Commissioning a custom wood piece is a meaningful experience. Unlike purchasing mass-produced furniture, working with a custom woodworker is a collaborative process rooted in craftsmanship, communication, and care. At Di Giorgio Design & Craft (DDC) in Escondido, CA, each project is approached with intention, whether it’s a large furniture build or a small, functional art piece.
If you’ve never worked with a custom woodworker before, here’s what you can expect from start to finish.
Step 1: The Initial Conversation
Every project begins with a conversation. This is where ideas take shape and possibilities are explored. You’ll discuss what you’re looking for, how the piece will be used, where it will live, and what matters most to you in terms of style, function, and feel.
Some clients come with detailed plans and inspiration images, while others have a general idea and want guidance. Both are welcome. The goal of this first step is clarity and alignment, not pressure.
Step 2: Design and Concept Development
Once the vision is clear, the design process begins. This may include discussing proportions, dimensions, wood types, finishes, and construction methods. Comfort, durability, and visual balance are all carefully considered.
Custom woodworking allows for thoughtful details that mass-produced furniture cannot offer, such as tailoring dimensions to your height, your space, or your daily use. Every choice is intentional and serves both beauty and function.
Step 3: Material Selection
Wood selection is one of the most important parts of the process. Grain pattern, color variation, and character all influence the final look of the piece. At DDC, wood is selected with care, whether it’s reclaimed material with history or high-quality natural hardwood sourced responsibly.
No two boards are the same, which means no two finished pieces are ever identical. This natural variation is part of what makes custom woodworking so special.
Step 4: Craftsmanship and Build
Once materials are selected and the design is finalized, the build begins. Traditional woodworking techniques are combined with modern tools to ensure precision, strength, and longevity. Joinery, structural integrity, and finish quality are prioritized at every stage.
Custom pieces are not rushed. Time is taken to ensure each detail is executed properly so the final result is something that will last for decades, not just years.
Step 5: Timeline and Communication
Custom woodworking takes time, and that time is part of the value. Timelines vary depending on the scale and complexity of the project, material availability, and current workload.
Throughout the process, clear communication helps ensure expectations are aligned. Questions are encouraged, and updates are shared as the project progresses.
Step 6: Delivery and Installation
Once your piece is complete, delivery is carefully coordinated. Smaller items may be shipped securely, while larger furniture or installations may include local delivery and setup in Southern California.
The goal is a smooth, thoughtful handoff that honors the work and ensures the piece arrives safely and ready to be enjoyed.
More Than Furniture, It’s a Relationship
Working with a custom woodworker is not just about the finished piece. It’s about trust, collaboration, and creating something meaningful. Whether it’s a dining table, a built-in nook, or a handcrafted board, custom woodworking results in pieces that feel personal, intentional, and deeply connected to the space they inhabit.
At Di Giorgio Design & Craft in Escondido, CA, each project is treated with care, respect for the material, and attention to detail. If you’re considering a custom wood piece and want something built to last, the process is just as important as the final result.
