Ordering custom furniture is the shortest route to a piece whose size and materials are yours. Go in prepared and delivery day holds no surprises. Go in unprepared and the problems tend to surface where they are noticed last: in a measurement, a sample, or a warranty clause nobody wrote down. Here are the steps from the first measurement to final delivery.
1. Initial Consultation: Preparation Is Everything
What to Prepare Before Your Consultation
- Room measurements: Take width, depth, and height measurements. Note door widths, window positions, and outlet locations.
- Inspiration images: Collect 5-10 design screenshots from Pinterest or Instagram.
- Budget range: Determine a clear budget and share it with the manufacturer.
- Usage scenarios: Children, pets, heavy use? These influence material selection.
- Timeline: Specify when you need the furniture.
Questions to Ask
- Do you have similar projects in your portfolio?
- What materials do you use and who are your suppliers?
- How does your production process work?
- What are your warranty terms?
- Do you offer delivery and installation?
- How does the payment plan work?
2. Design Phase: Before You Sign Off the Drawing
3D Rendering
A quality manufacturer should provide 3D renders before you confirm. These visuals let you evaluate the furniture in your space. Never order without 3D renders.
Material Samples
Screen colors differ from reality. Always request physical samples and check them at home under natural light.
Revision Rights
2-3 revision rounds are standard. Changes after final approval may incur additional costs.
3. Material Selection: Quality Is Determined Here
Wood Types
- Oak: Durable, prominent grain, suits classic and modern designs.
- Walnut: Dark tones, rich texture, ideal for luxury projects.
- Beech: Homogeneous structure, great for chairs and tables.
- MDF/Particleboard: Budget-friendly with quality veneer.
Upholstery
- Natural fabrics: Linen, cotton, velvet, breathable and comfortable.
- Performance fabrics: Aquaclean, Crypton, stain-resistant, pet-friendly.
- Leather: Genuine leather improves with age. Faux leather is practical but shorter-lived.
Metal and Hardware
- PVD-coated steel: Most durable. Available in gold, bronze, black.
- Brass: Warm, classic look. Develops patina over time.
- Iron: Industrial designs. Powder-coated in any color.
4. Production Timeline
- A single piece or a single room: about six weeks
- A whole home: two to three months
- Larger projects: set per project once the scope is fixed
An imported fabric or specialised metalwork can stretch the calendar. Raise it at the order stage and have the delivery date written into the contract.
5. Quality Checkpoints
- Material intake: Compliance with order specs.
- Frame stage: Structural integrity testing.
- Surface treatment: Smoothness and color consistency.
- Upholstery: Fabric tension, stitch quality, pattern alignment.
- Final inspection: All components, mechanisms, overall appearance.
Request photo or video updates during production.
6. Delivery and Installation
Premium Delivery & Installation
- Protective packaging and specialized transport
- Experienced installation team
- Packaging removal
- Post-installation quality check
- Care instructions and warranty documentation
7. After-Care and Warranty
- Wood: Protect from direct sunlight, apply conditioning oil yearly.
- Upholstery: Vacuum regularly, address stains immediately, rotate cushions.
- Metal: Wipe PVD surfaces with soft cloth. No abrasive cleaners.
- Marble: Avoid acidic liquids, apply impregnation treatment. On a marble dining table used every day, wiping up lemon or wine without waiting reduces the risk of etch marks.
Warranty
Whoever you work with, get the length of the warranty and what it covers in writing; a verbal "it is guaranteed" means nothing. Our pieces carry a 2-year manufacturer's warranty. After it ends we still look after the piece, but that service is paid and depends on the piece's condition. Solid wood moving as it goes from a humid room to a dry one is in its nature and is not covered; where a piece must not move at all, we suggest iroko or teak.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on price: Cheapest rarely means best.
- Neglecting measurements: Request professional measurement.
- Verbal agreements: Put everything in writing.
- Designing without the space: Showroom light differs from your home.
- Not checking references: Review past work and customer feedback.
9. How to Evaluate a Manufacturer
Green Flags
- Years of experience and established track record
- Showroom or factory visits
- Detailed portfolio and references
- 3D renders and material samples
- Written contracts and clear warranty
- Professional delivery and installation
Red Flags
- Unusually low quotes
- No showroom or factory to show
- Reluctance for written contracts
- Vague delivery timelines
- Demanding over 70% as down payment
The Archidecors Experience
Archidecors is a family-owned custom furniture manufacturer that has worked from its own factory in Modoko since 1981, run today by the second generation. At the showroom you can go through fabric, wood and marble samples, look at finished work and sit down with our design team.
Hold us to the green-flag list above: ask for the 3D drawing, the samples, the delivery date and the warranty terms in writing. If your measurements and a few reference images are ready, send them through the quote form and we will work out which piece takes which material and how long.
From the same series: still deciding between ready-made and bespoke? Read our custom vs ready-made comparison. The six-step production process and lead times are in the custom furniture process and cost guide. The full service: custom furniture.
