How Much Does It Cost to Have Custom Wood Furniture Made

When it comes to furnishing your home, custom wood furniture offers a unique blend of personalization, quality, and durability that store-bought pieces often can't match. Whether you’re eyeing a custom dining table, a bespoke coffee table, or built-in bench seating, understanding the cost involved is essential for making informed decisions. In this article, we’ll break down the factors that influence the pricing of custom wood furniture and provide some estimated costs for different types of furniture.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Custom Wood Furniture

The cost of custom wood furniture can vary widely based on several factors. The three main determinants of price are the style of the piece, the wood species used, and the size of the furniture.

1. Style: The complexity of the design, the amount of material and the details involved play a significant role in pricing. Intricate designs require more time and skill, which can increase the cost.

2. Wood Species: Different types of wood vary in price, availability, and suitability for certain furniture pieces. Maple and red oak are among the lower cost woods we use. Walnut and spalted maple can increase the cost significantly. Mahogany and ambrosia maple are mid range materials.

3. Size: Larger pieces of furniture will naturally require more materials and labor, which will affect the cost. The size also impacts the ease of transportation and installation, potentially adding to the overall expense.

Estimated Costs for Various Types of Custom Wood Furniture

• Dining Tables: Custom dining tables are often the centerpiece of a dining room. The cost can vary depending on the size and the type of wood used. For example, a large dining table made from a premium hardwood like walnut could cost significantly more than a smaller one made from a more cost effective wood such as maple (our most popular wood). Here are some general ranges...

  • Maple/Oak $2500 - $4500

  • Walnut/Spalted Maple $4000 - $6000

  • Live Edge and River Tables can range from $5000 - $10000

• Coffee Tables: These are typically smaller than dining tables but can vary in style and complexity. A simple rectangular coffee table might be at the lower end of the price range, while a more elaborate circular table with intricate joinery and premium wood can be more expensive.

  • General Range: $1500 - $4500

• Accent Tables: Accent tables can include side/end tables, sofa/foyer tables and media centers. The cost for these can depend on the intricacy of the design and the type of wood chosen. Modern media centers tend to be much smaller that they used to be. Styles with doors and drawers can cost more than open shelving concepts.

  • Side/End Tables and Nightstands: $750 - $2000
  • Sofa/Foyer Tables: $1500 - $3500
  • Media Centers: $2000 - $5000

• Hutches and Bar Cabinets: These pieces not only serve as storage but also as display cases and can become quite elaborate. The cost will reflect the size and the detailing required, as well as the interior configurations such as shelving, glass inserts, or built-in lighting.

  • General Range: $4000 - $8000

• Chairs: For our chair program, we partner with shops that are specifically set up to build solid wood chairs. This helps keep costs down as the labor for custom chairs can drive up the cost. They fabricate the parts, then send them to us for finishing and assembly. This allows us to offer durable, solid wood chairs that match or compliment your table at an affordable price. The primary drivers of cost for chairs are type of wood and style. 

  • General Range: $450 - $750 per chair

• Built-In Bench Seating: Often used in kitchens or entryways, built-in benches must be designed to fit specific spaces, which can require more precise and thus costly craftsmanship. We build the benches here at the shop but install them to blend seamlessly with your home. A single bench is of course more expensive than an "L" or "U" shaped space.

  • General Range: $2500 - $5000
  • Custom Bench Cushions Range from $750 - $1500 Each

Final Thoughts

Investing in custom wood furniture means investing in pieces that are uniquely yours, designed to fit your space and style perfectly. While the initial cost might be higher than off-the-shelf options, the long-term benefits of having furniture that perfectly meets your needs and lasts for generations can outweigh the initial expenditure.

We hope you choose to work with Luke's Furniture Company for your project, but if you choose to work with someone else, we suggest ensuring it is a reputable craftsman who shows an understanding of different types of materials. Red flags include only working with pine (only beginners do this), shockingly low costs, or overuse of the work "rustic" to explain mistakes. Take the time to ask questions about materials and design to make sure you make the right choice. This ensures that your furniture is not only beautiful but also durable and functional.

For those interested in exploring custom wood furniture options, Luke's Furniture Company offers a range of choices tailored to meet every taste and budget. Feel free to contact us for a quote or to discuss your specific furniture needs.