed craftsmanship. For a significant investment like custom furniture, you deserve someone fully dedicated to their craft.
3. They Use High-VOC Finishes 
Pay attention to what finishes a furniture maker uses. High-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, such as Minwax or Rustoleum, emit strong chemical odors and can continue off-gassing harmful fumes for months—or even years—after you bring the furniture into your home. The easiest way to tell if they use high VOC finishes is the smell. If the shop smells like chemicals, those are the VOC's off-gasing. A shop should be filled with the smell of fresh sawdust.
Not only are these finishes harmful to your indoor air quality, but their use also signals inexperience. High-VOC finishes are typically geared toward DIY projects, not professional-grade furniture making. A pro should not be buying their finishes from Lowes and Home Depot.
4. Gaps Between Boards in the Tabletop
If a furniture maker’s tabletops feature visible gaps between the boards, it’s a clear warning sign. While some might claim this is a rustic aesthetic, these gaps can create serious functional and durability issues, and they most likely build that way because they do not know how to build a solid table top.
Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. If the boards are not properly joined and secured, those gaps can widen over time, creating uneven surfaces and compromising the stability of the tabletop.
In addition to structural concerns, gaps are a magnet for crumbs, liquids, and debris. Food can easily get lodged in these spaces, making the table unhygienic and difficult to clean. Over time, this can lead to stains, odors, and even mold growth in severe cases.
What to Look For: A well-made tabletop will have tight, seamless joints and proper edge gluing, ensuring a smooth and continuous surface.
Pro Tip: Ask the maker how they account for wood movement in their designs. A professional will use construction methods that allow the wood to expand and contract naturally while maintaining a polished, functional surface.
5. They Have No Portfolio or References
A trustworthy furniture maker will have a portfolio of past work to showcase their skills and aesthetic. If they don’t, it’s harder to verify their experience and style. Similarly, not having any reviews anywhere can be a red flag. Creating a Google listing is very easy, but a lack or experience or confidence could scare someone away from having bad reviews out there.
What to Ask For: Request photos of previous projects and testimonials from past clients. Reading reviews and testimonials from past clients who have worked with the maker can give you valuable insight into their reliability and craftsmanship.
6. Their Pricing Seems Too Good to Be True
While everyone loves a good deal, custom furniture isn’t the place to cut corners. If a maker’s pricing is significantly lower than competitors, it could mean they’re using cheaper materials, rushing the process, or simply inexperienced.
Custom furniture is an investment, and quality craftsmanship comes with a fair price tag. Transparent pricing that reflects the cost of premium materials and skilled labor is a hallmark of a professional.
7. Furniture Making Is Not Their Primary Focus
Some businesses, like professional refinishers or cabinet makers, may offer custom furniture as a secondary service. While they might have woodworking experience, their primary focus isn’t on designing and crafting furniture, which can lead to problems when it comes to creating a durable, well-made piece.
Custom furniture requires a unique set of skills, tools, and expertise that differ from those used in refinishing or cabinetry. For example, building a solid wood dining table with proper joinery and an heirloom-quality finish demands a deep understanding of wood movement, structural integrity, and aesthetics. Without this specialized knowledge, the end product may fall short in quality, functionality, or design.
Additionally, if furniture making is not their main business, it’s likely they’re dividing their time and resources between multiple ventures. This can lead to delays in production, lack of attention to detail, and a less streamlined process overall.
What to Look For: Choose a maker who is fully dedicated to crafting furniture. A professional furniture maker will have a portfolio of completed projects, a clear understanding of furniture-specific techniques, and the ability to explain how they approach each piece with care and precision.
By selecting someone whose primary focus is custom furniture, you’ll have the confidence that your piece is being made by a true expert committed to delivering the best possible result.
Choosing a custom furniture maker requires careful consideration. By looking out for these red flags, you can ensure that your investment results in a piece of furniture that’s as durable as it is beautiful.
When in doubt, trust your instincts. A skilled and reputable furniture maker will gladly answer your questions, discuss their process, and provide a level of transparency that puts your mind at ease.
Looking for a furniture maker who checks all the boxes? Contact us today to learn more about our handcrafted, hardwood furniture made to last for generations.
