When investing in custom furniture, one of the first questions people ask is, “How long will it take?” The answer depends on a few key factors — from the design process and material selection to production scheduling and finishing details. Unlike mass-produced pieces, custom furniture is crafted to order, which means each stage — consultation, design, fabrication, and installation — is handled with care. In this post, we’ll break down the timeline of a typical custom furniture project, what happens at each stage, and how to plan your project so you know exactly what to expect along the way.
1. The Design & Planning Stage (1–2 weeks)
This is where your ideas start to take shape. We begin with an on-site consultation or detailed plan review, taking precise measurements and discussing materials, colours, finishes, and how you’ll actually use the space.
From there, our designers prepare 3D drawings, elevations, and shop drawings — ensuring every detail fits your room perfectly, down to the skirting boards and power point locations.
Once the drawings are approved and an order is placed, we lock in your materials and move into production scheduling.
2. Material Ordering & Preparation (1–2 weeks)
The materials are ordered directly from our local suppliers. Depending on stock and custom finish requirements, this step can take a little time. Meanwhile, our team begins CNC file preparation, hardware specification, and layout optimisation to minimise waste — a critical part of the craftsmanship process.
3. Manufacturing & Assembly (3–5 weeks)
This is where the real magic happens. Panels are CNC-cut, edge-banded, sanded, pre-fitted, and assembled by our joiners. Each piece is dry-fitted in our workshop before finishing, ensuring every mitre, hinge, and drawer line aligns perfectly.
Finishes such as clear lacquer, stain, or paint are hand-applied in controlled conditions to achieve furniture-grade consistency — not factory shortcuts.
4. Quality Control & Installation (1 week)
Before your piece leaves the workshop, it undergoes a complete quality check and pre-assembly test. Every hinge, drawer slide, and handle is verified. Finally, our installation team carefully transports and installs your piece — ensuring it integrates seamlessly into your space, levelled and aligned to perfection.
So, How Long Does It Really Take? From start to finish, the average timeline for a custom furniture project is 6–10 weeks, depending on design complexity, material availability, and workshop capacity.
Think of it like commissioning artwork for your home — it’s not just about producing a piece, but creating something that fits perfectly into your space.
Final Thoughts
Custom furniture is more than just cabinetry — it’s a collaboration between design, craftsmanship, and precision.
And while it may take a little longer than something flat-packed and shipped overnight, the result is a timeless, durable piece built exactly the way you imagined it.