Commission woodworking: the consultation-to-delivery workflow

The 6-step commission process that protects both you and the client. Deposits, change orders, delivery.

Image: Commission consultation

The 6-step commission process

1. Initial inquiry call/email. Listen for project type, vague price expectation, timeline. 15 min.
2. In-person consultation. Measurements, wood selection conversation, design sketches. $50-100 fee that applies to commission. Filters serious clients.
3. Formal proposal. Written design brief, sketches, lumber spec, exact price, timeline, milestones.
4. 50% deposit + signed contract. Non-refundable lumber commitment. Sets schedule.
5. Build phase with milestone photos. Send progress photos at lumber-cut, glue-up, finishing. Maintains client trust during 4-12 week builds.
6. Final payment + delivery/install. Balance due before delivery. White-glove install for furniture. Photo documentation.

The contract clauses that protect you

• Change order policy. Once design is approved, changes cost X. Without this, clients keep tweaking and you eat the time.
• Deposit non-refundable. Lumber is purchased. Cancellation forfeits deposit.
• Timeline allowances. "8-12 weeks" not "delivered by August 1." Weather affects glue cure; pretending otherwise creates disputes.
• Acceptance criteria. Customer signs delivery confirmation. Any defects identified within 14 days.
• Wood movement disclaimer. Solid wood furniture moves with seasons. Hairline cracks are normal, not defects.