Commissioning a piece is a dynamic, creative process involving a continuing exchange between the client and the maker. This enjoyable interaction ultimately leads to a piece of furniture that is both aesthetically and functionally satisfying, and will be enjoyed for generations.

Why commission a piece?

I understand that there are many options available for buying furniture, ranging from freebies on the sidewalk to priceless antiques. Why then, commission a Kellogg piece?

By commissioning a piece, you are getting much more than a piece of furniture put together in a seemingly old-fashioned way. You are acquiring a piece that has been made for you and no one else, to fit your specific needs. Each piece is the culmination of several hundred hours of work. Each surface has been carefully shaped, planed, sanded, and finished, and no edge is left untreated. There is an attention to detail that simply cannot be matched by any machine. Each piece is made by hand, one at a time, in my shop, and all are built to last generations. You are purchasing an heirloom.

I begin with rough-milled lumber. I generally work with sustainably-harvested domestic hardwoods, such as black cherry, walnut, maple or ash, but the final choice is made by the client. For smaller projects, I try to construct the entire piece from one large board. Such an approach requires both detailed planning and an extremely accurate, often three-dimensional drawing. I do this drafting myself, which also gives me the opportunity of refining the design with the client before milling the first piece. For larger projects when the single-plank method is not possible, I spend hours matching boards together for grain and color continuity.

Once I’ve selected the lumber, the piece is carefully constructed using traditional, time-tested methods of joinery: mortise-and-tenon, frame-and-panel, hand-cut dovetails. Yes, there are faster ways to join two (or more) pieces of wood together; however, none of them come close to the strength and durability that these traditional techniques offer.

Much, if not all, of the construction details involve planning for the seasonal movement of the wood itself. Just like a sponge, wood shrinks and expands depending on the moisture content of the surrounding air. Granted the moisture content of the air in Houston generally ranges from “humid” to “really humid,” but if not properly planned for, wood movement can cause tabletops to warp, joints to crack open, and entire pieces to fail. Wood movement must be taken into account every single time one board is joined to another.

Most of my pieces are finished with a tung oil / varnish mixture, which requires a week to apply, and a further week to cure. Once dry, however, the piece is left with a long-lasting, durable finish that only improves with age. Depending on the piece, I occasionally finish furniture with a sprayed lacquer.

Finally, I sign and date each piece.

Carved Monogramming

Carved lettering is available on each piece for an additional cost. Regardless of size or style, each letter is cut with a mallet and gouge, one at a time, rather than with a router and template.

Guarantee

The craftsmanship and materials of each piece is guaranteed to last the maker’s lifetime.

Price and Terms

Once the overall design, purpose, (and in some cases, placement) of the piece has been established, a price is agreed upon. A 25% deposit is required, with the remaining balance due upon delivery of the completed piece. Some pieces may require a separate, hourly design fee. If the project is approved at the conclusion of the design phase, the design fee is applied towards the final price of the piece.

Delivery

I am happy to personally deliver any piece free of charge within Harris County, Tx. Shipping charges to destinations outside Harris County will be negotiated at the time of the piece’s completion.