When you ask what a custom dining table or cabinet will cost, the dimensions are only part of the answer. The design and materials also affect the work involved, which is why I quote each commission individually.
An eight-foot table and a small side table are different projects. But two tables of the same size can differ too, especially if one has a simple base and the other includes carved or sculpted details.
Size changes more than the amount of wood
A larger piece uses more material, but its dimensions also affect how it needs to be supported and handled. A long tabletop needs a base suited to its span. A cabinet's depth affects both its storage capacity and how far it projects into the room.
When you enquire, give rough dimensions and say where you have flexibility, including both sizes if you're choosing between two. The dining table sizing guide can help you check the room before choosing a length.
The wood and finish belong in the discussion
Wood species is one material choice; the appearance of the particular boards matters as well. A reference photo can help show the colour and grain you have in mind, but it cannot establish the exact look of a new piece.
The finish should also be part of the quote discussion. Describe how the furniture will be used and the appearance you prefer. A dining surface used every day has different care considerations from a decorative piece that sees little handling.
If you're weighing walnut against maple or another wood, ask about the options for your particular design. A general price list cannot answer that comparison for every commission.
Design details add their own work
A shaped edge, a carved base or a fitted drawer is a specific part of the build. Describe the details that matter to you so they can be considered from the beginning.
For cabinetry, the contents deserve as much attention as the outside. Open shelves and a cabinet with doors and drawers solve different storage problems. The drawer layout and hardware should be clear enough that you know what is included in the quote.
My furniture includes sculptural pieces, so a specific reference helps explain the design you have in mind. Point out a detail in the gallery if that's what drew you to a piece.
Fitted work needs information about the space
A freestanding cabinet can be considered as an individual piece. A built-in also has to work with the room around it, including trim and nearby doors.
For a pantry or other fitted storage, send photos of the opening and explain any access constraints. Clarify whether the quote includes installation, and confirm the arrangements for getting the piece into place. Those details should be discussed rather than assumed.
Compare what each quote includes
When comparing quotes, check that you're comparing the same size and design. Confirm the materials and finish, then check the arrangements for pickup, delivery or installation where applicable.
Ask how later changes would be handled, because different dimensions or an added drawer can change the work after the original quote has been prepared.
For a commission from my studio, we confirm pricing and timing before work begins. To ask about a piece, send its approximate size, a room photo and the details you care about. Include where the piece will be used, such as a home in Summerside, and a budget range if you've already decided one.