How to Order Custom Furniture in Canada: What to Expect
Ordering a custom table or piece of furniture is exciting — you get exactly what you want, made just for your space — but if you've never done it, you might wonder how the process works. This guide walks through what to expect when commissioning custom furniture in Canada: the steps, the timeline, the cost factors, and how to get the best result.
Why order custom?
Custom furniture solves the two biggest problems with off-the-shelf pieces: fit and originality. You get the exact size for your room, the wood and finish you love, and a one-of-a-kind piece no one else has — built to last decades rather than years. For an awkward space, a specific size, or a statement piece, custom is often the only way to get it right.
The custom process, step by step
- Share your idea — tell the maker the type of piece, your target size, and any inspiration photos.
- Design and materials — choose the wood, finish, edge, resin colour (if any) and base together.
- Quote and approval — you get an accurate price and timeline, and confirm the details.
- Build — the maker sources the slab, builds, pours (for epoxy), sands and finishes the piece by hand.
- Delivery — the finished piece is delivered and set up.
Good makers keep you updated along the way and welcome your input at each step.
How long does custom furniture take?
Because each piece is made to order — and a slab may need drying, and epoxy needs days to cure — custom furniture takes longer than buying off a shelf. Lead times vary with the design and current workload, so the best move is to order early, especially if you have a deadline like a move, a renovation or an office opening. Ask for a realistic timeline up front and plan around it.
What affects the price?
- Size — the biggest factor; more material and more labour.
- Wood and slab — premium, wide or rare slabs cost more.
- Resin — a full epoxy river uses more material than a thin accent.
- Base and complexity — custom steel or sculptural bases, LED, embedded details.
- Finish — hand-rubbed and specialty finishes add hours.
A good maker will help you balance these to fit your budget without losing the look you want.
How to get the best result
- Measure your space and confirm clearances before you order.
- Gather inspiration photos so the maker understands the look you're after.
- Be clear on priorities — size, budget, timeline, the must-have details.
- Check the access — doorways, halls and stairs for large pieces.
- Ask questions — about the wood, finish, care, and lead time.
What about delivery and care?
Ask how the piece will be delivered and whether assembly or setup is included. Once it arrives, a few simple habits — coasters, trivets, gentle cleaning, and re-oiling oiled finishes — keep it looking new for decades. A good maker will tell you exactly how your specific piece was finished and how to care for it.
Custom-built in Toronto, delivered across Canada
We design and handcraft custom tables, desks and furniture in Toronto and deliver across Canada. Explore our dining tables, boardroom tables, coffee tables and office desks — then reach out to start a custom piece.
Frequently asked questions
How does ordering custom furniture work?
You share your idea and size, choose materials and finish, approve a quote and timeline, the maker builds the piece by hand, and it's delivered to you.
How long does custom furniture take to make?
Longer than off-the-shelf — slabs may need drying and epoxy needs days to cure. Order early, especially around a move, renovation or deadline.
What does custom furniture cost?
It depends on size, wood, resin, base and finish. A maker can tailor the design to your budget while keeping the look you want.
Can you build furniture to a specific size?
Yes — that's the point of custom. You get the exact dimensions, wood, finish and base for your space.
Do you deliver custom furniture across Canada?
Yes — we build in Toronto and deliver across Canada, with local delivery and pickup in the GTA.
