Q: How much does it cost?
A: Charnwood Timber Craft produce bespoke hand-crafted pieces to your spcification. Therefore expect things to cost more than the high-street. Pricing is based on the cost of the materials and the duration of the build process. The choice of timber and the details can make a big impact on the cost so during the consultation process we can explore what the right balance is for you.
Q: How long does it take?
A: The typical consultation process can take 2-3 weeks depending on our diries. The build process can take a few weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the project and availability of materials. Expect a medium complexity job to take around 3 months from payment of the deposit to delivery. I usually only take on one project at a time so there may be a queue.
Q: How do I pay?
A: All projects will require a 20% deposit payable at the end of the consultation phase. Payment for the final piece is required before delivery. For very complex high-value projects a series of staged payments may be nescessary but this will be agreed during the consultation phase. Payment is by bank-transfer.
Q: What timber can I have?
A: I source woods from a range of suppliers and can source timber to suit your needs and budget. I prefer to use timber sourced locally where possible and always from sustainable sources. Easily available timbers include species such as Oak, Ash, Walnut, Beech etc. I prefer to make my pieces from solid wood, however some parts of a design can be better with a man-made board, usually for functional reasons such as to prevent shinkage or add strength or in some cases to add the right aesthetics to a design. Speaker cabinets are the exception to solid wood, MDF will give a better sounding, more stable product. Where MDF is used, paint or veneer is used to get the look right.
Q: Who are you?
A: I live and work in Loughborough in the East Midlands. I have been furniture making in my workshop for over 20 years. Making furniture is a lifelong learning process and amazingly theraputic which is why I love it so much! In my main career I am an engineer with a degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering. I work in manufacturing across the the aerospace industry which gives me a range of skills that I apply to my clients furniture projects.