Finished size is not purchase volume
End-grain construction consumes stock through jointing, ripping, crosscut kerf, two glue-ups, flattening, final trim, and profiling. Expensive species, large clear sections, and poor yield can raise material cost even when the accent area is small.
Pattern and process affect labour
A simple repeated pattern is easier to prepare and align than a design with many strip widths, species, offsets, or individual overrides. Design revisions, stock selection, clamping, flattening, sanding, finishing, and quality checks all take time.
Custom details add separate work
- Juice groove and its setup.
- Independent top and bottom edge profiles.
- Feet and replaceable hardware.
- Handholds or shaped edges.
- Engraving and proof approval.
- Special packaging or delivery constraints.
A feature may add little material but still require setup, testing, finishing, and risk. Ask for line-item scope rather than assuming price follows wood volume alone.
Do not compare totals without scope. Check dimensions, species, finish, personalization, tax, packaging, delivery, schedule, and warranty.
How to compare quotes
- Send the same specification to each maker.
- Confirm whether the exact stock or representative species is quoted.
- Check revision and cancellation terms.
- Confirm what triggers the production start.
- Compare care, repair, return, and warranty terms.