Replies

1. 
   woodrae | Jun 26, 2007 04:28pm | #1

   Hey, Jody—

   Conference tables are made all day long in shops around the country from factory-made hardwood plywood, although the really high-end stuff is made from veneers selected by the woodworker and pressed in the shop onto plywood or, more typically, MDF (medium density fiberboard).

   Your 1 1/2-in.-thick construction sounds nice and sturdy, and will give the table an appreciably solid feel. If you’re going to veneer the substrate yourself, I recommend MDF over plywood, as it’s more stable (and will remain flatter over time) and offers a much smoother surface for your veneer. Either way, be sure to either veneer both the top and bottom of the tabletops if they’re relatively unsupported underneath (to prevent warp), or you can veneer only the top side if you have a sturdy framework that connects to and supports the top. Don’t forget to apply finish to both sides, again to balance the work and prevent warp.

   If you choose to go with plywood, glue the two sheets together with screws, nails or staples, or by pressing, orienting the glue-face grain lines in the same direction (not cross-grain), for a balanced assembly. Then lay the veneer (or veneers) cross-grain to the grain direction on the face or faces of the plywood, once again to balance the construction.

   Be sure to use plywood that has a smooth, or closed-grained, face veneer, such as hard maple or birch, so the show veneer goes down smoothly without any hollows underneath.

   Good luck… and be sure to calculate your charges realistically. Our customers need to know that fine furniture is expectedly pricey.

   —Andy Rae

1. 
   C3Incjjc | Jun 26, 2007 04:53pm | #2

   Thanks Andy for your reply and advise. What is your thoughts on this price?

   Total of all materials(estimated) $2980.00 and labor $8900 for a total of $11,880. This give me roughly 5 weeks to complete the 4 tables.

   Based on your experience, and anybody else who wants to reply, does this look right?

    

   Thanks again

   Jody

1. 
   woodrae | Jun 27, 2007 05:00pm | #3

   Jody—I cannot estimate the price without seeing the entire job, including the design, your shop's capacities, your profit margin, the delivery location, the particular customer, etc. There's a lot to your woodworking business that only you can surmise.I will say that a $12,000 conference table is not unusual, and is probably on the low end. Many of these types of jobs cost a lot more. Sometimes a lot, lot more.Given the costs breakdown you have, I think your material-to-labor ratio is a bit low. 20 years ago it was the norm for me to charge roughly one-third in materials. These days, labor costs have risen, and that formula no longer stands for me, especially doing high-end work where you're making a one-of-a-kind piece and there's lots of detail work involved. Today, most of my jobs cost one-fifth in materials, and sometimes it's much lower than that. Given that your material costs are one-third of the price, I'd look closely at your estimated hours.Having said this, I understand that you probably want the job, and that you're willing to lower your wages somewhat to get it. That"s a decision only you can make.I wish I could be of more help. Good luck.—Andy

2. 
   furnituremaker | Jun 30, 2007 04:50pm | #4

   Hi Jody,<!----><!----><!---->

   I would like to add my knowledge to the pricing question. I completely agree with Andy - if anything $12,000 sounds a bit low. I spent nearly 20 years working in high end custom shops. For 10 of those years I built conference tables – big and small. Many of the custom tables I built were in the $20,000 - $30,000 price range (these prices are 20 years ago). One table went for $54,000 (although this is one I did not personally build). <!----><!---->

   It’s difficult for a small one or two man shop with no prior track record to realize these kinds of prices.  Again, I agree with Andy – you may be inclined to keep the price low to secure the job - which may not be a bad idea. If you do not have a history in conference tables and you would like to make more of them (they can be very profitable), securing this job would be a good start. <!----><!---->

   I have always said my best advertisements are happy clients from past jobs and great photos in my portfolio.  No –one will know what you are capable of unless you secure that first job and prove yourself.  Sometimes (if you can afford it) a low bid can actually be an investment in your career.  If this job is the type of work you would like to peruse - it could be one of those investments.

   <!---->.....Darrell<!---->

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