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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.
Key Takeaways:
- Custom furniture takes time because each order is made from scratch. Unlike mass-produced furniture, every piece is individually crafted based on your selections.
- Lead times typically range from 6 to 14 weeks but can extend longer depending on various factors.
- Production queues, material availability, and design complexity can all impact how long it takes to receive your custom furniture.
- Supply chain issues and demand fluctuations may lead to additional delays.
- Planning ahead and working with your design consultant can help you navigate potential wait times.
In This Article…
What is Lead Time for Custom Furniture?
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.
Why Does Custom Furniture Take So Long?
Several factors contribute to longer wait times for custom furniture:
1. The Queue: Production Order Matters
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.
2. Complexity of the Design
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:
- Unique fabric selections – Some specialty fabrics may need to be sourced or specially treated before production.
- Special upholstery techniques – Features like tufting, nailhead trim, or welt cording add time to the construction process.
- Custom leg or arm designs – If your furniture has hand-carved wooden details, these require extra time to craft.
- Intricate wood finishes – Staining and sealing wood finishes involve multiple layers of drying and curing time.
La-Z-Boy has all kinds of Custom Furniture Options to choose from, which you can learn more about in this article.
3. Material Availability & Supply Chain Delays
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:
- Lumber shortages – If wood supplies are delayed, frames and structural components may not be ready on time.
- Fabric delays – Specialty upholstery materials might be back-ordered, especially if they are sourced internationally.
- Foam production slowdowns – High-demand materials like memory foam or specialty cushioning can experience supply constraints.
4. Local vs. International Production
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:
- Manufacturing – Your furniture must be crafted, finished, and packaged at the factory.
- Quality Control – Each piece must pass inspection to ensure it meets the brand’s quality standards.
- International Shipping – Overseas furniture must be transported via cargo ship or air freight.
- Customs Clearance – Imported goods must go through border inspections, which can cause delays.
- Local Delivery – Once your furniture arrives in Canada, it must be transported to a distribution center before final delivery.
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.
5. Unexpected Production Delays
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:
- Machine breakdowns – A single malfunction can halt production for an entire batch of furniture.
- Employee shortages – If a factory is short-staffed, production schedules may be pushed back.
- Quality control adjustments – If an issue is found during inspection, additional time is needed to fix or remake the piece.
- Shipping damage requiring remanufacturing – If a product is damaged in transit, the process must start over.
If you’re wondering about La-Z-Boy Delivery Services and What to Expect, take a look at this article.
How To Plan Ahead For Custom Furniture
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:
1. Know Your Timeline
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.
2. Research Furniture Stores
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.
3. Communicate with Your Design Consultant
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.
4. Be Willing to Wait
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.
What’s Next?
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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