A custom Shohaus piece takes 10 to 14 weeks to make. Before production come the quote, the drawings and payment. After it comes delivery, which depends on your location and carrier scheduling. Your quote lists the exact lead time, and your order acknowledgment gives an estimated completion date.
What the 10 to 14 weeks covers
The 10 to 14 weeks is the production window: the time it takes to make your piece once production has started. Where your piece falls in that range depends on its size, materials and complexity. It doesn't include the days spent on your quote and drawings, and it doesn't include shipping.
Before production starts
Every piece is designed in our El Segundo studio and made to order, so a few things happen before work begins. Our process covers each step in more detail.
The quote
When you request a quote, we reply within 1 to 2 business days with a quote or follow-up questions. Requesting a quote is free, and you are under no obligation to order. A written quote is valid for 30 days.
Drawings and approval
Custom and modified pieces come with shop drawings for your approval before production starts. Changes after you approve the drawings can move your completion date.
Payment
Orders of $20,000 or less are paid in full at checkout. Larger orders need a 50% non-refundable deposit, and the balance is due before shipping or pickup.
When production officially begins
Our terms set the start of production at the earliest of these four events:
- we issue a work order for your piece
- drawings or finish tickets are released to production
- materials or components are purchased
- five business days pass after the date of your order acknowledgment
That date matters because it is also the point after which an order can no longer be cancelled.
The timeline at a glance
- You send your project, and we reply within 1 to 2 business days with a quote or questions.
- For custom and modified pieces, we send shop drawings, and production waits until you approve them.
- You pay at checkout: in full, or a 50% deposit on orders over $20,000.
- Production takes 10 to 14 weeks.
- Your piece ships to your address, or you pick it up. Timing depends on your location and carrier scheduling.
Changes and cancellations
Settle the details before production begins. Before that point, a cancellation isn't guaranteed. If we approve it in writing, the non-refundable deposit is forfeited, along with any costs we can't recover. Once production has begun, an order can't be cancelled, and custom and made-to-order pieces can't be returned, exchanged or refunded.
Delivery
Curbside delivery is free for custom pieces anywhere in the continental U.S. White-glove (in-home) delivery is calculated for each order and costs extra. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and other countries is quoted, and availability depends on the transport services at your destination. Shipping time depends on your location and carrier scheduling.
When your piece arrives, check it. If anything is damaged, photograph it and send us the photos within 48 hours of delivery. Our FAQ covers delivery and returns in more detail.
Multi-unit and trade orders
Multi-unit orders, such as furniture for a restaurant, a hotel or a residential development, are scheduled separately: your quote gives the schedule. A prototype or sample piece is available before a multi-unit order, and we can schedule deliveries in phases to match your project. If you are a builder or developer, see our page for builders and developers.
Interior designers, architects and builders can apply to our Trade Program. Trade members receive up to 30% commission on catalog and custom orders, with no minimum quantities, and get access to finish samples and spec sheets.
Keeping your project on schedule
Several steps before production wait on your decisions, so making them early keeps things moving.
- Look through the materials we offer before you request a quote: wood species, finishes, stone, metal and upholstery.
- Our El Segundo studio is also a showroom, open by appointment. Book a studio visit to see pieces and wood, finish and fabric samples in person.
- If you want to use your own fabric or leather (COM/COL), say so in your quote request. Production can't start until your fabric arrives.
- Review your shop drawings when they arrive. They need your approval before production starts.
FAQ
Does the 10 to 14 weeks include delivery?
No. It is the production time. Delivery comes after and depends on your location and carrier scheduling.
When do I get an exact date?
Your quote lists the lead time for your order. Your order acknowledgment gives an estimated completion date.
How long does a custom sofa take?
It takes the same 10 to 14 weeks of production as our other pieces, the Coto Sofa included. You can supply your own fabric or leather for upholstered pieces; if you do, production can't start until it arrives.
Does a bigger order take longer?
For multi-unit orders, your quote gives the schedule, and deliveries can be phased to match your project.
Dan Nuon founded Shohaus in 2020 to bring culture back to furniture. He leads design and the Trade Program at the El Segundo studio, working directly with designers, architects and clients on custom pieces from sketch to delivery. He writes about woods, finishes and fabrics.
