When you start collecting quotes for custom furniture, the first thing you usually notice is how far apart the prices are. For the same dimensions, one company gives one figure and another gives a very different one. In this article we explain what sets the price of a piece of custom furniture and how to compare quotes properly, drawing on the experience of our workshop in Bağcılar, Istanbul.
The short answer
The price of custom furniture is calculated from the dimensions of the piece, the carcass and door materials, the interior fittings, the hardware and the level of workmanship. Delivery and installation conditions also affect the total. That is why a firm price can only be given once the design and the material scope are clear.
The main factors behind the price
1. Dimensions and interior layout
Width, height and depth are the basic cost items. But the outer dimensions are not enough on their own: how many shelves, how many drawers and which hanging sections go inside the cabinet also change the price. Two wardrobes can look the same from the outside and be very different inside.
2. Carcass and door materials
The type of board used for the carcass (such as MDF, laminated MDF or melamine-faced chipboard), its thickness and the edge finishing all affect the price. On the door side, options such as lacquer, acrylic, membrane or natural wood veneer change both the look and the cost noticeably.
3. Hardware
Hinges, drawer runners, corner cabinet systems and interior accessories determine how comfortable the furniture is to use. They should be chosen to suit the size of the door or drawer and the load it will carry. The product series and correct installation matter as much as the brand.
4. Workmanship and surface finishing
Painting, varnishing, special joints and the level of detail directly affect the labour time.
5. Delivery and installation
Access to the site, the floor level and the scope of the installation can all be reflected in the total. A quote should state clearly whether delivery and installation are included.
Why do prices differ for furniture of the same size?
Having the same outer dimensions does not mean two pieces of furniture have the same specification. The board type and thickness, the back panel, the edge banding, the door surface, the hinges, the drawer runners and the level of workmanship may all differ. Compare quotes not just by the total, but against the same list of materials and hardware.
What does a price per linear metre cover?
The price per linear metre, often used for kitchen cabinets, covers different things from one company to the next. Base and wall units, doors, the worktop, drawers and special mechanisms are not always included in the same way. So look at the total quote tied to the drawing, and at what is included in it, rather than at the unit price.
What should you send for a first quote?
For a preliminary assessment it is enough to share:
- The width, height and usable depth of the area where the furniture will go (in centimetres)
- Photos showing details such as sockets, skirting boards, columns, radiators and doors
- Design examples you like
This information is for a preliminary assessment; the measurements used for production are confirmed on site.
What should be in writing when you order?
The dimensions, design, material types, colour codes, hardware and scope of work should be agreed in writing. The payment plan, delivery schedule, delivery, installation and how later change requests will be handled should also be stated.
How does pricing work at 2EM?
At 2EM Interior Architecture & Furniture, the first meeting, the measurement and the concept assessment are free of charge. We visualise the project in 3D and present it for your approval before production starts, and we price each project individually once the design and material scope are clear. All production is carried out in our own workshop in Bağcılar, without intermediaries.
If you would like a free preliminary assessment for your project, get in touch with us.
