Custom Inquiries
We like to think of our custom work as house jewelry! Cloverdale Forge is design-focused; with us, you are acquiring heirloom-quality one-of-a-kind art for your home. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to design and build furniture, gates, railings, fireplace screens, and sculptural works. Let us know how we can work with you on your next project!
What is custom work?
Working with clients to build bespoke works to fit their lives is at the soul of Cloverdale Forge. We blend age-old blacksmithing techniques with modern technologies. The results are unique creations that are aligned with our client’s visions. Please visit our portfolio page to see more of our past works.
If you are interested in working with us on a custom design, please fill out the form below.
Step 1
Introduction Questionnaire
Custom work starts with a conversation. The questionnaire below helps us jump-start the discussion. Don’t be shy with the details; sharing the concept and scale of your projects helps us better understand how to best help you achieve your vision.
Step 2
Concept, Sketch, and Budget
Once we have a broad understanding of your project, we will reconnect with you with a preliminary sketch. Sometimes this rough drawing is all you need for approval. If not, we will take your feedback and tweak the sketch to best fit your project aesthetic. Project costs are affected by the design complexity, overall size, and time expected timeframe for completion. Our project fees include up to two sketches as part of the design process.
Step 3
Proposal and Deposit
Once we have thumbs up on a design, we will provide a finalized proposal. This will include a finished drawing, the proposed metal finish, an estimated project timeline, and payment terms. From there, we will schedule a date for onsite measurement (if required). When the start of your project is imminent, we will send you an invoice for the down payment.
Step 4
Forging and Delivery
When your piece is ready, we will contact you to schedule a pick-up date (for smaller items) or delivery (for architectural work).
FAQs
How long will my project take?
Custom work takes time. Cloverdale Forge is a small two-person business; we work with clients to best meet their timeline while respecting those who already have placed an order with us. Our lead times depend on how many projects are currently on our shop calendar. We recommend starting the conversation earlier than you think. It is hard to believe (even for us), but we can have lead times of up to 11 months. We have to balance our calendar with custom work, teaching workshops, and the continued development of our product line.
Do you have a shop minimum?
Custom work takes time. It isn’t merely the hours we spend behind the anvil swinging hammers at hot metal. It is working up and finalizing your design. The time for emailing and the final application coat of finish.
We don’t have a specific shop minimum. Yet, considering the steps involved, a custom project rarely costs less than $400, and architectural works, such as handrails or guardrails, usually start around $2000.
I have an idea for a smaller item. Do you ever take on projects for less than your minimum?
Some of our top-selling products were born from a smaller one-off project made for a client. If you have a concept or idea for something you would like to have made, send us an email. Whether it’s a hook or a cooking utensil, we will work with you to forge the design if we see the potential to add the item to our future product line.
I found an image online of a railing I love! Is it possible for you to make it for me?
We love and encourage clients to send us images that can be used as inspiration direction. We will borrow elements from these photos to create something unique for their space. After all, you are paying for a custom artisan work of art. Make it unique to you, not a copy of something you found online. One of our favorite pieces was inspired by the couple’s wedding flower, the pompom dahlia. Without their input and imagery, we would have never considered incorporating a dahlia into the design. (link to the railing)
What processes do you use in your studio?
What is the difference between forging and fabrication? Forging gives form and shape to metal by heating it in a fire and hammering it into the desired shape. Fabrication is the process of welding, cutting, and machining metal into the required form. Combining traditional and modern practices allows us to complete jobs with more consideration around time and budget but our passion is the continued exploration of the traditional tools and techniques of the craft of blacksmithing.
Custom Project Questionnaire
Please fill out the custom project questionnaire.
