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Hardman Design can build your dream piece, You will be involved throughout the production process and your unique piece will be manufactured in a material, design, and size for an individual look and an exclusive finish.

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Custom Made Furniture | FAQ

What Is The Process Of Ordering Custom Made Furniture From Hardman Design?
What Is The Lead Time On A Custom Made Piece Of Furniture?
Which Pieces Of Furniture Can Hardman Design Custom Build?
Which materials can be used in a Hardman Design Custom Build Piece Of Furniture?
What type of oil is used to finish off a Hardman Design piece?
Does My Custom Built Piece Come With A Warranty?
Does my custom made piece come flat packed or ready built?

Size Guide:

So, you want to buy a dining table. It might sound obvious, but one of the most important things to consider is the size of your desired piece, and how it will look in your room.

There are numerous factors which can shape your decision, such as the size of your space, the positioning of your table, how much space the legs take up and where they are positioned, and how you plan to use your table - from small family meals to large social gatherings.

It’s certainly not a decision which should be taken lightly; picking the right dimensions is fundamental to creating the best visual and practical balance for your room.

Hardman Design can custom build tables to provide you with a bespoke piece for your needs. 

This guide will provide you with some key information to help you pick the right sized table.

The Size Of Your Dining Table: Number Of Seats

One of the biggest considerations is knowing how many people will generally be sitting around your table, and how many seats you want to accommodate.

As a general rule of thumb, these are the rough sizes depending on the number of seats:

2

Seater

4

Seater

6

Seater

8

Seater

10

Seater

12

Seater
Minimum
60 x 70cm

Minimum 120 x 70cm

 Minimum 180 x 80cm Minimum 220 x 90cm

 Minimum 270 x 90cm Minimum 330 x 90cm

These dimensions are based on rectangular tables. Hardman Design’s dining tables are hand built in this shape, but we can custom-build tables for a bespoke shape, size and finish.

Rectangular tables have multiple benefits; great for their practicality, functionality and comfort.

A rectangle table generally fits well into the design of a room, and can typically accommodate more people and more space for dishes - especially compared to a circular table.

Benches, too, work well with a rectangular table and are a great idea to maximise this space, as they enable people to squeeze up, if necessary.

A rectangular table can also be a versatile solution within a room, looking great against a wall or window, or taking pride of place in the centre of a room.

Rectangular tables tend to have their legs positioned on the four corners - instead of in the middle like many circular tables - helping to give each diner more comfortable leg room underneath the table.

Generally speaking, a standard table is 71 to 76cm in height, so when it comes to seating, opt for a chair or bench from around 43 to 58cm from floor to seat.

Hardman Design handcrafts a range of dining benches and chairs. Visit our seating collection to find your perfect seat for your table.

Choosing The Right Size Table For Your Room

Knowing how the table will fit in in your room is another key consideration. For instance, how it will work in relation to other pieces of furniture, its proximity to doorways and walls, and allowing enough passing space.

As a general rule of thumb, you will need a minimum of 30 to 36 inches (76cm) for clearance space, measured from the nearest obstruction - whether it be a wall, door, window or furniture - to your chairs.

Where relevant, allow 120cm square for an entrance or doorway. If you’re putting your table into an open-plan area, this isn’t something to factor in.

To ensure you do not choose a dining table size that is too small, don’t leave more than 6ft (183cm) from the edge of the room, at least on one side.

How To Estimate The Size Of Your Dining Table

Perhaps one of the best ways of selecting the most appropriate-sized dining table for your room is mocking up how your furniture will look. This will really help you experience the feel of your table and how it will work in your space.

There are a number of ways that this can be done, including using masking tape or cardboard to replicate the size of your desired table.

For a more complete picture, you can even fill this space with books/newspaper to gauge the height and mass of the table.

Aside from recreating the look and size of your table, you can also map out the room to scale on paper, including walls, walkways and other furniture.

It is important that you don’t just measure the size of your table; instead, think about how it will work in practice. Questions you need to be asking include, have I left enough room for doorways and drawers to open? Have people got enough space to push their chairs out? Can they walk behind pushed-out chairs?

This type of planning will create a clearer picture and help ensure you select the right-sized table for both the look and functionality of your space.  

Extendable Dining Tables

Extendable dining tables are a great option.

In fact, this type of furniture has enjoyed something of a revival in recent times.

And when looking at the benefits, it is easy to understand why extendable dining tables are en vogue.

Highlights include:

  • Dynamic Use Of Space: One of the biggest advantages of an extendable dining table is its dynamic change in size, starting in a smaller form before easily increasing in size, when needed. This functionality is a big space saver and means that a larger dining table does not dominate your room; but can be expanded, when needed, and can be easily put back to its original form. Of course, take the size of the extension into consideration when deciding which option to go for, and factor this into any measurements pre-purchase.
  • Plenty of space: Hosting a social gathering or entertaining extra family members? Then extend your table for extra space. And that’s the great thing about this type of furniture, extending dining tables enable you to expand the table when you need a couple of extra seats. And the dynamic increase in space isn’t only beneficial for meal times or gatherings. It can also be useful for other functions, such as if you require your table to double up as a desk as part of a home office, or if the kids need extra space for homework/hobbies.
  • Available in different sizes: Hardman Design’s extendable tables are available in a range of sizes, providing you with plenty of versatility. When picking the size, consider how many you want to seat and how often you are likely to extend the table. For instance, our Mira Dining Table can have extension leaves of 60cm or 70cm - or can be custom built - so the size of the extension depends on your needs and your space.
  • Beauty: Extendable Dining Tables are attractive additions to the house. Typically, the leaves or extension panels are either hidden within the fabric of the table, or can be added by sliding the leaves into place at each end of the table. This is certainly the case with Hardman Design’s extendable dining tables. What’s more, our signature collection tables can be built to convert into an extendable table, ensuring you benefit from the aesthetic beauty of our handcrafted, best-selling pieces, as well as the functionality of an extending dining table.

How To Choose The Right Sized Dining Table - Summary

Selecting the best-sized table takes some well thought-out planning, considering how you plan to use it and the space you wish to place it in.

But with some quick calculations before purchase, you can ensure you choose the correct piece which really sets off your room and becomes an important focal point of your house.

View Hardman Design’sdining table collection, with all pieces handcrafted from locally-sourced and sustainable materials. Each item can also becustom madeto provide you with a bespoke solution for your needs.

Alternatively,contact usto speak to our team for some advice.

  • 10 Years of Trust

    Trust Liam Hardman's expertise: Over a decade in the handmade furniture industry, ensuring quality and reliability. Our business is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for your peace of mind.

  • 60 Day Money Back Guarantee

    Enjoy our hassle-free return policy: return standard items up to 60 days after delivery for free.

  • 5 Year Guarantee

    Our products are built for you to enjoy for generations. But we've got you covered - just in case; so each piece comes with a 5 year warranty.

  • Custom Made Your Way

    We can build your dream piece just how you want it. Every aspect of the design can be customised. Just get in touch to start your design project with our experianced team

  • Free Shipping & Returns

    We ship your furniture free of charge. We can also assemble your item on arrival and remove the packaging (extra charge applies). Additionally, returning your item is also free.

  • Carbon Neutral

    We are carbon neutral, as part of our pledge to handcraft sustainable furniture. We track and monitor all of our processes and engage in carbon offsetting activities, such as tree planting.

Best Wood For Dining Tables

At Hardman Design, we take pride in building handmade quality dining tables from locally-sourced and sustainable wood. 

Our furniture is most commonly crafted from oak, walnut, and ash, although we do custom-made pieces, too.

These three natural wood types are quality choices in their own right - combining strength with gorgeous aesthetics - but which one is best suited to your needs?

It is an important question. After all, a dining table is a big purchase: a long-term investment, a focal point of your dining room or kitchen, and a gathering spot for your family and friends.

To help you decide, this blog explores the unique characteristics of oak, walnut and Ash.  

Oak

Classic, strong, versatile, and naturally beautiful - you can’t go wrong with oak.

This renowned wood has long been associated with use around the home, dating back many centuries, and is just as popular today.

As such, oak’s timeless nature looks as comfortable in contemporary settings as it does in traditional décor.

Durability

One of oak’s most distinguishing features is its durability; renowned for its strength and resistance to decay, liquids, heat, and surface blemishes. These characteristics make it a firm favourite, especially for people looking for a long-term investment. Oak is also a particularly good choice for families, and ensures maintenance is minimal.

Oak’s durability is a result of the trees’ slow growth, making the wood extremely dense, adding to its quality. 

In fact, oak performs well in the Janka hardness test, which charts the resistance of different wood types to denting and wear. Or to be more specific, it measures the force required to partially embed a small steel ball into the sample of wood. 

The results of this test show that oak is more resistant than woods such as walnut, teak, and cherry.  

Colour

Natural oak can take on virtually any hue, from light beige and yellow through brown and red. This colour diversity makes it easier to match the colour palette of your dining room and kitchen.

Over time, oak pieces have a tendency to change colour, adopting more darker, amber tones. This is caused by exposure to oxygen and UV light. However, this shift is subtle, and can, in fact add to the character of the piece and even enhance its appearance over time. Depending on your preference, we can apply a UV protection finish to our oak tables, when requested.

Hardman Design also builds smoked oak tables, such as the Carolina Smoked Oak dining table. We use a special manufacturing process to fume the oak; causing it to darken and draw out the rich detail of the grain.

Finish

Thanks to its natural beauty and hard-wearing nature, oak is gorgeous in its natural state, especially with character pieces filled with knots.

However, oak’s light tones make it great for adding a variety of finishes; whether that is stained or with a clear, natural finish. This makes it ideal for both modern and traditional furniture. 

Grain And Detailing

Oak has a swirling or striped grain. It also rates as open-pored, as it has wide, large cells, and many pores.

Oak can vary in detailing, with wild oak, for instance, having plenty of knots in varying sizes.

Eco-friendly

Oak trees grow in abundance, with around 450 species worldwide. Oak wood is generally considered to be an eco-friendly furniture choice because it is durable and long-lasting, helping to prolong its usability and keeping it out of landfills.

Hardman Design has also committed to a tree planting campaign, to ensure sustainability, and we use locally-sourced wood, where possible.

View the Hardman Design oak dining table range.

Walnut

Walnut is one of the most highly-sought after types of wood; prized by woodworkers and revered by fine furniture lovers.

Indeed, walnut adds a touch of class and style to any décor, and as such, it generally comes with a higher price tag.

Its strength, grain, and rich tapestry of colours make it a popular choice.  

Hardman Design handcrafts its furniture from two types of walnut, European walnut and American walnut. 

Durability

Walnut is a strong, hard and durable wood that carves well and holds a good shape for much longer. This makes it ideal for statement furniture that requires a high level of craftsmanship. 

Both North American Walnut and European walnut are more durable than cherry, but not quite as resistant to denting and wear and tear as hard ash or white oak, for instance.

Colour

One of the most distinguishing features of walnut is its vast and textured colour palette, stretching from light brown to dark chocolate. American walnut tends to have a darker, richer colour, while European walnut is lighter in tone, sometimes interspersed with wisps of delicious blonde, cream, or yellow, and the occasional note of red.

The middle of the walnut tree (known as the heartwood) produces the darker wood and the outer layer of the tree, just beneath the bark and known as the sapwood, produces the lighter wood.

The distinctive tones of walnut is perfect for making a statement and is ideal for a modern and contemporary look.

Finish

Walnut polishes to a very smooth finish.

A natural walnut piece is rarely stained, as this process tends to wash out the grain and remove bits of character. However, walnut furniture is more likely to receive a clear coat finish; such as a wax or oil.

The walnut tables handcrafted by Hardman Design tend to be finished with a matt hard wax oil. This enhances the natural colour of the wood, intensifying the walnut tones and drawing out the grain detail and the varying shades of brown.

Grain And Detailing

Walnut wood can be straight grained, but can also have waves or curls, helping to enhance the character of the piece and creating a lively, textured look. Our walnut tables tend to be handcrafted from wavey-grained wood. 

This beautiful grain pattern can be further enhanced by pairing it with furniture with clean lines or unique details. 

The grain pattern makes this the perfect choice for a room where the furniture can take the centre stage.

Eco-friendly

Walnut is ideal for investment pieces and furniture you want to stay in your family for generations; therefore reducing the burden on landfill.

That said, while not endangered, the number of walnut trees around the world has certainly reduced and they can take a century to mature. That’s why we select our walnut from local and sustainable sources.   

View the Hardman Design walnut dining table range.

Ash

A light-coloured, straight-grained hardwood, ash is a very attractive option for fine furniture, especially Mid Century Modern pieces.

Highly versatile, it is renowned for its durability, strength, workability, light weight and ability to absorb wood finishes well.

As such, ash, with its aesthetically pleasing colour and uniformed grain pattern, is a very popular wood choice for home furnishing.

Durability

Ash is durable, tough and shock-resistant. In fact, it is one of the more durable varieties of wood, topping the likes of red oak, walnut and cherry.

Relatively dense, ash has good working and finishing properties. When combined with quality craftsmanship, ash furniture will last for generations, requiring little care or maintenance.

As well as its durability, ash is flexible, making it a popular choice for furniture which requires curves.

Colour

Simply put, ash is extremely pleasing to the eye.

Light in colour, ash often takes a beige-to-creamy-brown hue, giving it an understated and refined feel.

Ash is known to darken over time, but this is a natural and prolonged process.

Finish

Hardman Design uses an OSMO Matt Hardwax Oil to maintain the natural blonde tones of our ash pieces.

Ash absorbs wood stains well and can be finished in numerous ways, including varnish, wax, lacquer and oil.

It can also be stained without losing its original grain or texture.

Grain/Detailing

Ash is known for its straight and smooth grain. As such, it is smooth to the touch, and has a uniformed look. 

A big appeal of ash furniture is that it looks very similar to oak - sharing the same functionality and colour - and can therefore complement homes which are already styled with oak decor.

Eco-friendly

Ash is one of the most sustainable natural wood options: It is fast-growing, self-seeding, and is in plentiful supply.

Summary

Oak, walnut,ash and elm are all great choices for a dining table, offering the perfect mix of durability and beauty. 

As all three for quality options, the type of wood you choose will likely come down to preference.

At Hardman Design, we involve you throughout the production process, including sending you samples of your preferred wood, to help ensure we build you the perfect table. For more information,contact us.

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FAQ

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PRODUCTION PROCESS

What is the production process?

Firstly, contact us to discuss the furniture you would like. We’ll then design your piece, send you sample materials, and generate a quote. Once you are 100% happy to proceed and your order is placed, we’ll move onto the build, handcrafted in the Hardman Design workshop. We’ll send you production pictures throughout the manufacturing process. On completion, you will receive detailed images of your finished piece. After we’ve received your final approval, we will ship your furniture to you, delivered by our delivery team. Then, you can enjoy your piece for generations. 

Can I Order Samples?

Yes. Simply send us a request via email. Before making your big purchase, we are happy to send you samples of the material we will use. We want you to feel the quality of the materials and finish we offer.

Can I order a finished piece from Stock?

Currently, we offer the a range of pieces from stock. Get in touch to find which items are available. If you have chosen a piece from stock we will send you a picture for your approval before putting the piece in for shipping. I have ordered a custom piece. Is the production process the same as for a standard piece?  Yes, both customised and standard pieces are made to order so they follow the same steps during production, as outlined above. From beginning to end, the production is managed by us, with you signing off every step. Wood Selection Here, you will also be involved in the production journey, with our team sending you images of a board selection we have chosen for your order. Only upon your confirmation, will we proceed with the build. If you do not like the choice of wood, you have the option to exchange boards until you are completely happy with the composition. Final Production Stage | Finished Picture We don’t send out the finished item until you have given your final approval. We will send you detailed images of the piece, for you to view the finished furniture and to ensure you are happy. We will only send out your item once you have given your final sign off. For your order, we welcome you into our team. You have as much influence as anyone else in the production process, and we can’t wait to hear from you. I ordered a Standard Piece. What are the production processes Yes, both customised and standard pieces are made to order so they follow the same steps during production, as outlined above. From beginning to end, the production is managed by us, with you signing off every step.

Wood Selection

Here, you will also be involved in the production journey, with our team sending you images of a board selection we have chosen for your order. Only upon your confirmation, will we proceed with the build. If you do not like the choice of wood, you have the option to exchange boards until you are completely happy with the composition. Final Production Stage | Finished Picture We don’t send out the finished item until you have given your final approval. We will send you detailed images of the piece, for you to view the finished furniture and to ensure you are happy. We will only send out your item once you have given your final sign off. For your order, we welcome you into our team. You have as much influence as anyone else in the production process, and we can’t wait to hear from you.

ORDER

How can I place an order with Hardman Design?

Placing an order with Hardman Design couldn’t be easier. Simply visit the relevant page for the furniture you’re interested in, select the correct specifications and ‘add to cart’. Alternatively, feel free to contact us if you want increased customization.

Does my purchase come with a warranty?

Each of our products come with our very own 5*, 5 year guarantee. This guarantee covers the structural integrity of your furniture and all of its components, as well as covering against faults or defects from manufacturing. Under this guarantee, we will supply you with a new replacement part, partial refund or a complete new unit, depending on the nature of the claim.

I received only the part of the furniture. What can I do?

If this happens, contact us right away. You can contact us on hello@hardmandesigns.com. We will then investigate what happened and make sure you receive your entire package.

Do I have to keep the packaging?

Once the item has been delivered, it is up to you what to do with the packaging. However, we recommend that you keep the packaging, it is ideal for protection in case the furniture needs to be transported again. The furniture is delivered in a solid wooden box, specially designed for the transport of furniture and fragile items.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes, you can cancel your order up to 14 days after the product has arrived, as long as the product has not been used. This does not apply to custom orders. See below.

Can I return an Item of Furniture?

Yes, you can, within 14 days after delivery. If your order has not left our workshop yet, the return is free of charge. However,if your order is already on its way to you, or has already been delivered, we must charge a collection and handling fee of £120. This is also in our refund policy.

Can I cancel a custom order that I have made with you?

We do not accept cancellation of custom orders as custom orders have been customized to specific customer requirements and cannot be resold. 

How can I cancel my order?

For any cancellation issues, please contact us directly via telephone or email.

What happens if I cancel my order?

If you cancel your order, you will be sent a cancellation confirmation, and you will no longer receive the furniture you ordered.

I do not like the colour of my product - can I return it?

If you don’t like the colour of the product, you should contact us immediately. We put the customer at the centre of the creation and production process to make sure what you receive is what you expect. But in suh case of this, drop us a call or email, and we’ll follow it up ASAP.

Custom Made Furniture | FAQ

What Is The Process Of Ordering Custom Made Furniture From Hardman Design?

Firstly, contact us to discuss your bespoke furniture. We’ll then design your piece, send you sample materials, and generate a quote. Once you are 100% happy to proceed and your order is placed, we’ll move onto the build, handcrafted in the Hardman Design workshop. We’ll send you production pictures throughout the manufacturing process. On completion, you will receive detailed images of your finished piece. After we’ve received your final approval, we will ship your custom-built furniture to you, delivered by our delivery team. Then you can enjoy your tailor-made piece.

What Is The Lead Time On A Custom Made Piece Of Furniture?

There is a lead time of eight to 10 weeks on our custom-made furniture. The Corona virus and Brexit have not had an impact on this. Shipping can take between 5 to 10 days.

Which Pieces Of Furniture Can Hardman Design Custom Build?

Hardman Design specialises in hand-crafted dining tables, but also builds a collection of dining chairs and benches, luxury armchairs, bed frames, and shelving/cabinets. Contact us to discuss your specific requirement.

Which materials can be used in a Hardman Design Custom Build Piece Of Furniture?

Materials can be tailored to match your bespoke design, so contact us to discuss your preference. We pride ourselves on handcrafting furniture from quality, locally-sourced natural materials. Typically, our pieces are made using strong and attractive oak, walnut, and maple. Some of our pieces feature steel legs, while Spanish leather and wool complement our seating range.

What type of oil is used to finish off a Hardman Design piece?

This is up to you. Typically, we enhance our collection pieces with hardwax oil from the Osmo range, thanks to its high-quality and longevity. However, if you’d prefer a different finish - including a regular clear coat - we are more than happy to fulfil this request.

Does My Custom Built Piece Come With A Warranty?

Yes, Each of our products comes with our very own 5 year guarantee. This covers the structural integrity of your furniture and all of its components, as well as covering against faults or defects from manufacturing. Under this guarantee, we will supply you with a new replacement part, part refund or a complete new unit, depending on the nature of the claim.

Does my custom made piece come flat packed or ready built?

All of our custom-made pieces are delivered flat-packed. But don’t let this dissuade you. We deliver with our own team and, in the majority of cases, we install it for you. If you choose to assemble your furniture yourself, then rest assured, because assembly is very simple and should take no more than 20 minutes. Then you can enjoy your new piece of furniture, built to last for generations. 

PAYMENT

I haven’t received my payment information. Can you help me?

Payment information will be sent directly to the email address you provided us upon ordering. Usually, the information will come straight through to your inbox, however, it is best to check your junk mail before contacting us. Failing that, feel free to contact us directly, and we will ensure all payment information is sent to you.

Are my payment details secure?

All payment made to Hardman Design is done through a secure and confidential process. (MORE INFO)

Can I get a VAT invoice?

VAT invoices are available upon request, and we would be happy to send you one  if needed.

Can I pay by PayPal?

Yes, payment via PayPal is possible.

How can I pay for my order?

There are a number of ways you can pay for your order. Each payment method is secure, so you can be safe in the knowledge that each method keeps your money and details safe. These methods are: Transferwise Transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Mastercard, Visa, American Express

DELIVERY

How fast is regular delivery?

The whole production process takes 8 - 10 weeks. Delivery is usually made, in the 5 -10 business days after the completion of your order.

How can I track the progress of my order?

Once your order has been dispatched, we will contact you directly to arrange the delivery date and time. Please make sure you provide us with contact details (phone number and address) upon ordering, so we can contact you to arrange delivery and avoid any delays.

If I have ordered several items, will they all be delivered at once?

Mostly, your items will be delivered together. Occasionally they will arrive separately, but this is not the norm. We like to track our carbon footprint as much as possible, that’s why we’re dedicated to making as few deliveries as possible.

How can I change my delivery address?

If you would like to change your delivery address, please get in touch with us, and we’ll be sure to change the address in our system. You can contact us via email on hello@hardmandesigns.com or telephone on +44 20 8106 2919

Can I provide additional delivery instructions?

You can provide detailed delivery instructions when we arrange the courier and delivery process with you. Any instructions you have should be given to us either via telephone or email.

How will I know when the delivery will happen?

Since our products are completely custom-made, delivery times may vary, but we currently expect delivery within 5 - 10 days after your order is complete.

How expensive is the delivery?

Shipment costs are included in the cost of your furniture.

How will my items be delivered?

All items are delivered flat packed, which means that the table legs still need to be attached. Do not worry, the assembly is very simple, the assembly should take no more than 20 minutes. After that, you can directly enjoy your new piece(s) of furniture!

Where do you ship to?

Hardman Design delivers worldwide. Delivery times vary between Europe and the rest of the world. However, we accept custom orders from many countries outside of Europe. 

PRODUCT

Can I buy items from your showroom?
We currently dont have a showroom in the UK.

Can you provide me with a sample?
Absolutely! We want our customers to feel comfortable with their purchase, so we are happy to send you a sample of the wood we use so you can get a better feel for what you are buying.

Will I have to assemble the furniture myself?
Our furniture will arrive at your door in a flat pack. The assembly of all our furniture takes no more than 20 minutes and is simple and easy for anyone.

What should I do if I have received the wrong product?
In the highly unlikely event that you have received the wrong product, contact us within 24 hours of receiving the delivery.

Where are Hardman Design products manufactured?
Hardman Design products are manufactured at our sites in France and Ukraine. We are proud to have had strong partnerships in Ukraine since 2018

How are Hardman Design products made?

Hardman Design is dedicated to ecologically sourced wood products.

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