Frequently asked questions
Common questions about commissioning custom furniture from El Nogal Carpentry: what it costs, how long it takes, which woods and finishes we work in, how to care for a solid-wood piece, and where we work across the DMV. Every piece is made to measure by hand by Giovani Ortega in Olney, Maryland.
Cost
How much does a custom dining table cost in the DMV?
Custom furniture typically runs from $2,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on size, wood, and detail. A large solid-walnut dining table sits higher in that range than a small side table. We quote every piece individually, so your number reflects your actual piece.
How much do personalized wood pieces cost?
Smaller personalized pieces start at $250 and rise with size, wood, and detail. Each is quoted individually.
How much do built-ins cost?
Built-in pieces are quoted per project, since a single bookcase and a full storage wall are very different jobs. Tell us the space and we’ll give you a firm price.
Timeline
How long does custom furniture take to make?
Most pieces are ready in six to ten weeks from the time your quote is approved and work begins. Your quote includes a firm timeline for your piece.
Do you take a deposit?
Yes. A deposit begins the work once your quote is out, and it’s non-refundable, because your build slot and materials are reserved when we start.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. Every piece carries a two-year guarantee against defects in our workmanship and joinery. If something we built fails under normal household use in that time, we repair it at no charge. Natural wood movement, everyday wear, and installation by others aren’t covered, but honest craftsmanship problems always are.
Wood and finish
What woods do you work in?
We work in solid hardwoods, walnut among them, and help you choose the wood to suit the piece and your room. El Nogal means “the walnut tree,” and wood is at the center of what we do.
What finishes do you offer?
Hand-rubbed oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and stain. We help you choose based on the wood, the look you want, and how hard the piece will be used. Oil shows the grain and renews easily; poly and lacquer build a harder film; stain changes color and is sealed with a topcoat.
Do you refinish furniture I already own?
Yes. We clean the piece back, repair what needs it, and refinish it by hand. Refinishing is quoted per piece based on condition and size.
Care
How do I care for an oiled wood piece?
Use coasters, trivets, and placemats, and wipe up spills quickly. Keep the piece out of direct sun and away from extreme temperature swings. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and silicone polishes, and re-oil when the wood looks dry. One safety point: oil-soaked rags can catch fire on their own, so dry them fully outside or seal them in an airtight metal container before disposal.
How do I care for a polyurethane or lacquer finish?
Skip oil soaps and wax, which leave a sticky film on a clear coat. Clean with a soft cloth, barely damp, with a single drop of mild dish soap, then dry the surface. Keep grit off the surface, since film finishes scratch, and protect the piece from UV, which can yellow poly and cloud lacquer over time.
Service area
Where does El Nogal work?
We’re based in Olney, Maryland, and serve the whole DMV: Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We come to your home to measure and deliver what we build.
Do you charge to travel for measuring?
Estimates are free across our DMV service area. For nearby projects we come to you to measure at no charge; for jobs farther out we may start from photos and measurements you send, then visit to confirm on site once we’re moving forward. Either way, the estimate itself is free.
Do you install built-ins?
We build and deliver each built-in ready to install, and your contractor handles installation on site. This keeps the piece at furniture quality.
The maker
Who makes the furniture?
Giovani Ortega makes every piece himself, by hand. He’s self-taught, with more than twenty years working wood in the DMV, and he handles each commission from first cut to final finish.
Is El Nogal licensed?
Yes, El Nogal is licensed in Maryland.
Every piece is made by Giovani Ortega, self-taught, with more than twenty years at the bench.
