Behind the Scenes of a Custom Piece

The best thing about a custom piece is that you can realize an idea to the exact style, size and look you’re going for. Custom pieces are great if you have tight dimensions to work with, need the perfect colour to match your space or want a built-in wall unit with storage, a desk and shelving.

We’re currently working on a custom shelf to store books, DVDs and personal items.  The wall is 6’ wide and in a small bedroom.  Rather than a heavy wooden bookcase, we decided to go with a wall-mounted glass unit to bring a light and air feel.  A stag shelf seemed like the best option, with wooden panels and interchangeable glass shelves.

A stag shelf - the glass shelves and sleek lines don't impose on the space, they're light and barely noticeable.

A wooden bookcase – this works in a large space with lots of light but it makes this small room look cramped and gloomy.

At this point we usually sketch out a quick free-hand drawing of the idea we have in mind.  This allows us to see what our idea would look like before continuing with detailed drawings.

A very bad snapshot of my initial sketch.  It let me know I was on the right track, but a little too geometric maybe…

Next, we create a CADD drawing.  Here we include exact measurements and details.  This is the drawing on which we base the manufacturing of the piece, so exact details are very important.

The CADD drawing + dimensions of the stag shelf.  The shelves are glass and the panels are wood.

We then present the drawing to the client, usually with an example of what the final piece would look like.  This helps the client visualize the piece in their space.  When we get feedback we either make necessary changes to the drawing, or head straight into manufacturing. 

The top two images are photos of stag shelves we made in the past.

Our pieces are all made locally, in Vaughn.  6-8 weeks later, the piece is delivered to the client’s house, and installed.

And the final product?  You’ll have to wait and see…