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In an era where fast shipping and instant gratification have become the norm, the wait time for custom furniture can come as a surprise to many buyers. Unlike mass-produced furniture, custom pieces require time, precision, and craftsmanship to bring a unique vision to life.
Think of it like a tailored suit—when you work with a professional tailor, it can take months to receive a perfectly fitted suit made from the finest materials. Custom furniture follows the same principle: the result is a one-of-a-kind, high-quality piece built specifically for your home.
So, why does custom furniture take so long? In this article, we’ll break down the key factors that influence lead times and provide tips on how to plan ahead.
In This Article…
The lead time for custom furniture refers to how long it takes from the moment you place your order until it arrives in your home.
At La-Z-Boy, the average lead time is approximately 60 days (about 8 to 10 weeks). However, depending on the level of customization, time of year, and manufacturing factors, this timeframe may be shorter or longer.
When you order custom furniture, your consultant will provide an estimated lead time. It’s important to remember that this is just an estimate—various factors can affect the final delivery date.
Several factors contribute to longer wait times for custom furniture:
Custom furniture isn’t sitting in a warehouse, ready to be shipped. Once your order is placed, it enters a production queue, meaning it will be built in the order it was received. The more orders ahead of you, the longer you will have to wait.
The time of year can also impact the queue length. Before major holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, demand spikes, causing longer wait times. Many customers want their furniture delivered before hosting holiday gatherings, leading to a backlog of orders.
Additionally, some manufacturers prioritize high-demand products or large bulk orders over smaller, one-off custom pieces, which can push individual orders further down the list.
The more intricate your design, the longer it will take to produce. Custom furniture is not simply built—it’s crafted with attention to detail, requiring multiple steps, from selecting materials to assembly and finishing touches.
For example, a simple sofa with a basic upholstery selection will have a shorter production time than a sectional with custom welt trim, hand-carved wooden legs, and a specialty fabric that requires extra treatment. Each additional customization step adds to the overall lead time, as artisans and manufacturers must ensure that every detail aligns with your vision.
Here are some customizations that may extend lead times:
La-Z-Boy has all kinds of Custom Furniture Options to choose from, which you can learn more about in this article.
The availability of raw materials significantly impacts production speed. If a manufacturer is waiting for a shipment of fabric, foam, or wood, production can be delayed until those materials arrive.
Some common supply chain issues include:
Where your furniture is made can also impact lead time. Locally made furniture generally arrives faster because it doesn’t require overseas shipping. However, many custom furniture manufacturers operate internationally, which means additional steps in the production and delivery process:
Each of these steps can introduce additional wait times, especially if there are port congestion issues or unexpected shipping delays.
La-Z-Boy supplies materials from multiple factories throughout the world, some even in Canada! You can learn more about Where La-Z-Boy Furniture is Made by checking out this article.
Quality craftsmanship takes time, and we want to ensure every piece meets our standards before it reaches your home. Even the best-planned orders can encounter unexpected issues, such as:
If you’re wondering about La-Z-Boy Delivery Services and What to Expect, take a look at this article.
If you’re furnishing a new home, renovating a space, or planning for a special occasion, it’s important to account for custom furniture lead times. Here’s how to ensure you’re not left waiting longer than expected:
First, consider your timeline. If you need new furniture for a specific event, such as a move-in date or holiday gathering, order well in advance. Give yourself at least three to four months of lead time to accommodate any unexpected delays.
Next, research different furniture stores. Some retailers in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston offer shorter or longer lead times, especially if they manufacture furniture locally. If time is a major factor in your decision, look for brands that provide transparent estimates on production and delivery.
Communication is also key. Work closely with your design consultant to ensure your expectations align with the store’s capabilities. Let them know your desired timeframe so they can guide you toward options that fit within it. Additionally, check in periodically for updates on your order’s progress.
While it may not be something everyone can easily do, it is important to be patient. Custom furniture is an investment, and while waiting for it can be frustrating, the end result is a piece that is tailored to your exact specifications.
Now that you understand why custom furniture takes time, you can plan accordingly and avoid surprises.
If you’re looking for custom furniture in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston, La-Z-Boy offers a wide selection of customizable options to match your style and needs. Visit us at any one of our Canadian-owned and operated La-Z-Boy locations today.
Are you looking for quality and comfortable furniture that lives up to the La-Z-Boy name? To get started, take a look at some of our best-selling furniture:
Our team of sales consultants and expert interior designers can help you find the perfect furniture for your needs, style, and space. With our complimentary design services, our team will ensure that whatever furniture you purchase fits seamlessly with your home decor.
To learn more about our La-Z-Boy furniture, take a look at our Living Room Furniture Guide.
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