Policies of Service

Down Payment

When you order custom or made-to-order items, we require a 50% deposit to secure a spot in our production queue. We can accept payments via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or credit/debit card.

All orders must be paid in full before they are processed, including shipping, handling, packaging, and taxes. The balance must be paid within a week of notification by us or even before then if you're not prepared to accept delivery. We are happy to hold the piece(s) for up to a week free of charge after that time—but after that period, storage fees may apply.

For local deliveries or pick up, the balance is due upon arrival.

Wood and Project Variation

Each piece of wood is unique and subject to variation in color, characterization, grain, texture, etc.

Due to the handmade nature of our furniture please allow for a dimensional tolerance of 1” on every piece. If an exact fit or sizing is required please contact us when ordering.

All of our materials are variable and subject to change. As is typical of custom pieces, Howard Family Designs reserves the right to alter designs in order to improve a piece’s stability or function. Buyer will be notified of said alterations prior to the change being made.

Project Lead Time

The lead time for our furniture is an estimate only and can vary depending on the project. We'll give you an estimated lead time when you place your order, but it's always best to plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time to receive your furniture. If no estimated lead time is given, we will offer you a 4-6 week window for delivery or shipment.

Any delay in delivery or shipment does not relieve the buyer of their payment obligations. Lead times do not begin until a deposit has been placed. For custom projects requiring design or material approval, lead times do not begin until details have been finalized and approved.

Real Wood Furniture

We use real wood for all of its cabinets, furniture, and mantels. Many pieces are constructed with real logs and solid slabs of wood. We prefer and actually seek out wood with cracks, twists, and color—this is the inherent character of wood and is not considered a defect. Natural wood will have knots and checking that we will fill unless our clients ask to leave them unfilled. This notation must be listed on the order paperwork.

Our reclaimed wood will have nail holes, board cupping, old pegs, patches, cracks, saw marks, watermarks, wormholes, bug holes, sunspots, and dents. These attributes are not considered imperfections—we consider them character and believe they pay homage to the historical authenticity and original craftsmanship of our furniture. Our furniture, therefore, does not have to be artificially distressed providing an authentic look that will last for generations!

Wood adjusts at different times of the year to the moisture content in the air—in a sense it breathes! You may notice a slab move or even develop small cracks in your home's humidity range (a dryer home may cause more movement than one with proper humidity). Our wood slabs are kiln-dried to minimize wood movement.

Custom Handmade Signs

Your deposit reserves your spot in the schedule for a custom sign. I will contact you via email to start the quoting process.

The completion date is from design approval, not from the date you submitted a deposit/placed an order. Once approved, I will send you the balance still owed on your custom sign, minus the $50 deposit fee. Projects commence once you have paid in full.

Customs include: Logos, Photo Recreations (pets, family portraits, etc.) Handwriting Replicas, Custom Sized Signs, or anything you can think up!

This does not include outdoor signs. Please contact us if you wish to have an outdoor sign made. Approximately 8-10 weeks is the current time from design approval, not ordering.