What to Expect When Ordering a Custom Table from Parallel Grain

2 days ago

4 min read

Ordering a custom table should be an exciting experience—not an overwhelming one. Whether you are looking for a dining table that properly fits your family, a coffee table designed around your living room or a desk built for your workspace, we guide you through every step.

Unlike buying a mass-produced table, ordering custom furniture gives you control over the size, wood, colour, finish and overall design. The result is a handcrafted piece made specifically for your space and the way you plan to use it.

Here is what you can expect when ordering a custom table from Parallel Grain.

1. Contact Us and Share Your Ideas

Every project begins with a conversation.

You can contact us through our website and tell us about the type of table you have in mind. You do not need to have every detail figured out before reaching out. A general idea, inspiration photo or description of your room is enough to get started.

Helpful information to include is:

The type of table you need
Your preferred dimensions
The style you like
Your preferred wood or colour
Photos of your room or inspiration
Any special requirements
Your approximate budget

If you are unsure about the right table size, wood species or leg style, we can help you work through those decisions. Our goal is to create something that looks right in your home while also functioning properly for your needs.

2. Design, Quote and Approval

Once we understand what you are looking for, we begin finalizing the design.

This includes confirming the table’s dimensions, wood species, top style, edge profile, base or leg design and finish. We can also discuss practical details such as seating capacity, chair placement and how much room the table will require.

After the design and material choices have been established, you will receive a clear, detailed quote for the project.

Because every piece is made to order, pricing will depend on several factors, including:

The size of the table
The type and amount of wood required
The complexity of the design
The base or leg style
The chosen finish
Delivery and setup requirements

Once you approve the quote and design, a 50% deposit is required to secure the project and begin the next stage. We will also provide an estimated completion timeline based on the project and our current schedule.

3. Material Selection

The wood is one of the most important parts of your custom table.

We source high-quality hardwood selected for its appearance, strength and suitability for the project. Available choices may include black walnut, white oak, white ash, cherry, mahogany, red oak, maple and ambrosia maple.

Each species offers a different combination of grain, colour, character, durability and price. Black walnut is known for its deep brown tones and premium appearance, while white oak provides a lighter, timeless look with excellent durability. Ambrosia maple offers distinctive natural markings and can be a more affordable way to add character to a room.

Natural wood will always contain variations in grain and colour. These differences are not flaws—they are part of what makes every handcrafted table unique.

If you are uncertain about which wood will work best, we can help you compare the options based on your preferred style, home décor and budget.

4. Building Your Table

Once the materials are selected, construction begins.

This is where your ideas start becoming a real piece of furniture. Your table is carefully built using proven woodworking techniques, with close attention paid to strength, stability and long-term durability.

Depending on the design, the process may include preparing and joining the boards, shaping the tabletop, creating the chosen edge profile, building or installing the base, sanding the wood and completing the final assembly.

Unlike factory-made furniture produced in large quantities, each Parallel Grain table receives individual attention throughout the build. We take the time necessary to ensure that the proportions, joinery and overall appearance are right for your design.

Because solid wood naturally expands and contracts as humidity changes, each table must also be constructed in a way that allows for normal seasonal wood movement.

5. Finishing Touches

Once construction is complete, we begin the finishing process.

The table is carefully sanded to create a smooth, consistent surface. Your selected stain or finish is then applied to enhance the wood’s natural grain while adding protection for everyday use.

This part of the process cannot be rushed. The finish needs adequate time to be applied, cured and inspected before the table is ready for your home.

We complete a final quality check to examine the surface, edges, base and overall construction. These finishing touches help ensure your table looks beautiful and is ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

6. Delivery and Setup

When your table is complete, we will contact you to coordinate delivery.

For customers within the Niagara Region, delivery and setup can be arranged so your new table arrives safely and is placed in the intended room. Depending on the table’s size and design, final assembly may be completed inside your home.

Before delivery, it is helpful to make sure the path into the room is clear and that doorways, stairways and hallways can accommodate the table or its individual components.

Once everything is set up, your custom table is ready to become part of your home.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The timeline for a custom table depends on the design, materials, finishing requirements and the number of projects currently scheduled.

A simpler coffee table may require less time than a large dining table with a complex base or specialized design. Material availability can also affect the schedule.

We will provide an estimated timeline when your quote is prepared and keep you informed if anything changes during the build.

Why Choose a Custom Table?

A custom table gives you something that standard furniture stores cannot always provide: a piece designed specifically for your room, personal style and everyday needs.

Instead of compromising on the size, colour or design, you can choose the details that matter to you. You also receive a solid-wood piece that can be maintained, repaired and enjoyed for many years.

At Parallel Grain, our goal is to make the ordering process straightforward and collaborative from the first conversation through final delivery.

Ready to Start Your Custom Table?

If you have a design in mind—or simply know that you need a table but are unsure where to begin—contact Parallel Grain today. https://www.parallelgrain.com/contact

Share your ideas, measurements or inspiration photos with us, and we will help you explore the possibilities for your space.