From Sketch to Showroom: Our Custom Design Process in 5 Steps

Every beautiful piece of handcrafted furniture starts with a simple idea—sometimes a rough sketch, a photo pulled from Pinterest, or a client standing in our shop, pointing at a slab of walnut with a vision in their eyes.

At Shaking Quakie Woodworks, we believe the best designs are born through collaboration, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for natural materials. But for many of our clients, the process of creating a custom piece feels mysterious at first. What exactly happens between inspiration and installation?

Step 1: Discovery & Design Consultation

It all begins with a conversation.

You might come to us with a detailed drawing, a torn-out magazine page, or just a problem you’re trying to solve—like “We need more storage, but nothing off-the-shelf fits this wall.”

In our initial consultation, we’ll ask questions to uncover what you’re really looking for:

• What is the piece for? Who will use it?
• What size and shape makes sense in your space?
• Are there any functional must-haves—hidden drawers, media compartments, soft-close features?
• What type of wood, tone, or finish speaks to you?

From there, we begin sketching. We’ll draft a few quick concepts and walk you through what’s possible based on your space, budget, and vision.

This stage is about clarity. It’s where inspiration starts to feel real—and where we start mapping out the story your piece will tell.

Step 2: Materials & Mockups

Once we’ve established the concept, we move into materials selection and mockup creation.

This is where form and function start to lock in. You’ll see:

• Wood samples from our curated selection of domestic and reclaimed hardwoods (walnut, maple, ash, cherry, white oak, etc.)
• Finish options ranging from zero-VOC hardwax oils to water-based polys depending on durability and aesthetic
• 3D renderings or digital mockups for more complex builds, helping you visualize scale, proportion, and tone in your actual space

If the piece includes hardware, lighting, or mixed materials like stone or metal, we’ll also source samples or render pairings for your approval.

Clients love this stage—it’s tactile, visual, and hands-on. You’ll feel the wood. You’ll compare tones in natural light. You’ll start to see your piece take shape.

Step 3: Precision Crafting

Once we finalize the design and materials, it’s time to build.

Each project is handcrafted in our Colorado workshop by experienced woodworkers who treat every cut, joint, and finish with intention. No assembly lines. No shortcuts.

Depending on the complexity of your piece, this phase typically includes:

• Milling and planing rough lumber to precise dimensions
• Joinery and construction using techniques appropriate to the piece—mortise and tenon, dovetail, floating panels, and more
• Sanding and surfacing for a glass-smooth feel
• Finishing by hand using durable, eco-friendly products that allow the wood to breathe and move with the seasons

Because we work with natural hardwoods, we also take the time to match grain, tone, and figure so your piece feels cohesive—whether it’s one small shelf or a full-room built-in.

Every project is also inspected at multiple points for quality, alignment, and integrity. If it’s not right, it doesn’t leave the shop.

Step 4: Delivery & Installation

This is the moment when your piece moves from concept to reality.

Depending on the size and scope of your project, we’ll either deliver it fully assembled or install it on-site. Our delivery and installation team works with care and precision—whether we’re moving a 10-foot table into a city loft or scribing a built-in cabinet flush to a hundred-year-old wall.

For built-ins or more complex installations, we coordinate with your contractor, designer, or architect to ensure everything fits perfectly.

We leave your space clean, leveled, and ready to enjoy. No mess. No stress.

Step 5: Care & Longevity

Our relationship doesn’t end after delivery.

We provide all clients with a care guide tailored to their specific finish and wood species. We also offer seasonal tips for dealing with humidity, touch-up advice, and reapplication kits for oil-finished pieces.

Want to know how to keep your walnut tabletop glowing year after year? Curious about how your maple shelving will evolve in tone over time? We’re happy to answer questions—months or even years after install.

For us, craftsmanship isn’t just about the piece—it’s about how it lives in your home, how it functions, and how it makes you feel every day.

Why This Process Matters

A lot of furniture companies build quickly. Fewer build thoughtfully. Even fewer build collaboratively.

Our five-step process is rooted in transparency, flexibility, and artistry. It’s designed to guide you from idea to heirloom—without surprises, stress, or compromises.

And more than anything, it’s built around you.

We’re not just making furniture. We’re building pieces that become part of your daily life—quietly supporting the way you live, host, work, gather, or relax.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Build Something That Lasts

Whether it starts with a scribble on a napkin or a fully formed concept, your vision deserves to be built the right way.

At Shaking Quakie Woodworks, we take pride in every piece we make, and every client we serve. From sketch to showroom, our process ensures your custom piece is not only functional and beautiful—but meaningful.

Have a project in mind?‍

Book a design consultation with us and let’s talk about how we can bring it to life.