Hey everyone! I'm embarking on my first commissioned project where I'll be building a California king size bed for a friend of a friend. The design is locked in, and now we're tackling pricing. I've heard that a good guideline is to charge double the material costs, but I'm curious about how the type of wood impacts pricing. If I use walnut instead of ash or poplar, should I raise my margins? The client wants white oak, and I'm advocating for rift sawn wood, but it costs twice as much as flat sawn here in North Texas. I feel a bit guilty about charging more based solely on the type of lumber when the labor remains the same regardless of which wood I use. I'd love to hear how you all would handle this! I'll share some pictures once it's done. Thanks a lot!
3 Answers
Your hourly rate shouldn't change with the wood species, and lumber costs are just a small piece of the overall price. I usually calculate my expected time and multiply that by my hourly rate, then add up the lumber costs. Don’t forget that you might need to buy more lumber than the exact amount you think you need — like, if the bed requires 30 board feet, purchasing 50 is a safer bet. Remember, high-quality furniture is an investment, so set your prices accordingly to avoid being seen as a budget option — trust me, undervaluing your time can get frustrating fast!
Consider having the friend buy the lumber themselves to ensure they're serious about the project. Once they’re committed, figure out an hourly rate (I suggest around $50) and estimate 20-40 hours of work. That should help clarify if they're ready for a $2,000 to $3,000 bed frame.
I typically add 15-30% on top of material costs after I purchase it, which includes a buffer for potential problems. I also don't cheap out on labor, charging around $95-125 an hour. While more expensive woods could give you a better profit margin, they can lead to costly mistakes, so it's wise to build some extra into the material prices. With rift sawn being a stable choice, I’d recommend explaining to your client that this choice is about durability and aesthetics, and they can decide what they prefer. Don’t worry about charging a fair rate just because it's a friend — you're in this to make money, not lose it!
Great point about extra material! Always wise to plan for mistakes; it’s better to have a little extra than to run short.
> Undervaluing your time can get frustrating fast.
Absolutely agree! Don’t sell yourself short. Sometimes, saying no to a project because you don’t feel right about the price might be the best choice.