RIGHT: Bookcase and desk by renowned craftsman David Linley.

While there is no question that bespoke furniture is more expensive than buying off the peg, the key advantage of commissioning a cabinetmaker is that you can make the most of your space. Furniture that has been built to fit the exact dimensions and character of your home will not only add value to the property, but also provide great satisfaction for years to come.

Areas that benefit from tailor-made cabinetry include awkward corners and alcoves that can be fitted with shelves or cupboards, rooms with uneven walls or floors, and bay windows that offer potential for seating and storage. In terms of decor, unsightly radiators can be smartened up with a stylish cover and wood panelling looks particularly stunning in period homes.

Commissioned furniture also offers unlimited design potential. However, before you contact a cabinetmaker or carpenter, it is essential to have a basic idea of what you hope to achieve. Gathering pictures from books and magazines can be a very useful starting point. “The early stages of the design process are the most important,” says Nicholas Clayton of Clayton Cabinets. “I will spend time talking to clients about preferred styles, finishes and materials, offering examples and illustrations to help narrow the choices. Whenever possible, I'll do this in their home, so I can get an idea of how they live, while a look at the existing furniture and decoration helps me get a feel for their individual style.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CRAFTSPERSON
Firstly, decide whether you need a cabinetmaker, or if a carpenter can do the job. These two roles are often confused. A carpenter is more of a builder. If you require simple shelving or cupboards, then a carpenter will likely be a more economical choice. Cabinetmakers regard themselves as fine furniture designers and makers, and can offer design inspiration, as well as knowledge of the latest materials and finishes.

One of the best ways to find a reputable craftsperson is via word of mouth and recommendations. Trade associations and guilds are other good sources, but not all of them actually check the work and ability of their members, so don't be blinded by fancy crests and logos. The Guild of Master Craftsmen visits potential members' workshops, inspects the quality of their work and checks five references for each applicant.

If you are planning to spend a lot of money, it is worth visiting your proposed cabinetmaker to see their facilities and portfolios of past commissions. “A visit to a maker's workshop can help instil trust and confidence. It establishes design likes and dislikes, as well as a good working relationship,” says James Young of Archer & Smith.

If personal service and on-going design input are important to you, a small firm employing one to five craftspeople may be your best option. If you can't speak to the person who is doing at least some of the making, you will be dealing with a salesperson.

PLANNING AND COSTS
Once you have chosen a company, you can expect an initial site visit, which will involve measuring both the area where the furniture is to be fitted and access. Ask whether there is any structural work needed before installation, such as moving electrics or floor strengthening – they should be able to recommend someone for the job. This is also when more definite design ideas and budgets will be discussed.

The price of your project will be greatly influenced by your choice of timber. If your heart is set on a more expensive material, such as English walnut, you may also ask for a quote for American walnut or pre-veneered American walnut, so that you can compare. “The costs also reflect how long it will take to make the furniture. This doesn't depend only on size, but on the level of intricate joinery and craftsmanship involved,” says Andrea Hargreaves, deputy editor of New Woodworking magazine. You will also be paying for design experience and personal service.

Having visited your home, your cabinetmaker will produce rough design ideas, to ensure he or she has understood your needs, and will show you samples of materials. Once these are agreed, final scale drawings will be produced. These can be hand drawn or computer generated, which are equally acceptable as long as they convey all details and give an accurate image of the end product. You should not expect to pay for the initial site visit, but some companies charge a nominal fee (around £50) for drawings, which is usually refunded on completion, to deter time wasters.

You should receive a written quote, including delivery and installation, and expect to pay VAT (although this may be exempt on period properties). Normally, you'll be asked to pay a deposit of 30 to 60 per cent when you order, with the balance due upon completion of the work. It is important to agree a completion deadline at this point. Timescales will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project, so it may be difficult to pinpoint an exact date, but you should alert your cabinetmaker of any other arrangements you have made, such as the arrival of the carpet fitters or decorators.

MATERIALS AND FINISHES
A particularly satisfying element of bespoke cabinetry is the endless selection of materials and finishes available. Your craftsperson will have a good understanding of which materials are suited to different applications, and will be able to offer advice on what to choose. For example, MDF has gained a bad reputation via DIY television programmes, but the quality varies greatly and it can often be the best option for the job.

“Solid timber is much more expensive than MDF and selective use of MDF, where the internal cabinetry is MDF and the external fascias are solid wood, is often a win-win situation in terms of "stability and price,” says William Milne of Caligari Cabinets. Using veneered wood can also reduce costs and can be a better option in terms of its rigidity or when using exotic or rare timbers that would be unaffordable in a solid form.

The choice of finish is often dictated by the furniture's use. For example, an oil finish, such as tung or linseed, feeds the wood, giving a long-lasting, rich, lustrous appearance which is ideal for a living room. A traditional finish of two coats of shellac, followed by wax applied with wire wool (the initial stages of French polishing) also maximises the beauty of the wood.

Stains are generally used to match new furniture with old, provide an antique look or mimic expensive timbers. For example, using Jacobean stain on oak veneers creates the effect of solid Jacobean oak. Consider the position of the piece – if it is in direct sunlight, a light-fast stain will reduce fading. A paint finish allows you to choose less expensive timber and easily co-ordinates with your home.

STYLES AND TRENDS
In terms of style, you should first decide whether to go for pale or dark wood. Popular light timbers include bird's-eye maple, masur birch and sycamore, while a more dramatic, dark look can be achieved using wenge, ebony or American black walnut. Oak, which can be dark or light, is a perennial favourite and never goes out of fashion.

The current trend is towards decorative veneers, such as zebrano, burred walnut or burred oak. Andy Tatum, of Poisedale, says: “Many modern designs incorporate metals, stones and glass which, combined with decorative woods, achieve a truly individual item of furniture.

POPULAR TIMBER CHOICES
• Ash Used in light-coloured furniture and panelling. Renowned for being tough and resilient and valued for its decorative nature.
• Beech Ranges in colour from pale brown to light reddish brown; strong, versatile and wear-resistant, with good bending properties.
• Birch Beautiful and durable wood, ideal for elegant interiors; has good uniformity, a light colour and distinctive grain.
• Cherry Hardwood with a warm, rich colour; used for more specialised crafted furniture and decorative work.
• English oak Light brown with rings clearly visible. Durable choice for furniture and panelling.
• Maple High-quality, hard-wearing pale-toned timber.
• Natural pine Light softwood that offers good value for money.
• Walnut Rich brown with dark grain; used for high-quality furniture and panelling.

FURNITURE-MAKERS' ASSOCIATIONS
The Association for British Furniture Manufacturers, (020) 7724 0851; www.bfm.org.uk. The largest trade association for furniture manufacturers in the UK, the BFM provides training and advice on environmental issues as well as encouraging high standards and best-practice ethics in its members. A directory of members is available on-line.

The Guild of Master Craftsmen, (01273) 478449; www.thegmcgroup.com. This trade association monitors standards to ensure high-quality craftsmanship is being maintained, and encourages its members to strive for excellence. To find an accredited member in your area, visit findacraftsman.com.

Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, (020) 7248 1677; www.furnituremkrs.co.uk. Runs the Guild Mark Scheme, which awards British furniture makers for excellence in design, materials, craftsmanship and function. A list of Guild Mark holders is available by contacting the clerk's office (by phone or via the website).

WOOD FROM SUSTAINABLE SOURCES
• Forestry Stewardship Council, (01686) 413916; www.fsc-uk.info. This international, non-governmental organisation promotes responsible management of the world's forests. In order to be given FSC certification, a forest must be managed in an environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. To ensure that the wood used in your project meets its strict criteria, you can ask your cabinetmaker to use raw timber from an FSC certified merchant.
• www.woodforgood.com is a promotional campaign that aims to raise the profile of sustainable timber use in the home. The website includes information about the environmental benefits of using sustainable wood.

DIRECTORY
Alcove Designs, (020) 7585 1481; www.alcovedesigns.com. Furniture for sitting rooms, bedrooms and studies.

Archer & Smith, (01793) 740375; www.archersmith.com. Traditional cabinetry, carving and parquetry.

Arthur Brett, (01603) 480700; www.arthurbrett.com. Classic and contemporary furniture and panelling.

Artichoke, (01934) 863840; www.artichoke-ltd.com. High-end bespoke cabinetmakers.
Beswick Interiors, (01243) 839040; www.beswickinteriors.com. Fine handmade pieces for every room.

Caligari Cabinets, (07976) 417227; www.caligaricabinets.co.uk. Specialises in bookcases and study furniture.

Chamber Furniture, (01959) 532553; www.chamberfurniture.co.uk. Pieces in oak, ash, cherry, walnut, maple or painted.

Clayton Cabinets, (01837) 82788. West Country-based designer-makers; competitively priced.

David Linley, (020) 7730 7300; www.davidlinley.com. Renowned designer.

David Salmon, (020) 7349 7575; www.davidsalmon.com. Traditional fine furniture in exotic woods and veneers.

The English Kitchen Company, (02380) 812912; www.theenglishkitchen.co.uk. Experts at units for period homes with awkward proportions.

Guild Anderson Furniture, (01985) 216044; www.guildandersonfurniture.co.uk. All timbers and styles; commissions in Wiltshire and surrounding counties.

The Hungerford Bookcase Company, (01488) 683262. Fitted bookcases with cupboards or shelving. Also storage for office and audio-visual equipment.

John Lewis of Hungerford, (020) 7371 5603; www.john-lewis.co.uk. Made-to-measure architectural components, including wall panelling, architraves skirting and wardrobe doors.

KFA Furniture, (01462) 896444; www.kfasound.co.uk. Fitted furniture from small one-off designs to complete house installations.

Lee Sinclair, (01777) 228303; www.leesinclair.co.uk. Team produces modern, original handmade furniture.

Leporello, (01483) 284109; www.leporello.co.uk. Offers a custom-made service; specialises in painted furniture.

Mark Cass, (01273) 402897; www.furniturebox.co.uk. Designs and makes original fitted furniture for all rooms.

Mark Taylor Design, (01628) 486707; www.marktaylordesign.co.uk. Contemporary designer with an appreciation of classic styling and craftsmanship.

Mark Wilkinson, (01380) 850007; www.mwf.com. Leader in innovative design and detailed craftsmanship.

Martin J Dodge, (01963) 32388; www.martindodge.com. Family firm creating fine English furniture.

Martin Oakley, (01865) 310362; www.martinoakley.co.uk. Fine woodwork in 18th, 19th and 20th-century styles.

Nigel Gilks Cabinetmakers, (01242) 604662; www.nigelgilks.com. Small team of skilled, experienced craftsmen.

Paragon Interior Furniture, (020) 8503 0199; www.paragonfurniture.co.uk. Specialists in cabinetry for bedrooms and studies and wall panelling.

Poisedale, (01258) 472717; www.poisedale.co.uk. Projects from one-off pieces to major interior commissions.

Radiating Elegance, 0800 028 0921; www.radiatingelegance.co.uk. Radiator cabinets, including designs that incorporate a bookcase or shelves.

Thos H Bretton, (01787) 462463. Specialising in libraries, studies and other fine furniture.

Tim Wood, 07041 380030; www.timwood.com. Complete skilled cabinetmaking and joinery service.

Touchwood, (01647) 24826. Devon-based furniture makers specialising in architecturally inspired and reproduction designs.

Wheeler & Company, (020) 7254 2254. Specialists in Georgian and Victorian woodwork.

William Garvey, (01404) 841430; www.williamgarvey.co.uk. Extensive experience of bespoke commissions.

FEATURE LINDA GRABHAM
SEPTEMBER 2005