What sets the price.
Material is the dominant cost component. A custom solid walnut dining table at 8 feet costs 3 to 5 times an MDF-and-veneer version of the same design. Premium upholstery fabric (Belgian linen, mohair velvet) can run $80 to $200 per yard with 15 to 30 yards needed for a sofa.
Complexity adds to cost in proportion to shop time. A simple slab-front cabinet is straightforward. A piece with carved details, intricate joinery, or integrated mechanisms (hidden drawers, fold-out features) multiplies the build time.
Finish is the most underestimated variable. Painted or stained MDF/wood is cheapest. Hand-rubbed oil or French polish is the premium tier and can add 20 to 40 percent to total piece cost.
Retail vs direct: custom furniture sold through a designer or showroom typically carries 80 to 120 percent markup over factory-direct. The designer adds value through specification and coordination; the markup is the cost of that service.
Common questions.
- How much does custom furniture cost?
- A custom dining table runs $2,000 to $15,000 depending on material, size, and finish. A custom sofa runs $3,000 to $12,000 depending on fabric and construction. A custom dresser runs $2,500 to $8,000. Premium materials and finishes push higher.
- Is custom furniture worth it over off-the-shelf?
- For non-standard sizes, specific design language, or premium materials, yes. Off-the-shelf serves standard rooms with standard sizes well. Custom is worth the premium when the room demands a specific piece that retail does not offer.
- How long does custom furniture take?
- Typical lead times are 12 to 20 weeks from order to delivery, including design review, fabrication, finishing, and shipping. Rush production is sometimes possible at premium.
Project in motion
Specifying custom furniture?
We source custom and case-goods furniture direct to project drawings.