DRS, David Raine Studio, specializes in custom woodwork that results in one-of-a-kind builds.  All builds are unique to their design and use that is not subject to general template manufacturing techniques. 

This process results in finished pieces that are more consistent with the qualities of art then traditional woodwork.  No piece is made exactly the same, utilizes the same process, requires the same tools, and has the same finish when completed.

General expectations

It is expected that each DRS finished piece functions as intended (drawers, doors, and hardware function) and is within the general specifications of the agreed build sheet.   

Build Sheets

The purpose of the build sheet is to provide a design and function goal. Sometimes what is on paper does not always translate into the build process. There is no guarantee that the final build will be exactly as to the build sheet as some considerations might be necessary during the build process to meet design, structural, function, and longevity goals.

Matching Multiple Items

It is highly recommended and preferred to order complete sets at the same time.  DRS does not save build flow templates or record the process of each build.   It is expected that all DRS builds are one of a kind pieces.   We learn as we build and through the process of improving our quality we might not use a specific method in the future that was used in a previous build.

If ordering more than one item of the same design DRS will do it’s best in building these items side by side in order to create a template to assure both items are as close as possible to a match.  If ordering items of the same desired match at different times there is no guarantee and it will be quite likely that there will be differences in each item to include measurements, spacing, gaps, trim, wood textures, and finishes.  

Matching finishes

Matching a finish is Art and not a woodworking skillset. DRS will do it’s best to get as close as possible to a requested match.  DRS makes no guarantee that a finish, texture, and material can be matched.  DRS provides approximate samples upon request but again there is no guarantee that the end delivery will perfectly match the sample. 

Most finishes can be touched up and/or redone at a cost.  In some cases, the cost to refinish a piece might be greater than the piece itself. Unless otherwise agreed all DRS finishes are AS-IS unless it is determined that there is a flaw in the finish outside the scope of color, texture, and pattern match.  

Flaws in material and finishes

Wood is subject to many natural flaws.  DRS tries it’s best to choose materials that limit visual unappealing aspects of natural wood such as knots, burrs, cross cuts, rot, warps, insect damage, and other flaws naturally subject to wood, but DRS is also environmentally conscious, and each piece of wood is as unique as it is invaluable.  Unless otherwise agreed and noted prior to starting a build the best selection, common hardwood stock, will be used in all builds.

Flaws in finishes are specific to;

• Uneven surfaces – clear coats and resigns
• Orange peel, runs, or blotches
• Scratches, fingerprints, debris     

Flaws in the Build;

• Extensive gaps (greater than 1/16”) in joints
• End build Size variations greater than 1/16” to specs
• Function use outside of the scope of the design (i.e. a cabinet with nonfunctional doors or drawers)
• Out of square (greater than 1/16” per 3’)
• Use of the wrong wood
• Visible tooling damage to finished edges and/or joints

What is not considered flaws;

• Wood Knots or Tribal Marks (naturally occurring growth marks in wood)
• Wood texture and color variations
• Uneven Stain absorption
• Wood surface variations  (highs/lows)
• Natural expansion of wood in variable environmental conditions
• Slight miss-match in paint/stain color to finished pieces from samples
• Filler, uneven edges, minor gaps (1/6” or less) in joined pieces

What happens when the finish or end build does not meet my expectations?

If the finished items have a build flaw as described above DRS will either refinish, or rebuild the piece at no additional cost.  DRS does not consider minor variations of Build/Design sheet changes outside of finished size expectations or end function a flaw unless agreed in writing in advance.

DRS Does not accept returns, once a build is completed all amounts owed for the purchase and/or delivery are due in full.

DRS can refinish and/or rebuild pieces as a new order and at a cost to be quoted upon request.

Failure to pay for a completed piece upon notification and billing within 72 hours will result in forfeiture of the finished piece. DRS reserves the right to sell, auction, and or destroy the piece at its own discretion.     

DRS will not ship or deliver a finished items prior to full payment.  All finished pieces can be inspected at DRS; 342 East Barham Suite D, San Marcos CA 92078 upon completion and appointment.

Characteristics of real wood

Color Variation – Boards of the same species will look a little different, both from tree to tree and also within the same tree. A little science to explain why: The outer part of the trunk is called sapwood, and it’s made up of the active cells that carry water through the tree. This sapwood tends to be lighter in color than the inner part of the trunk. (It’s even someone’s job to color match boards so your furniture looks as good as it can–read about that here!).

Color Changes – After you get your wood furniture home, it will change color as it is exposed to light. Cherry will darken, walnut will lighten, and maple will turn honey. If you purchase furniture with the natural wood color showing (not stained), you can expect it to look different in several months. Natural color changes occur differently by specific wood.

Grain Variation – The grain is caused by the growth rings of the tree, which result in the swirly lines you see running through the surface of wood furniture. Certain species of wood have consistent grain visibility – ash shows a pronounced grain while maple’s is less so – but within a species, the grain on each board will look different.

Knots – The spot where a branch hits the trunk can cause circular patterns called knots. Some species like pine have a lot of knots–it’s a characteristic of that wood. Larger knots are often removed from boards and filled before they’re made into furniture, but smaller knots (sometimes called pin knots) are part of the wood’s character.

Pitch Pockets – These small marks are caused by insects that injure the trunk cells, resulting in gum spots. They show up as darker spots on lighter wood tones or, if the wood is stained dark, you will notice a difference in sheen on those spots.

Mineral Streaks – These are darker lines that follow the wood grain. They’re caused by minerals that the tree extracts from the soil while it grows.

What to expect with your finished piece?

Our goal is a finished DRS piece well maintained should be around for generations to share.  Over time it is expected that wood will naturally expand and contract as it is subject to the naturally occurring changes in moisture. This is a normal character of wood and more prominent in larger pieces.  Over time you might experience the following:

Belly – A slight dip (only about 1/32″ or so) in the middle of the table or large span finished piece. This is caused by the ends expanding more than the middle and is not a defect.

Gap – If you have an extension table with a break in the middle, you may notice a gap in the middle of the opening that separates the two sides. This is not a defect.

Warping – When one surface takes in more moisture than another, the wood will drastically curve or bend. If you notice a curve that runs the whole length of a large piece this is warping. It is very common with large spans of unsupported joints (free standing tables).  Our goal is to overbuild in design and function, we often use additional pieces of wood secured to the underside of furniture panels to prevent warping over time.

Size Differences – multiple finished pieces done at the same time will change over time unique to each piece individually, you will notice a small difference over time in each. This could be much more visible in trim, insets, or detail added to edges or in pieces that are built from more than one type of wood.

Cracks – If a finished piece of wood goes to a location with a dramatically dryer environment than it was built, it may crack. This should never happen if proper care was taken to the drying of the wood. You may be able to live with small, hairline cracks, but larger cracks are a major problem. Imported furniture is more susceptible to this because it comes from tropical locations where humidity is high.

Gaps in Construction – Dressers and cabinets are made by building a large box, then adding in the drawers and doors. You may notice some gaps where the different wood surfaces are joined together or around the door and drawer fronts.  DRS builds all drawers and doors to match in size but over time all wood expands and contracts at its own pace and over time initially built same size doors and/or drawer covers will not all match perfectly in size and visual appearance.  This is also compounded by the expansion of contraction of the wood framing around doors and drawer covers and is much more pronounced with inset doors and drawers.

Glue Lines, joints, and wood plywood – Large wood panels are made by gluing wood boards together sometimes referred to as laminating, this is typically a sturdy joint, and outside of water or moisture damage is very durable.  Glued wood is subject to delamination over extensive time and considerable wear and tear.