Everything you need to know about working with Cliff Craft Furniture
Building a custom heirloom piece is a different experience than buying production furniture. These are the questions Cliff hears most often — answered plainly and honestly.
- General
- Wood & Materials
- Process & Pricing
- Delivery & Care
If you need more help
Every project starts with a conversation. If your question isn’t answered here, call or message Cliff directly — he responds personally to every inquiry.
General Information
What makes Cliff Craft Furniture different from other custom furniture makers?
- Cliff Trahan is an engineer by training and a master craftsman by practice. Every piece is designed with structural integrity first — not just aesthetics. The wood is reclaimed old-growth hardwood, significantly denser and more durable than anything available at a lumber yard today. They are built to function perfectly and last for generations.
Is all furniture built by hand?
- Yes. Every piece is designed, cut, joined, and finished by Cliff personally in his Ponchatoula, Louisiana workshop. There is no production line, no outsourced parts, and no shortcuts in the joinery.
Do you build production or catalog furniture?
- No. Every piece is custom built to order. Cliff does not build from a catalog or repeat the same piece twice unless specifically requested. Each commission begins with a conversation about the space, the wood, and the client’s vision.
How long has Cliff been building furniture?
- Cliff Trahan has over 30 years of experience as an engineer and craftsman. His work with reclaimed Louisiana lumber was featured in Tangi Lifestyles magazine as far back as 2008, and his approach to old-growth hardwood has remained consistent throughout his career.
Wood & Materials
What wood species does Cliff work with?
- Cliff works with any wood species — including wood you supply yourself. If you have a tree from your property, a salvaged beam with personal history, or any other material, Cliff can build with it. This is one of the things that sets Cliff Craft Furniture apart from every other custom furniture maker in Louisiana. His shop currently contains reclaimed cypress, heart pine, black walnut, aged cedar, and mahogany — but he is not limited to these.
What is old-growth lumber and why does it matter?
- Old-growth lumber comes from trees that grew slowly over hundreds of years in virgin forests before modern commercial logging. The slow growth produces wood with extremely tight grain rings, much higher density, and far greater structural stability than plantation-grown lumber available today. A single board from Cliff’s shop may contain 200 to 400 growth rings — each one representing a year of slow dense growth.
Where does the reclaimed lumber come from?
- Most of the reclaimed cypress and heart pine in Cliff’s shop comes from historic Louisiana structures — old warehouses, barns, and buildings that used virgin-growth timber in their original construction. Some of this lumber originates from trees in the Manchac area of Louisiana estimated to be between 1,100 and 2,200 years old.
Is reclaimed wood structurally sound?
Reclaimed old-growth lumber is often more structurally sound than new lumber. The wood has already dried and stabilized over decades, meaning it is far less prone to warping, twisting, or shrinking than green or kiln-dried new lumber. Cliff inspects and selects every board before it enters a project.
Process & Pricing
How do I start a custom furniture project?
- Every project begins with a phone call or message. Cliff will discuss your vision, the space the piece will occupy, your preferred wood, and timeline. From there he develops a design and provides a quote before any work begins.
How long does a custom piece take to build?
- Build time varies depending on the complexity of the piece and Cliff’s current project schedule. Simple pieces may take a few weeks. Larger or more complex commissions — dining tables, built-ins, architectural millwork — may take several months. Cliff will provide a realistic timeline during the consultation.
How is pricing determined?
- Pricing is based on the wood selected, the complexity of the design, joinery requirements, and finishing. Because every piece is custom built from rare reclaimed hardwood, pricing reflects the true value of the materials and the craftsmanship. Cliff provides a full quote before work begins — there are no surprises.
Is a deposit required?
- Yes. A deposit is required to begin work on a custom commission. The deposit amount and payment schedule will be discussed and agreed upon before work begins.
Do you offer financing?
- Cliff Craft Furniture does not currently offer financing. All projects are quoted and invoiced directly with Cliff.
Delivery & Care
What is your delivery area?
- Delivery can be discussed on a project by project basis.
How should I care for reclaimed hardwood furniture?
- Reclaimed old-growth hardwood is extremely durable but benefits from basic care. Keep pieces out of direct prolonged sunlight. Use a quality furniture wax or oil finish annually to maintain the wood. Wipe up spills promptly. Avoid placing very hot or very wet items directly on unprotected surfaces. With basic care these pieces will remain beautiful for generations.
Will the wood change color over time?
- Yes — and that is part of the beauty. Reclaimed hardwood develops a rich patina over time as it is exposed to light and air. Heart pine deepens to a warm amber. Walnut mellows to a rich chocolate tone. Cypress develops a silver-grey character if left unfinished or a warm honey tone when oiled. These changes are natural and add to the character of the piece.
How should I protect my furniture from humidity and weather changes?
- In southeast Louisiana’s climate, some natural wood movement is expected and normal. To minimize its effects, avoid placing pieces directly in front of air conditioning vents or in areas with dramatic temperature swings. Keeping your home’s indoor climate as consistent as possible will help your heirloom piece perform its best for generations.
