Post a brief

The easiest way to find the right maker for your project, particularly if you’re not sure where to start.

  1. Describe what you’d like made
  2. Interested makers review your brief and reach out with their ideas and availability
  3. You compare, ask questions, and choose the right fit

No commitment until you’re ready to proceed.

Project Details


Some things you may want to include:

  • Dimensions
  • Materials and finishes
  • Style guidance

You may include hyperlinks to any supporting information or images.

Read more on writing a good brief.

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* Note that many makers have a typical lead time of 6-8 weeks, so setting a date too near may reduce the number of makers available for your project

Contact Details

Terms and Conditions of Use

Last updated on 21st April 2019


Handkrafted connects people with makers to commission custom made furniture and goods. We showcase independent makers and facilitate transactions with them.

If you have any questions about the Terms, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

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What information should be included in my brief?

How much information you include in your brief is entirely up to you. It will depend on whether you have a specific design in mind or whether you would like to collaborate on an idea.

Including more detail helps us match your brief to the most suited makers. Makers are also more likely to express interest in a project when they can see they are well suited to the style and requirements described.

You may wish to include information such as:

  • Dimensions
  • Materials and timber species
  • Colour and finishes
  • Intended use or purpose
  • Preferred style, with links to or attached images of pieces you like, design drawings or sketches
  • Budget guidance or expectations (briefs with a stated budget receive noticeably better responses, as makers can tailor their proposals to it)
  • Required completion date
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How much should I expect to pay?

The cost of a custom piece is shaped by a few key variables:

  • Raw materials, such as the timber species and hardware
  • The amount and sophistication of joinery
  • Design effort
  • Build quality
  • Production efficiencies: one-off versus batch production

Commissioning custom is rarely about finding the lowest possible price. If you have seen something similar at a retailer that is mass-produced overseas, a local maker genuinely cannot produce a one-off version at a lower price. What you receive instead is a high-quality piece designed around your space and your taste, made to last, by a craftsperson whose name stands behind it.

As a guide: most custom commissions on Handkrafted land between $2,000 and $10,000, and larger projects regularly exceed that. Custom dining tables typically start around $4,000, bed frames from $3,500 and bedside tables from around $1,500 each.

It is worthwhile trying to include a realistic budget (or range) in your brief. This will help identify which makers will be most suited and whether they can propose ideas that align with your budget expectations.

For more on this topic, see our blog posts Factors Influencing the Cost of Custom Furniture and 6 Benefits to Buying Custom.

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