COMMISSIONING CUSTOM CABINETRY AND FINE FURNITURE
Custom cabinetry and fine furniture are more than expressions of personal style—they’re meaningful investments. With this in mind, Bernardi Woodworking approaches every project with care, taking the time to understand your needs and bring your vision to life.
WHO THIS PROCESS IS FOR
“I want this to feel right for our home - now and years from now”
Bernardi Woodworking is the right fit for homeowners who see custom cabinetry and furniture as part of shaping the feeling of their home — not just filling a space. Our best projects are with clients who value thoughtful design, clear communication, and details that feel considered from the first conversation to the final install.
“I want someone who understands the vision”
We take the time to understand your vision and partner with you to achieve it.
“I want the process to feel thoughtful”
From the first phone call to the last walk through, our clients are delighted by our process and meticulous attention to detail.
“I want the result to feel like it belongs”
We ensure your space will feel timeless and considered, for years to come.
The best custom work doesn’t just fill a space. It changes how the space feels.
Design Principles
Sourcing
Local and/or ethically sourced materials are intentionally sought out. We work with local sawmills in the New England area on most projects
Wood Movement
Wood movement is a natural phenomenon that happens with the changing of the seasons. Pieces are carefully designed with this in mind to prevent cracking or warping and ensure the piece holds up over time. This is critical to get right, and something we obsesses over when designing a piece.
Joinery Selection
Joinery, the art of connecting two pieces of wood, is far from uniform—it comes in many forms, each with its own unique strengths and characteristics. The right joinery takes time but ensures a durable, purpose-built piece.
The Process
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1. Get In Touch
Fill out a form on our website to get started. Include as much information as possible.
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2. Introductory Phone Call
Once we have your form submission, we will reach out to schedule a phone call to discuss the project and understand your needs better.
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3. Initial Estimate
For built-in cabinetry, we’ll schedule an on-site visit to take measurements, assess the space, and talk through design direction. On-site visits require a $200 design consultation fee.
For custom furniture, we can usually provide an initial estimate based on your form submission and phone call.
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4. Design
If the initial estimate feels aligned, we move into the design phase. This includes CAD drawings, renderings, material direction, and design refinement.
A 10% design retainer is collected before this phase begins. The retainer covers the time spent developing your project and is applied toward the final project price if the project moves forward.
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5. Approval
Once the design and quote are approved, a 40% build deposit secures your place in the schedule and allows materials to be ordered. Your estimated lead time will be outlined in the quote
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6. Build
The work begins. We believe it’s important that clients see the process and care behind each piece. Progress videos are available upon request and are often shared on Instagram.