FAQs
How much does a custom dining table cost?
This question gets asked a lot, and most craftspeople will tell you some variation of “It depends.” That’s because it does. But I’m going to try to answer because you need to know!
We can build tables at prices that are quite low, especially if the table is to be stained. That’s because we can use less expensive wood. Parawood, for example, comes from the rubber tree and is a very dense hardwood that doesn’t splinter or crack, and it also doesn’t tend to warp because its tight grain makes it naturally moisture resistant. It’s easy to work with and very durable. The trees produce latex, much like maple trees produce sap for maple syrup. Once a tree is no longer producing, it is cut down and used for lumber. New trees are planted all the time, so it’s also highly sustainable. Lumber prices change over time, of course, but right now I can make a simple farmhouse style table 39″ x 63″ for about $850, or a shaker style table with tapered legs 40″ x 84″ for $920. It is possible to get a custom hardwood table and six dining chairs for under $2,000.
On the other end of the spectrum, using exotic hardwoods, walnut burl, spalted maple or other highly figured wood can drive the price way up. Epoxy tables highlighting figured slabs, huge conference room tables, multi-leaf expansion tables… the options are endless and the sky’s the limit.
Most customers looking for a custom dining table are looking for something between those two extremes. They want to see nice wood grain in a natural finish. This usually means oak, walnut, ash or alder, finished with a hardwax oil or pre catalyzed lacquer. The typical dining set in this range runs about $3,200 including six chairs.
Things to remember when you’re considering buying a custom table:
- You are buying direct from the manufacturer. There are no middle men.
- You’re buying local, made in the USA. No tariff concerns or hidden taxes.
- It’s going to be solid hardwood and very durable. It is intended to last for generations.
- Because it’s custom, we can change the things that are not important, focus on the things that are, and reduce the cost. You can’t do that in a furniture store.
We can get you a quote on a custom dining table in just a few minutes. Give us a call. To help guide you through the process, we’ve created a free eBook that you can download when you sign up for our monthly newsletter.
How do I order?
We need some information about what you’re looking for, e.g. how many people you need to seat, your preferred table shape and design. We put together a short guide to getting your PERFECT TABLE which is helpful for thiniking about exactly what you want in a table.
Pictures are always helpful too, especially those showing the design style, wood color or grain patterns that you really love.
Once you have your info ready, it’s best to contact us via chat, FB page, text or call. We can get you a quote, usually within minutes. Our in-house designer can help you zero in on that perfect table.
I need help deciding
We’ve got you covered! Our in-house designer is here to help you pick the right style, size, and customization options for you, your family, your space, and your budget. We ❤️❤️❤️talking about tables! We’re passionate about connecting families around the table, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Do you have a warranty?
Yes, we call it Our Promise.
How long does it take to receive my furniture after I place my order?
Our waiting list can range from 4 -10 weeks sometimes it takes a little longer and sometimes a little less. This depends mostly on how many orders we already have in line, as well as how many pieces you order. All lead times given are PURELY ESTIMATES, sometimes we can get your furniture to you faster, sometimes it takes longer… Our primary goal is to make sure you have a high quality product that you’re going to love for years to come.
Your name is Parker! Who is McKinnon?
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| John at Ireland’s National Botanic Gardens | Julie at a market in Dublin |
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| Bursts of color in Dublin in early June | Amazing western coast from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway |
In thinking about what to call our business, we came up with many options. We wanted a name that would work well online as a domain name. But Parker is a common name, and every URL using Parker has been taken for years. Unless we wanted to call our business heyIbuildbeautifulcustomtables.com or something long and ridiculous like that, we needed other options. One idea was to look at the family tree.
Leveraging the many school genealogy projects we engaged in while raising four boys, we had a good place to start. But our family tree is full of other common names like Cook, Dean, Holmes, and Fuller. Same problem. (The most interesting thing we found was that Julie had a great uncle who had two kids named Spud and Peanuts. That’s awesome! But spudandpeanuts.com doesn’t really work very well for a custom furniture business.)
My great grandmother on my dad’s side was named LaVicey Jane McKinnon. She was born 5 Nov 1855, and died 20 Aug 1938. We have always loved Ireland and all things Irish. One of our best vacations was a weeklong trip driving all the way around the border of Ireland in a rental car and staying at AirBnbs in different towns every night. And we gave one of our sons McKinnon as a middle name, so there’s a strong family connection.
Is McKinnon a woodworking shop or a design firm?
Yes!
John and Julie Parker own McKinnon Furniture LLC. John is a woodworker, making furniture under the McKinnon Furniture name. Julie is an interior designer, doing business under the name McK Spaces. While we aren’t a typical “design-build” company, there is a lot of overlap in our businesses.
John’s furniture business benefits from Julie’s eye for attractive and functional design. She designs the tables and works with our customers to help them make their dream table a reality.
Julie’s design business is focused on accessibility and helping people – and families – age in place. Since every home is unique and the challenges she faces often require custom furniture, John frequently builds pieces for her projects and her customers.
What should I know about McKinnon Furniture before ordering?
McKinnon Furniture is a garage started, locally owned custom furniture and interior design company. We love connecting families around the table. McKinnon hardwood custom tables and furniture are hand-built by a small team of local craftsmen in Napa California. We source responsibly and hand-finish onsite.
How do you finish the tables you make?
Can you hold or store my furniture if I'm not ready for it?
We will be reaching out to you before we start production on your custom furniture to confirm 1) the details of the order are correct and 2) you are ready to receive your custom furniture. This is your opportunity to delay production if you are not ready to receive your furniture. If we have received confirmation from you, and we finish your furniture and are ready to deliver it, we cannot hold or store your furniture under any circumstances.
What payment options do I have?
We have lots of options:
Most common: Pay a 50% deposit + 50% upon completion of your furniture (not upon delivery, but upon notification of the completion of the furniture.) This will have to happen over the phone or by appointment.
Other options: Pay in full when you place the order.
We accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, check, credit or debit card, Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, or Bitcoin 
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Note: Paypal Credit provides 0% financing for 6 months if you have an account.
I have a really specific question about color, design, or size, how can I get in touch with you?
You can email us at info@mckfurniture.com, or call us at (707) 606-1360 or message us on our facebook or instagram pages. A representative will get in touch with you within an hour during the business week.
Do I have to pay extra to have my furniture stained?
Generally, no.
We have finished tables and chairs with hard wax oils, natural oils, pre-catalyzed laquer, shellac, varnish, polyuethane, polycrylic and more. You only pay extra for (1) a few specific stain or finishing options that cost a lot more or require much more labor, and/or (2) if you choose to distress your furniture or if you want fully stained chairs instead of a paint + stain combo.
How do I protect my furniture and keep it looking great?
Learn about our finish here.
I've already paid for my furniture but no longer want or need it. Can I have a refund?
See our Refund Policy here.
I need my order for a huge party next weekend, can I get it by then?
Honestly, It just depends. We do offer rush orders for a fee. The fee depends on how soon you need the piece(s), it is usually between $250-$750. Sometimes there is just no way to rush orders. We do try our best to get you what you need on the schedule you need it, but sometimes its just not possible. Call us at (707) 606-1360 and we’ll strategize together.
What if I get my table and I don't like the colors?
Every piece we make is made to order. That means you choose the size, style and color. Keep in mind that every piece of wood is different! Every board will stain slightly differently, please understand this before ordering with us.It is not something we have control over.
*** ALL SALES ARE FINAL THIS INCLUDES DEPOSITS ***
I want to make a change to my order
If you want to make changes to your order, we must be notified of these changes within 48 after the order is placed. Otherwise there is a chance we have already begun on your items and it is a waste of material and labor to do something different. We will not grant requests made to an order after the 48 hour mark.