Before You Order: The Essentials of Building Custom Wood Decor

Ordering a custom wood piece is one of the best ways to get exactly what you want—something that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your personal style perfectly. But to end up with a piece that truly works for you, there are a few things you need to understand before the building even begins. The more clarity you have up front, the better the final result will be.

Below are the key things every homeowner should consider before commissioning a custom handmade wood piece.

1. Choosing the Right Wood Species Matters More Than You Think

Not all wood is created equal—and not all wood is ideal for all types of projects. Before you fall in love with the look of a particular species, make sure it actually fits the function of the piece you want.

A few significant differences:

• Weight: Maple, ash, and red oak are far heavier than pine or cedar. A beautiful, thick hardwood shelf may be impractical if it’s going on drywall or needs anchors that can’t support the weight.

• Stain behaviour: Some woods take stain beautifully (white oak, ash, walnut). Others can stay lighter or turn blotchy (maple, birch). If you’re aiming for an exact colour, the species matters.

• Durability: Softwoods like pine dent easily and absorb moisture. Hardwoods are much better for cutting boards, countertops, and pieces that see daily use.
  

Example:

A client wants a very dark-stained maple board. Maple often stains much lighter than expected. Walnut, on the other hand, naturally achieves deep tones without needing heavy stain.

2. Know Your Exact Dimensions (Don’t Guess!)

Measurements are among the most significant factors affecting how smoothly a custom wood decor project goes. Before ordering, think about:

• Where the piece will sit

• How much space you truly have

• Clearance around the item

• Comfort height or width

• Access points like doors, stairwells, and corners
  

Example:

A 48" bench looks perfect on paper but ends up blocking a vent or doorway. A quick remeasure avoids headaches.

3. Decide Whether You Want Stain, Paint, or Bare Wood

This choice affects the materials, the construction method, and the timeline.

• Stain highlights the grain but may look different depending on the species.

• Paint gives a clean look but needs the right primer and finish.

• Bare wood is beautiful but still needs protection unless it’s purely decorative.
  

Ask for stain samples on the actual wood being used. Online photos rarely reflect real-life colour.

4. Choose the Right Finish for How You’ll Use Your Custom Wood Decor Piece

The finish is your protection layer. Choosing the wrong one is one of the most common mistakes.

• Food-safe finish: Cutting boards and charcuterie boards must use certified food-safe oils and waxes.

• Children’s items: Use water-based, low-VOC, non-toxic finishes. Oil-based finishes can contain chemicals inappropriate for toys or anything handled routinely by kids.

• Outdoor or moisture-heavy environments: Outdoor pieces and planters need marine urethane or exterior sealants. Interior finishes will fail quickly outside.
  

Example:

An outdoor planter finished with indoor polyurethane will peel quickly. Marine urethane is designed to withstand moisture, UV, and weather changes.

5. Consider Where the Piece Will Live (Inside, Outside, or Both)

Location affects:

• Wood choice

• Stain and finish

• Longevity

• Maintenance requirements

Cedar thrives outdoors. Maple absorbs moisture outside and can warp if not sealed properly.

Example:

An unsealed oak address sign outdoors may turn black from tannin reaction. With a proper exterior sealer, it stays beautiful.

6. Understand How to Care for Your Wood Piece

Even the best-built piece can be damaged by the wrong environment or neglect. Wood is natural—it moves, shifts, and responds to its surroundings.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Placing wood directly in front of a sunny window can cause:

• Warping

• Cracking

• Fading

• Uneven colour changes

UV rays and heat are hard on natural materials.

Consider Your Home’s Humidity and Geography

Wood responds to moisture:

• Too dry: it can shrink or crack.

• Too humid: it can swell or warp.
  

Homes with wood stoves, fireplaces, or extreme seasonal changes need more attention. Using a humidifier in winter and avoiding damp basements helps the piece stay stable.

Cutting Boards, Charcuterie Boards, and Oil/Wax Finishes Need Maintenance

Boards finished with oils and waxes require regular replenishing.

A simple routine:

• Oil monthly in dry seasons, or anytime the board looks dull

• Use food-safe mineral oil or board butter or wax

• Never put it in the dishwasher or soak it in water

• Stand it upright to dry after washing
  

This keeps the wood hydrated, prevents cracking, and maintains a smooth surface.

Example:

A cutting board placed beside a kitchen window in winter can crack from heat and dryness if it’s not oiled. Regular oiling prevents this completely.

7. Think About Long-Term Use and Care Needs

Before commissioning the piece, ask yourself:

• Is this decorative or functional?

• How much maintenance are you comfortable with?

• Do you prefer a rustic look or a pristine finish that stays smooth?

• Will you oil it, re-seal it, or maintain it seasonally?

This helps the builder choose the right materials and prep you for what to expect over time.

Final Thoughts

Providing a photo reference—even if it’s not an exact match—goes a long way toward getting the final piece right. A picture gives your woodworker a visual anchor for style, proportions, and overall feel. From there, you can point out what you’d like to be different: maybe thicker legs, a lighter stain, a different type of edge, or a change in dimensions.

Without that visual starting point, it’s easy for the maker to misunderstand your end goal, especially when everyone imagines “rustic,” “light brown,” or “minimalist” slightly differently. A reference image makes communication clearer, reduces revisions, and ensures the project turns out exactly as you imagined.

A custom wood piece is an investment—one that should look great and perform beautifully in your home. Understanding wood species, dimensions, finishes, location, and care ensures you get a piece that lasts for years and perfectly suits your space.

If you ever need help choosing the right wood, stain, or finish for your next custom project, I’m always happy to guide you to the best options for your project.