Frequently asked questions
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you have a question that is not answered, please contact us and we will be pleased to help.
- All
- Design & Functionality
- Design Process
- Durability & Maintenance
- General
- Process & Installation
- Sustainability & Materials
We generally work in and around Saffron Walden, covering the surrounding villages such as Great Chesterford, Ickleton, Duxford, Newport and Whittlesford. We also work in Cambridge and London.
Knowing your budget helps us recommend the best materials, design options, and finishes within your price range. It also ensures we can create a high-quality piece that meets your expectations without unexpected costs.
Our workshop address is:
BOATMAN FURNITURE
Unit 1B, Park Farm
Park Road
Great Chesterford
Essex
CB10 1RN
For furniture that needs to be delivered and installed, we have a minimum order value of £2,000. For smaller items, or those that can be collected from our workshop the minimum order value is £500.
Bespoke furniture is custom-made to your specifications, offering unique designs, sizes, and finishes tailored to your space and preferences. Unlike mass-produced furniture, each piece is crafted to meet your exact requirements, ensuring both functionality and individuality.
Bespoke furniture is designed to fit your specific needs, ensuring perfect dimensions, superior craftsmanship, and a personalized aesthetic. It provides a higher level of quality and exclusivity compared to off-the-shelf options.
You can either telephone the workshop on (01799) 530230 or send us an email at info@boatmanfurniture.co.uk.
Emails are preferred, as the workshop is sometimes very loud and the telephone can not be heard above the sound of the machines.
The vast majority of our installations are finished within one day. For larger projects such as kitchens it will take longer depending upon the scale of the work involved.
Yes, we encourage clients to come and see the furniture being made.
The process typically includes an initial consultation, design development, material selection, production, and installation. We work closely with you at every stage to ensure the final product aligns with your vision and expectations.
Yes, we are pleased to provide a free consultation and quotation for your project. Contact us now to find out how we can help.
Yes, we can engrave initials, logos, or custom designs into your furniture. Personalisation adds a unique touch, making your piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Yes, we can match paint colours. We spray using Morrells Waterborne Lacquer. This can be colour matched in a variety of sheen levels.
As everything is handmade in our Great Chesterford workshop, it usually takes between 6-8 weeks for installation once a design has been approved.
Once a specification has been agreed upon, and final price agreed, a formal order can be made. At this stage we ask for a payment of 50% of the final contract price, to book a production slot.
Yes, our VAT registration number is GB 158 6397 62.
Yes, we can guide you through the process, offering suggestions and creating design concepts based on your preferences.
Bacs is our preferred payment method. We do not take credit card payments at this time.
Bespoke furniture is an investment in quality, durability, and unique design that perfectly fits your space and needs. Unlike mass-produced furniture, it is built to last, offering better craftsmanship and personalisation that make it worth the cost.
Absolutely! We can work from sketches, photos, or ideas to bring your vision to life. We can ensure the design is structurally sound while maintaining your original concept.
Yes, we provide sketches or digital renderings for approval before production begins. This allows you to visualize the final product and make adjustments if needed.
Yes, we can design furniture in a wide range of styles, including modern, traditional, rustic, and industrial. We tailor each piece to match your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
Yes, we can strip the finish from the existing doors and refinish them with the colour you desire.
We use a wide range of materials to make our furniture depending upon the final design. We generally use solid wood and wood veneered panels. For sprayed pieces we use MRMDF (moisture resistant MDF). For harder wearing applications we use MFC (melamine faced chipboard).
As all our work is bespoke we can make the furniture from whatever materials you request, just let us know your preference.
Ideally the room should be cleared as much as possible to give our installers the most space to work in.
Yes. All our furniture is bespoke, so you can choose whatever materials you like. A popular choice is for the internals of cabinets to be made from wood veneer, and the externals to be sprayed MRMDF.
Yes, we can incorporate the existing fittings into the new design so that you still have use of them.
Begin by contacting us and arranging a consultation to discuss your ideas, needs, and preferences.
Yes, we can make built-in solutions, or even hidden solutions which are not visible when not in use.
While Ikea offers affordable options, bespoke furniture provides superior craftsmanship, unique designs, and higher-quality materials. Custom pieces are built to fit your space perfectly and last for years, making them a more sustainable and long-term choice.
We offer it all. We can make whatever style of cabinetry you prefer.
Yes, we can respray your existing furniture so that it matches the new furniture.
Yes, we can make use of reclaimed wood to make new furniture. Existing items can be repurposed or retrofitted if required.
Yes, you can remain at home whilst we are installing.
Yes, we can replicate the design as close as possible and make additional doors.
We don’t focus on any one area of cabinetmaking, we can build any piece of furniture that you need for your home or office.
Yes. Some of our clients are happy to allow people to visit their homes and see our work.
Yes, we can make furniture with glass and mirrored doors.
Yes, as everything we make is bespoke, we can accomodate any custom request.
Yes, we can and have included hidden and secret compartments in our furniture. If you have a specific request, please let us know.
Yes, we use CNC technology alongside traditional craftsmanship for accuracy and efficiency. This allows us to achieve intricate detailing while maintaining high levels of precision.
Yes, we can replicate styles, finishes, and colours to match your existing furniture. Whether you need a single piece or a full set, we ensure a seamless blend with your existing décor.
It is helpful to provide measurements of the space, inspiration photos, and any specific requirements or preferences you have in mind.
In some cases, we can work with materials you provide. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Yes. You can choose the items to be used in your project. If you are struggling to find the perfect item, we can provide a list of suppliers that we have used previously that might give you inspiration.
Yes, we specialize in areas that are awkward or unique. Our bespoke solutions are designed to fit your individual space.
Yes, you can choose to pick up your furniture from our workshop. Please contact us to arrange a suitable pick-up date and time.
All our furniture is modelled in 3D CAD software allowing you to view the design before it is build. Fully dimensioned drawings are provided, and renders using Thea Render are provided on request.
We install our work in a wide variety of locations. We are happy to work in new builds, renovations, offices and shops.
Yes, if you would like your old items removed please let us know.
Yes, we design furniture to fit your exact specifications to ensure the best use of your available space.
Minor changes can be accommodated, but major changes may affect the production timeline and cost. Please discuss any changes with us as soon as possible.
Our furniture is carefully packaged to prevent damage during transit. We use protective wrapping and padding to ensure safe delivery.
Yes, all of our pieces are made to measure, ensuring a perfect fit for your space. We work with precise measurements to ensure your furniture complements your layout and functional needs.
Yes, we provide regular updates on the progress of your order and you can contact us at any time for additional information.
Yes it is possible to retrofit storage features into existing items. Please contact us to learn more.
Everything we make is custom made, however if you wish to incorporate pre-made parts into the design that is not a problem.
Orders can be modified within a certain timeframe, but cancellations may incur a fee depending on the production stage.