Question 1

What makes Where Wood Meets Steel different from other custom furniture makers?

Accepted Answer

Unlike many custom shops, we produce a lot of the material that will be used in our custom pieces. Being intimately connected to the wood slabs we have milled and dried ourselves, we have the advantage of having hundreds of options to choose from. We combine fine woodworking and custom steel fabrication to create heirloom-quality furniture that’s both modern and timeless. Our dedication to craftsmanship, local sourcing, years of experience and community involvement sets us apart.

Question 2

What types of custom furniture do you create?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in handcrafted custom wood and steel furniture, including dining tables, coffee tables, desks, benches, shelving, vanities, mantels, and unique statement pieces. Each design is tailored to your space and style, combining the beauty of hardwoods with the strength of steel. We cater to both commercial and residential projects, collaborating with designers, architects, builders, homeowners, and business owners. Check out our portfolio for inspiration.

Question 3

Can I visit your workshop or showroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes! As a small shop, we do like to be prepared for your visit to be sure we can look at the inventory you are interested in and have the time to dedicate to your visit. We welcome clients to our Denver warehouse by appointment.
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Question 4

Are your custom furniture pieces made in the USA?

Accepted Answer

Yes - every custom furniture piece is designed and handcrafted in Denver, Colorado. We are proud to support American craftsmanship and local jobs.

Question 5

Do you make your furniture sustainably?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sustainability is core to our process. We use locally sourced wood, reclaimed materials, and durable, low-VOC finishes whenever possible. Our designs are built to last for generations, not end up in a landfill.

Question 6

Do you work with interior designers, architects, or contractors?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do! Many of our repeat clients are interior designers, architects, and custom builders  who we have worked with for years on residential and commercial projects. We can offer trade pricing for established clients and custom solutions for every scale.

Question 7

Do you build custom furniture for restaurants and commercial spaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design and fabricate commercial furniture for restaurants, bars, offices, retail stores, lifestyle businesses and more. Our work is built to withstand high-traffic environments and tailored to your brand and layout.

Question 8

Do you offer live edge or slab-style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We’re known for our live edge furniture and work with clients to design stunning slab tables, benches, vanities and desks that showcase the natural edge and character of the wood.

Question 9

What other services do you offer besides custom furniture?

Accepted Answer

In addition to furniture, we offer custom steel fabrication, wood slab flattening, planing, and milling services. We also sell wood slabs from rough milled through finish for DIY or trade projects.

Question 10

How does Where Wood Meets Steel support local communities?

Accepted Answer

We proudly support local nonprofits and organizations by donating time, money, and resources. Our team members regularly volunteer at local non profit organizations and we believe in giving back to the communities we serve.

Question 11

How much does custom furniture cost?

Accepted Answer

We consider many factors when estimating a project. Each custom piece requires a unique set of requirements from the raw materials to design, labor, finishing and assembly.
 
We use our own wood inventory whenever possible, sourcing trees from Denver and surrounding areas of Colorado, which we mill and kiln dry. Our collection of local wood slabs includes dozens of species, sizes and figuring  offering a variety of options to choose from. The species, size of the slab, and wood figuring directly influence the cost of each project.
 
At times we may source materials to suit our clients’ specifications and have several established vendors we work with to assure quality product.  Market volatility, supply, and demand are just a few factors that cause prices to fluctuate. As such, our estimates are good for three days. If more time passes between the original estimate and the deposit, we may update the estimate based on significant changes in material pricing.
 
Custom pieces are complex and we strive for excellent attention to detail, considering not only the design specific to each piece of wood, but ensuring that the wood can move as needed over its lifetime.
Labor hours are estimated by taking into account a number of factors:
Design/conception
Material transport
Wood characteristics
Milling/cutting
Sanding/finish preparation
Assembly
Finishing
Many things can influence the price of a project, including the character of the wood and whether it needs additional treatment such as resin, hand sanding, butterflies or speciality finishes.
 
In order to lock in pricing and get started, we ask for a deposit of 50% of total project cost, (or 50%/25%/25% for larger scale projects) with the remainder due upon project completion.

Question 12

Is custom furniture more expensive than store-bought?

Accepted Answer

While custom furniture may cost more upfront than mass-produced alternatives, our pieces offer lasting value, superior materials, and craftsmanship. You're investing in a one-of-a-kind design made to fit your specific space, not a disposable product. Consideration is taken into account for longevity and additional steps are taken to avoid common problems with cheaper pieces. For example, our frames and bases are designed to allow wood to move which helps avoid cracking or warping. We also take care in the finishing process where many mass produced pieces skip steps (sometimes not even finishing both sides of a piece which is crucial not just for looks, but also stability).

Question 13

How long does it take to create custom furniture?

Accepted Answer

Our lead time for custom furniture is typically 8–12 weeks, depending on design complexity and current production. We prioritize quality craftsmanship. Some projects may require custom milling, kiln runs, or coordination with other vendors. Rush options are available for an additional fee. We require a 50% deposit to begin your project.

Question 14

How do I care for my custom wood and steel furniture?

Accepted Answer

Wood will dent and scratch over time, but with the proper care, will age gracefully, developing character and patina. You can generally wipe the furniture (both wood and steel parts) with a damp cloth and can use a drop of mild dish soap if needed with a microfiber cloth. Avoid cleaning products containing detergents, alcohol, ammonia or solvents or anything abrasive. Be careful when moving things across any wood surface. Dust regularly with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth.
 
During the first year of owning your furniture, the patina of your wood furniture may change, especially if exposed to sunlight. Be sure to move display objects frequently during the first few months to ensure an even coloring. Attempt to use coasters when possible on furniture surfaces and be sure to wipe up spills and stains soon after happening.

Question 15

What warranty do you offer on custom furniture?

Accepted Answer

All items made by WWMS are warrantied for one year for workmanship.  We take pride in our attention to detail and craftsmanship in producing your pieces. We use wood that has been properly dried and is attached using machine bolts and threaded inserts which allow it to move. That said, wood is a natural material which is affected by climate and environment. Your piece(s) will take time to acclimate which may cause changes over time. We do not cover normal wear and tear such as scratches, dents, new or expanding cracks and lightening or darkening of finish over time. We will cover faulty metal work, finish or build issues not due to normal use.

Question 16

Do you offer repair or refinishing services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on the specific piece and touch-up/repair needed, we can offer sanding/refinishing, touch-ups, or repair services for pieces we have made that have been worn or damaged over time. We are committed to helping you maintain your investment for years to come. In some cases we might refer you to a finishing expert.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions