Our made-to-order furniture takes 12 to 17 business days from order to your door in the US: 7 to 10 business days to build, finish and pack, plus 5 to 7 business days for delivery. Holidays and large crated pieces can add time. Fully custom commissions take 4 to 8 weeks.
Made-to-order furniture is not sitting in a warehouse. It is built after you order, which is why it takes longer than a box from a big store. The trade-off is a piece made for you, from wood chosen at the time of building.
Here is exactly what happens between the moment you order and the day it arrives, using our own workshop timeline, plus how to plan around holidays and custom commissions.
Our workshop-to-door timeline
| Step | When | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. You order | Day 0 | Orders placed after 12:00 PM start the next business day. You can change or cancel within 6 hours. |
| 2. Building and finishing | 7–10 business days | Our artisans select the wood, shape, sand and finish your piece, then pack it. |
| 3. Shipping notice | Within 1–2 business days of shipping | You receive a tracking number by email. It can take 1–2 days to become active. |
| 4. Delivery | 5–7 business days | Free standard shipping to US addresses, with tracking and insurance. |
| Total | 12–17 business days | About two and a half to three and a half weeks. |
What happens during the build
Most of the wait is the making itself. Each piece is built one at a time in our Da Nang workshop by a team of 20 artisans:
- Selecting the wood: a slab or branch is chosen for your piece, so grain and color are unique.
- Shaping: the piece is cut, carved and fitted by hand.
- Sanding and finishing: surfaces are sanded smooth and sealed with a protective finish.
- Checking and packing: the piece is inspected, signed by the artisan and packed to keep out moisture.
Carved, waiting for its finish
A carved sideboard in our Da Nang workshop before its final finish. Sanding and sealing come next, then inspection and packing.
What can add time
- Holidays and busy seasons: high order volume can slow both the workshop and carriers.
- Large pieces: tables and cabinets may need custom crating, which takes extra time.
- Order changes: after a confirmed change, allow an additional 1–2 business days.
- Design and materials: production times can vary with design complexity and wood availability.
Built after you order
Our Tavira coffee table pairs a live edge top with a sculpted wave base, in five sizes from 47 to 71 inches wide, 16 inches high, from $2,967.
Custom commissions: 4 to 8 weeks
A commission is a piece designed for you from sketches, rather than one of our listed designs. It takes longer because design comes first.
| Commission example | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Console cabinet | About 4 weeks |
| Six-seat dining table | About 6 weeks |
| Large sideboard | About 8 weeks |
A 60% deposit is due when you confirm the sketches, and the remaining 40% when the piece is finished, before shipping. If you change your mind, you can get a full refund within 48 hours of paying the deposit.
Planning around a date
- Count back about 17 business days from the date you need the piece, then add a week of buffer in November and December.
- For a commission, start at least 8 to 10 weeks ahead.
- Have a firm deadline? Contact us before ordering and we will tell you what is possible.
- Gifts: you can enter the recipient's address at checkout.
Plan a little extra for big pieces
Our Alpinea sideboard has a carved mountain relief across its front, in four sizes from 55 to 85 inches wide, from $2,980. Large cabinets like this may need custom crating.
When it arrives
- Inspect it right away. If anything is missing or damaged, let us know within 48 hours of delivery with clear photos.
- Running late? If delivery passes the estimated window, contact us within 2 business days and we will work with the carrier.
- Let it settle. Give solid wood a day or two to adjust to your home before placing heavy items on it.
Plan on 12 to 17 business days for a made-to-order piece: 7 to 10 to build and pack, plus 5 to 7 for US delivery. Allow extra time around the holidays and for large crated pieces, start commissions 8 to 10 weeks ahead, and contact us first if you have a firm deadline.
Use the wait to prepare the space: measure, clear the spot and mark the footprint with painter's tape. When the piece arrives, it goes straight into place.
Browse handmade coffee tables and solid wood tables, or read why handmade furniture costs more. Full details are in our shipping policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does made-to-order furniture take?
Ours takes 12 to 17 business days in total: 7 to 10 to build and pack, plus 5 to 7 for US delivery.
Why does made-to-order furniture take longer?
It is built after you order, by hand, rather than shipped from stock.
How long does a custom furniture commission take?
Usually 4 to 8 weeks, for example about 6 weeks for a six-seat dining table.
Can I change or cancel a made-to-order piece?
Yes, within 6 hours of ordering. After that, our artisans may have already started.
Is shipping free?
Yes. Standard shipping is free on every order within the US, with tracking and insurance.
Will my order arrive before the holidays?
Count back about 17 business days and add a buffer. If you have a firm date, contact us before ordering.
Editor's note: Timelines and terms come from our shipping and refund policies and our store FAQ, checked October 28, 2026; actual times can vary. Product prices and sizes were checked on woodfurnist.com on October 28, 2026. Room images are styled product images for inspiration; the sideboard photo and bookshelf video were taken in our Da Nang workshop. See our shipping policy and refund policy.
