Frequently Asked Questions

Top Questions

The most common questions we hear from clients, designers, and architects.

How does the custom furniture ordering process work at SENTIENT?

SENTIENT’s custom furniture process follows seven clear steps: consultation, concept development, 3D rendering, design refinement, production, hand finishing, and white-glove delivery. It starts with a conversation about your space, your vision, and your practical needs. From there, our design team creates initial sketches and detailed computer renderings so you can see exactly what you’re getting before production begins. You’re involved at every stage. Contact us to start a project.

How long does a custom furniture project take from start to finish?

SENTIENT custom furniture projects typically take 6 to 8 weeks from design approval to delivery. More complex projects, such as large-scale hospitality orders or pieces requiring specialty materials, may take 10 to 14 weeks. We provide a specific timeline during your initial consultation and keep you updated throughout production. Rush timelines are sometimes possible depending on workshop capacity.

What wood species does SENTIENT work with?

SENTIENT primarily works with American hardwoods: American black walnut, white oak, red oak, hard maple, cherry, and ash. We also offer specialty species including spalted maple, ambrosia maple, reclaimed oak, and claro walnut. For outdoor furniture, we use teak and ipe for their weather resistance. Every species has distinct grain, color, and character. Our team will recommend the right wood for your project based on aesthetics, durability, and intended use. See all available species.

What is live edge furniture and how are slabs selected?

Live edge furniture preserves the natural edge of the wood slab, the contour where bark once grew, revealing the tree’s organic shape. At SENTIENT, every slab is hand-selected from regional suppliers in Pennsylvania, within 500 miles of our Brooklyn workshop. We look for grain character, structural integrity, and how the slab will perform in its intended application. Each piece of live edge furniture is one of a kind because no two trees grow alike.

Can I fully customize dimensions, wood species, and finish?

Yes. Every piece SENTIENT builds is made to order. You choose the dimensions, wood species, finish, base style, and any special details. There are no fixed sizes or limited options. If you need a dining table that’s 114 inches long in white oak with a ceruse finish on a blackened steel base, we’ll build it. Customization is not an upgrade at SENTIENT. It’s how we work. Explore our custom capabilities.

How much does custom furniture from SENTIENT cost?

SENTIENT custom furniture pricing varies based on size, wood species, design complexity, and finish. Custom dining tables typically start around $5,000 and can reach $50,000 or more for large live edge slabs with custom metal bases. Conference tables, commercial millwork, and hospitality packages are quoted per project. We provide a detailed estimate after your initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect. Request a quote.

Why is handcrafted furniture more expensive than mass-produced?

SENTIENT furniture is built by hand in our Brooklyn workshop by skilled craftspeople, not assembled on a factory line from particle board. We use solid American hardwoods, traditional joinery, and hand-applied finishes. The difference shows up in how the furniture feels, how it performs under daily use, and how it looks 20 years from now. Mass-produced furniture is designed to be replaced. SENTIENT furniture is designed to be kept, repaired, and passed down.

How should I clean and maintain my SENTIENT furniture?

For daily cleaning, SENTIENT recommends a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, ammonia-based products, and abrasive sponges. For oil-finished surfaces, periodic reapplication of hardwax oil (once or twice a year, depending on use) restores protection and luster. Wipe up spills promptly to prevent moisture from penetrating the finish. Simple, consistent care keeps the wood looking exceptional for decades.

Does SENTIENT ship nationwide?

Yes. SENTIENT ships custom furniture throughout the United States with white-glove delivery and professional installation. Our shipping partners specialize in handling high-value, handcrafted furniture. Whether you’re in New York City or across the country, your piece arrives protected and gets installed exactly where it belongs. Contact us for a delivery estimate to your location.

What is SENTIENT’s white-glove delivery service?

SENTIENT’s white-glove delivery means your furniture is professionally packed, transported, brought inside your home or commercial space, unpacked, placed in position, and all packaging materials are removed. Our delivery teams handle stairs, elevators, and tight spaces. For commercial projects, we coordinate with building management on delivery schedules, service entrances, and installation timing.

Does SENTIENT work with interior designers and architects?

Yes. SENTIENT works directly with interior designers and architects on custom furniture and millwork for both residential and commercial projects. Our A&D trade program offers exclusive pricing, dedicated project managers, priority scheduling, and direct collaboration with our design team. Trade partners include firms like Rockwell Group, Gensler, CookFox Architects, and Yabu Pushelberg.

What is SENTIENT’s production capacity for large commercial orders?

SENTIENT’s 25,000 square foot Brooklyn workshop and team of 25 to 30 craftspeople can handle projects at every scale, from a single statement piece to a complete furniture program for a 200-room hotel. We’ve furnished multiple locations for Edition Hotels, Four Seasons, Marriott, and Hyatt. Our capacity comes from decades of experience managing complex, multi-piece projects with strict delivery timelines. See our project portfolio.

Is SENTIENT’s wood sustainably sourced?

Yes. SENTIENT is committed to responsible sourcing. Our American hardwoods come from sustainably managed forests and reputable regional dealers. We offer FSC-certified options for projects that require environmental documentation, and our materials are eligible for LEED and US Green Building Certification. We also believe that building furniture to last generations is one of the most sustainable things a furniture maker can do. Pieces that endure don’t end up in landfills. Learn more about our approach.

Still Have Questions?

We give straight answers. Get in touch and we’ll help you figure out your project.