Beyond the Wood: Questions and Red Flags

What to Ask When Searching for a Cabinet Maker/Furniture Maker for Your Bespoke Woodworking Project.

Embarking on a custom woodworking project, whether it’s a bespoke kitchen, a stunning retail display, or a luxurious home office, is an exciting endeavour. But choosing the right woodworking specialist is crucial to ensuring your vision becomes a reality. At L'atelier Joinery, we believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Beyond the beautiful wood and expert craftsmanship, it's about trust and transparency.

In a sea of wood working specialists make sure you pick the right one for you and your project by asking the right questions.

Understanding the Woodworking Trades: Carpenter, Joiner, Cabinet Maker, and Furniture Maker - Finding the Right Professional Near You

If your google search for skilled woodworkers or joiners near me is more confusing than helpful then read on…..Carpenter, Joiner, Cabinet Maker and Furniture Maker are just some of the job titles you will have heard of to identify someone that works with wood.  If you’d have asked me 10 years ago to explain what each one of these does, my answer would have probably been “simple, the same thing” but oh my, how wrong I would have been!  Since joining forces with my skilled cabinet making brothers and launching L’Atelier Joinery (a workshop based on the Kent/London border), I have learnt there's a huge difference!  Each of these titles comes with a very different set of skills and abilities and some of those skills overlap, so it’s truly worth understanding what woodworking skills your project needs to ensure you appoint the right person or business.

Let’s look at what specialisms each of these roles undertakes:

Cabinet Maker - Specialises in making custom cabinets, built-in cabinets, fitted furniture, freestanding furniture and fitted wardrobes.  Focusing on precise joinery and detailed construction, often working with sheet materials and solid timber.  Good examples of a cabinet maker's work include; bespoke kitchen cabinets, fitted wardrobes, custom media units, alcove units, home offices, libraries and bespoke storage solutions.

Carpenter - Primarily involved in structural woodwork, such as framing, roofing, and installing doors and windows. Normally works on-site, contributing to the construction and renovation of buildings. Examples of a carpenter's work include; House framing, structural beam installation, and door and window frame fitting.

Furniture Maker - Designs and constructs individual pieces of custom furniture, emphasising artistry and craftsmanship. Focuses on creating unique, freestanding pieces, often with intricate details and fine finishes. Examples of a furniture maker's work include: Custom dining tables, bespoke chairs, display units, and unique furniture pieces.

Joiner - Normally specialises in creating joints and assembling wooden components, both on-site and in a workshop. Joiners will focus on precise joinery techniques, often crafting components for larger projects. Examples of their work include; window frames, door frames, staircases, and intricate wooden moldings.

So once you’ve decided which trade specialist you’re looking for, it’s now time to dig into the detail……so let's look at the key questions you should ask and the red flags to watch out for before appointing your woodworking specialist.

There are a number of questions which can help you select a professional and reliable Cabinet Maker.

When seeking a local cabinet maker, joinery workshop or bespoke furniture maker, ask these questions:

"Can I see your portfolio and examples of similar projects?"

Why it matters: This allows you to assess their craftsmanship, style, and range of expertise. Pay close attention to the details and finishes.

“Can you provide references if requested?”

Why it matters: Gain insights into their reliability and customer satisfaction.

“Do you have a social media presence and online reviews?”

Why it matters: this will help you evaluate their reputation and client experiences.

"What is your experience with [specific type of project you’re looking to have done] and how long have you been trading?"

Why it matters: Experience is key. A specialist with proven expertise in your project type will anticipate potential challenges and deliver a superior result and a well established company suggests they will be a reliable supplier. 

"Do you provide detailed quotes, including materials, labour, and installation?"

Why it matters: Transparency is crucial. A comprehensive quote prevents unexpected costs and ensures clarity for both parties.

"What types of wood and materials do you work with, and can you advise on the best options for my project?"

Why it matters: A knowledgeable specialist will guide you through the material choices; considering durability, aesthetics, and sustainability.

"What is your process from design to installation, and what is your estimated timeline?"

Why it matters: A clear process and realistic timeline ensure a smooth sailing project.

"Are you insured?"

Why it matters: Insurance protects you from liability, and provides peace of mind regarding their workmanship.

"Do you source your materials sustainably?"

Why it matters: Understanding a supplier's sourcing practices allows you to make informed choices that align with your personal or project values regarding environmental impact.

"How do you handle communication and updates throughout the project?"

Why it matters: Clear and regular communication is essential for a successful project.

Red Flags to Watch out For:

Vague or incomplete quotes: If a quote lacks detail or seems suspiciously low, proceed with caution.

Reluctance to provide references or portfolio: A reputable specialist will be proud of their work and happy to share it.

Pressure to make a quick decision: Don't be rushed into signing a contract. Take your time to research and compare options.

Poor communication or lack of responsiveness: If they're difficult to reach before the project, it's likely to continue during the project.

Lack of insurance or licenses: This could leave you vulnerable to liability in case of accidents or damages.

Unprofessional behavior or appearance: Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

Unwillingness to answer questions: A good woodworker will be happy to explain their process and answer any questions.

A large upfront cash demand. A deposit is normal, but a full payment upfront is definitely not.

As with any industry there will always be a fair share of bad eggs but by asking these questions you will be able to weed out the good, the bad and the ugly!

Helping you select quality materials and finishes to bring your project to life.

L'atelier Joinery's Commitment to Quality and Trust:

We’ve put ourselves in your shoes and made sure our core business principles are customer focused - we identify that quality products, communication and trust are a massive deal when you’re deciding who to work with.  So L’Atelier Joinery’s pledge to each and every customer we work with (no matter project size or value) is that we are wholly committed to:

• Providing detailed and transparent quotes.

• Using high-quality, sustainably sourced materials.

• Maintaining clear and open communication throughout the project.

• Offering expert advice and guidance.

• Delivering exceptional craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

By asking the right questions and being aware of potential red flags, you can confidently choose a skilled woodworker for your project.  Let L'atelier Joinery bring your vision to life and create beautiful, bespoke spaces that will bring you joy for years to come. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us transform your space.