Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • Flatow Furniture is a one-person custom furniture studio run by me, David Flatow, in Bernal Heights, San Francisco. I design and build one-of-a-kind wood furniture pieces tailored to your space, needs, and taste.

  • I’m based in San Francisco and primarily serve the Bay Area: San Francisco, the East Bay (Berkeley, Oakland), the South Bay (San Jose area), and Marin County. For some pieces, I can discuss shipping outside the region.

  • I build custom wood pieces such as dining tables, sideboards, credenzas, armoires, built-in shelving, desks and workstations, nightstands, media consoles, benches, and storage pieces. If it’s wood and it belongs in a home or small business, I can probably help.

  • I work out of a private workshop rather than a retail showroom. I’m happy to share photos, drawings, and sometimes in-progress shop visits by appointment.

Custom Process

  • We start with a conversation about your space, needs, and inspiration. From there, I create sketches and/or 3D drawings, refine the design with your feedback, finalize materials and pricing, then build the piece in my shop and arrange delivery and installation.

  • Yes. Many clients start with just a general idea and a problem they’re trying to solve. I’ll guide you through options for size, layout, style, materials, and details so we land on something that feels just right.

  • It depends on complexity and how quickly we move through feedback, but most projects take 1–3 weeks to go from initial conversation to a finalized design and quote.

  • Absolutely. Inspiration photos are great for understanding your aesthetic. I won’t copy another maker’s work directly, but I’ll use those images to design a piece that’s uniquely yours.

  • Yes. I design and build both freestanding furniture and built-in pieces (like wall units, window seats, and home office setups), and I can coordinate on-site installation.

Pricing & Payment

  • Pricing varies widely based on size, materials, and complexity. As a rough guide, many custom pieces land in the low-to-mid four figures. Once I understand your project, I’ll provide a clear, itemized quote before you commit to anything.

  • Yes. After we finalize the design and quote, I typically require a 50% deposit to reserve time in the schedule and purchase materials. The remaining balance is due upon completion/delivery.

  • Yes. Initial conversations and ballpark estimates are free. If a project requires more detailed site visits or drawings before you’re ready to commit, we can discuss a small design fee that’s often credited toward the final project.

  • Often, yes. If you share your target budget early, I can suggest design and material choices that help keep the project within range.

Timeline & Scheduling

  • Most projects take 6–12 weeks from design approval to delivery, depending on complexity and my current schedule. Larger or more intricate pieces may take longer.

  • Sometimes. If you have a firm deadline (move-in date, event, baby on the way), let me know upfront and I’ll tell you honestly whether I can meet it.

Materials & Craftsmanship

  • I primarily work with solid hardwoods (like walnut, white oak, cherry, and maple) and high-quality veneers, along with durable hardware and finishes meant to last for many years.

  • Whenever possible, I source wood from responsible mills and suppliers, and I’m happy to discuss options like FSC-certified lumber and species that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious.

  • I choose finishes based on the piece and how it will be used—often hardwax oils or other durable, repairable finishes that bring out the natural beauty of the wood while protecting it from everyday wear.

  • Each piece is designed specifically for you and your space, built one at a time, using solid materials and joinery meant to last. There’s no “flat-pack” compromise: fit, proportions, and details are all tuned to your life rather than to a shipping container.

Collaboration & Design Professionals

  • Yes. I’m happy to collaborate with design professionals and coordinate with your contractor or architect to make sure the piece integrates cleanly into the overall project.

  • In many cases, yes—especially when it comes to wood species, general style, and proportions. Perfect color/finish matches can be tricky, but I can usually get very close.

Delivery, Installation & Shipping

  • Yes. For Bay Area projects, I coordinate delivery and, when needed, on-site installation. For some smaller freestanding pieces, we can discuss shipping options.

  • On a case-by-case basis. Shipping custom furniture safely can be complex and costly, but for the right project I’m happy to explore options and provide a quote.

  • This is something we plan for from the start. I’ll ask for photos and measurements, and design the piece (or break it into sections) so it can be delivered safely into your space.

Care, Warranty & Repairs

  • I’ll provide simple care instructions specific to your piece and its finish—usually just gentle cleaning and occasional maintenance to keep it looking great for years.

  • I stand behind my work. If there’s an issue related to materials or craftsmanship under normal use, please contact me. I’ll assess the situation and work with you to make it right.

  • My primary focus is building new custom work, but I occasionally take on repairs or refinishing—especially for pieces I built originally. Feel free to ask and I’ll let you know if it’s a good fit.

Getting Started

  • Send me a message at inquire@flatow.furniture with a short description of what you’re looking for (e.g., “custom walnut dining table for a family of four in San Francisco”), any measurements, photos of your space, and your ideal timeline. From there, we’ll schedule a call and take the next step together.

  • Rough dimensions of your space, a few inspiration images if you have them, any must-have features (storage, seating capacity, cable management, etc.), and an idea of your budget and timeline. The more you share, the smoother the process will be.