Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Woodworker

Imoshen Studio
Oct 1
2 min read

Choosing a custom woodworker is equal parts design decision and trust. The right partner turns an idea into a durable, beautifully finished piece that fits your space and routine.

Custom woodworking enhances small spaces by increasing storage space and giving you a design that is personalized to your needs, so knowing which questions to ask when you first start is incredibly important.

Q: What Is Your Design and Build Process?

A clear timeline should outline deposit, drawings, fabrication, finishing, and delivery, with room for small revisions that do not derail the schedule. This is where a custom woodworker shows how they keep quality and momentum in balance.

Q: Which Type of Wood Do You Recommend?

Species choice from oak, ash, walnut, and maple each offers different grain, hardness, and color. This helps you talk about the basics of furniture construction so you can decide on the solid stock, veneer panels, and engineered cores in tops, shelves, and frames.

Q: How Do You Design the Joinery and Make it Durable?

Quiet strength lives in the joints. Mortise-and-tenon frames, dovetailed drawers, and floating panels allow seasonal movement without cracking or loosening. Discuss glue types, mechanical fasteners where appropriate, and load ratings for shelves.

Q: What Finish Do You Use?

Clarify sheen, tone, and hand feel before finishing begins. Hardwax oils highlight grain and are easy to refresh; catalyzed finishes maximize protection in high-wear zones. Ask for care instructions and touch-up options, too.

Q: Is Your Furniture Sustainable?

Responsible shops talk openly about lumber sourcing, finish chemistry, and waste reduction. FSC-certified stock, low-VOC finishes, and repairable components reduce environmental impact and extend service life.

If you started your search with custom woodworking near me, use this conversation to separate makers who share your priorities from those who do not.