Custom wood furniture has always been popular, but in recent years, more people have decided to break out their hammers and build furniture on their own. Creating a custom piece that you can enjoy in your own home is beyond rewarding, but keep in mind that making furniture is a detailed process. Most importantly, it is a process you need to be prepared for if you want to be successful. Whether you want to design a custom table or a shelf system, learn two ways to best prepare for the project. 

Measure the Area

If there is any benefit to buying furniture from a store, it's the fact that you have a return option. If, for some reason, the piece of furniture does not meet your specifications, you can quickly return it to the store you purchased it from. With custom pieces, there are no returns; you must get it right the first time. 

Measure the area where you plan to install the furniture a few times to ensure its sized appropriately and to avoid a similar problem. In addition to measuring the space where you will store the furniture piece, you should double check any drawer or shelf sizing specifications as well. The last thing you want to do is build a piece only to find it's not at all what you need.  

Be Patient

Don't start your project when you're facing a time crunch. For example, if you want to build a new dining table for the holidays, don't wait until a couple of weeks before you plan to have guests arrive to start your project. Patience is important because wood needs time to settle, particularly when it comes to humidity. When wood changes environments, it needs time to adjust. 

For example, assume the humidity level in your home is higher than in the wood supply shop where you purchased the wood pieces. As a result, the wood may warp when it moves into this new environment with more humidity. If you cut the wood before the warping occurs, your measurements will be incorrect, and your entire project will be thrown off course. You should always give the wood some time to settle before you move forward with your project after you bring it home. 

A custom wood piece can last for generations. However, the level of craftsmanship used to create the piece matters. Take your time to design a piece you'll enjoy for ages. 

To get your hands on quality wood building materials, reach out to companies like Hillside Lumber.

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