Terms and Conditions
Every piece we build is made by hand in our Southern Illinois woodshop with craftsmanship and care. Below are the terms that guide our process so we can serve you with clarity and excellence.
1. Lead Times
Our lead times vary depending on current workload, but average 7–12 weeks from the date of deposit. You should receive an estimated lead time when the order is placed. If you requested stain samples, we ask that final color choices be made within 21 days of placing your order so we can stay on schedule. Note: These lead times are estimates, not guarantees. Quality takes time, and we will never rush a piece at the expense of craftsmanship.2. Return Policy
Because every piece we build is custom-made to order, we do not accept returns. Each project is handcrafted to your specific selections — including size, wood type, finish, and design — making it uniquely yours. For that reason, we’re unable to restock or resell returned items. We stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship. If there’s ever a concern with your order, please reach out to us directly — we’re committed to making sure you’re proud to have our work in your home.3. Deposit & Payments
We require a 50% deposit to reserve your spot on our production calendar. The remaining 50% is due upon completion of your project. – For local deliveries or pickups, final payment can be made at the time of delivery. – For long-distance orders, payment must be received before the piece leaves our shop. Orders canceled after 24 hours are subject to a 25% admin fee, and late-stage modifications may include additional charges. Once your build begins, we’re committed to completing it for you.4. Delivery & Pickup Options
Pickup (from our shop)
– You are welcome to pick up your order at our shop in Southern Illinois.
– We’ll schedule a time once your project is complete.
– Please ensure you bring appropriate padding and help for safe loading.
Local Delivery
– For customers within our regional delivery zone, we personally deliver your project.
– Final payment can be made upon delivery.
– We’ll coordinate a time with you a few days before delivery.
Long-Distance Delivery
– For customers outside our local delivery radius, we partner with a network of white-glove delivery services to handle your order.
– We always try to book the earliest delivery available in your area, but please note it may take up to 3 weeks from the time your piece is completed.
– Before we schedule the delivery, we’ll send photos of your finished piece for your approval.
– The delivery company will contact you 24–48 hours in advance to schedule a delivery window. Some services may request assistance bringing your furniture inside — we kindly ask that you accommodate if possible.
At the time of delivery:
– Inspect your piece carefully while the driver is present.
– If you notice excessive damage, we ask that you refuse delivery and contact us immediately.
– Otherwise, please note any visible damage on the paperwork before signing and let us know right away — ideally before the delivery team leaves.
Final payment must be made before your piece leaves our shop.
5. Cosmetics
Our furniture is made from real hardwood, not machine-made panels. Each board has its own grain, tone, and personality. That’s what makes solid wood furniture so special.
Finish Appearance:
Finely sanded surfaces absorb less stain, which can create lighter areas. More rustic or distressed finishes tend to absorb stain more deeply and appear darker. If you’re referencing a photo, keep in mind that texture and sanding level significantly influence the final color result.
Knots & Cracks:
Natural wood often contains knots, cracks, and voids, especially in species with strong grain patterns or character.We fill these knots, cracks, and other voids with black or clear epoxy depending on the color of the wood. Filling these areas allows us to create a usable, clean surface while still highlighting the natural beauty of the wood beneath. By doing this, we can keep those dramatic features without compromising function.
Color & Grain Variation:
Every board is slightly different and absorbs stain differently. Even when using the same color formula, differences in grain density, texture, and wood species will result in slight shifts in color from one area to the next.
Dimensional Tolerances:
We allow up to ½” variation in final dimensions. This is across all dimensions.
Color Matching:
We do not match stain colors based on photos — whether from our past projects or ones you’ve provided. Lighting, wood tone, grain pattern, and texture all impact how a stain appears on a finished piece.
We can use the same stain formula as a past project, but even then, the result may not be identical. Every board takes stain a little differently — that’s the nature of real wood.
If you have a specific stain or sample you’d like us to use, we’re happy to apply it. Just keep in mind:
- The final result will still vary due to natural wood characteristics.
- Stain samples are available upon request and are a great way to get close — but they’re small and may not fully represent how the color will look across an entire tabletop, especially around knots or highly figured areas.
If exact color is a top priority, please let us know up front. We’ll ask that you visit our shop in person to view your piece before we apply any finish.
Once a finish is applied, the color cannot be changed without fully sanding and restarting the process — which would require additional cost and time.
– Natural color variation from board to board
– Filled knots, mineral streaks, or hairline cracks
– We allow a ½” tolerance in the agreed upon dimensions.
– Slight finish differences due to sanding, grain, and porosity
We do not match stain colors from photos. If you’d like to provide a custom stain, we’re happy to use it, but results will still vary based on the wood selected.
Acknowledgment of Terms
By submitting a deposit, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms listed above, including our policies on lead times, payments, delivery, cosmetics, and finish expectations.
These terms are in place to protect both you as the client and us as the builder — and to ensure a smooth, transparent experience from start to finish. We’re honored to create something special for your space.
Questions or Concerns?
Email: hello@blacktietable.com
Call/Text: (618) 952-2731
Shop Address: 18 Bull Pen Rd, Simpson IL 62985