Questions, answered
What to expect before and after you order: cost, the slab, size, payment, delivery, care and the warranty. Anything else, write me: jim@blackwalnutco.com
- 50%deposit starts the work
- Your pickapprove the slab before I cut
- 1 yearcraftsmanship warranty
- 50 milescomplimentary white glove delivery
Before you order
How much does a piece cost?
Each piece in the collection shows a starting price on its page. The final price depends on the slab, the size and the base. You get it in writing, with the lead time, before you commit to anything. Quotes are good for 30 days. Rhode Island sales tax applies where required. To get one, tell me what you're after.
Can I see the slab before you make my piece?
Yes. Once your order is confirmed, I pick slabs that fit your piece and send you photos. You approve the slab before I cut anything. No two slabs are alike, so this is where you choose the grain, the edge and the color you'll live with.
Can you change the size?
Yes. Every piece is made to order, so the size can change to fit your room. Tell me about the space and how the piece will be used. Dimensions are locked in when your order is confirmed, and because the edge is natural, finished sizes are accurate to within ½ inch.
Can I choose the base?
Yes. Here are the base styles I use most. If you have another in mind, describe it and I'll source it for your piece.
How is it finished?
By hand. The top, the show side, gets the full finish and is buffed to a full shine. The underside is stabilized but not fully refined, so it may show tool marks or joints. That's normal for a handmade piece.
What happens after I send an inquiry?
I read it myself and reply within two business days, usually with a few questions about the room and the size. Then I send you a price and lead time in writing. Nothing is binding until you place a deposit.
After you order
Will my piece look exactly like the photos?
No two boards are the same. Grain pattern, color, mineral streaking, and the natural live edge will vary from piece to piece and from any photo you've seen. That variation is the point of choosing real, solid wood.
How do I take care of my piece?
Clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Skip furniture polish and harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage the finish. Use coasters and placemats, and always use a cutting board: the finish is durable, but it isn't a cutting surface. Keep your piece indoors in a stable, climate-controlled room (roughly 40–45% relative humidity), away from heat and AC vents, wood stoves, and direct blowing air. If your piece has an epoxy inlay, also keep it away from sudden swings in temperature or moisture, which protects the bond between wood and resin.
How does payment work?
A 50% deposit confirms your order and starts production. The remaining balance is due before delivery or pickup. I accept check, ACH, and major credit cards (a 3% processing fee applies to card payments). Rhode Island sales tax applies where required. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
How long will my piece take?
The Knightsville Charcuterie Board and the Wickford Coaster Set take 2 to 4 weeks. Furniture takes 4 to 6 weeks. Because every piece is custom, I'll provide a specific estimate when your order is confirmed, based on the complexity of the design, the material selected, and my current queue. Either way, your timeline begins when your deposit is received, not the date of your original quote.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel before production begins for a full refund of your deposit, less a 10% administrative fee. If material was already sourced specifically for your project, its cost is deducted from your refund. Once production has started, the order is final: the deposit is non-refundable, and you're responsible for any material and labor costs beyond what the deposit covers, up to the date you cancel.
What if something's wrong when it arrives?
Please inspect your piece at delivery or pickup and report any damage or concerns within 5 business days, by email to jim@blackwalnutco.com. Claims made after that window may not be eligible for repair or replacement at no cost. A craftsmanship problem that shows up later is covered by the warranty.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Every piece has a 1-year warranty against defects in craftsmanship, starting from the date of delivery. That includes joint failure, finish defects, and structural issues caused by a construction error. It doesn't cover normal wear and tear, changes from natural aging, or damage from improper care, environment, or an accident. To make a claim, email jim@blackwalnutco.com within 14 days of discovering the issue, with a description and photos if you can. Verified claims are repaired or replaced at my discretion. The warranty covers the original purchaser only.
Are you insured?
Yes. Black Walnut Co. carries general liability insurance, and a certificate of insurance is available on request for trade and commercial accounts.
Do you deliver, or do I need to arrange shipping?
| Furniture, within 50 miles | Complimentary white glove delivery |
|---|---|
| Furniture, beyond 50 miles | $75 flat rate |
| Furniture, shipped | Available at additional cost |
| Knightsville Charcuterie Board | Complimentary shipping, continental US |
| Wickford Coaster Set | Complimentary shipping, continental US |
| Pickup | By appointment |
If you'd rather pick up, it's by appointment, and you'll need to bring packing materials and secure the load yourself; I'm not liable for damage after pickup or during transport you arrange. Delivery should be scheduled and accepted within 14 days of your piece being finished, or a daily storage fee may apply.