Trying to find tradesman but don't know what to look for

[dfidler]

Hi All,

I've got a pair of speakers with a grey elm (I think) semi-gloss lacquered veneer with some damage in them and I've got another speaker (same set, wrong colour) that I'd like refinished to match the others. I also want a TV stand built to match the set (a complex design) and am having trouble finding anyone that both has some experience and also wants the work.

Where I'm from (Canada) I'd normally search for a finisher or furniture maker to do this kind of work. In the UK there are lots of builders and carpenters/joiners but the ones that I've approached have told me that they mostly do construction work (build decks, fit kitchens, etc) and that they'd not be comfortable doing the work. Or if they are keen to do the work they've usually only been in the business a few years. And my searches for furniture makers comes up with manufacturers.

What kind of tradesmen should I be searching for / advertising to here in the UK (north east/newcastle/durham area)?

[cjlove]

When u say a complex design,wud it be possible to see a sketch photo or cad drawing u have of what you have in mind?

[mark270981]

Someone here would be able to do it for you.

sounds interesting though

[dfidler]

Re: TV Stand, see attached images...

Construction notes/Requirements:

• Glass in the doors is thick - either 1/2" or 3/8" so they are very heavy
• Hinges won't be visible when doors are closed; considering something like these: http://www.bellevuearch.com.au/main/product.aspx?g=5&c=95&p=1966
• Doors will open 180 degrees
• Doors are on hinges on the cabinet, the front of it must be solid (something to mount the hinges into)
• The doors are heavy (20-30kg) and the cabinet has no bracing on it so concerned about sag or twisting of the "legs" from the top section.
• No screws visible anywhere, except for maybe on the back side of the doors
• Doors/Glass are approx 1" off the ground (to allow air in; fans will be running out the back)
• Glass must be removable from the doors; considering "hanging" the glass inside of the doors with a removable plate to hold them in (meaning pre-cut holes in glass)
• Cabinet should look like a solid piece of wood (which means a veneer). Veneer wood is TBD (grey elm? would need help figuring this out) but it should match my speakers as closely as possible; will also require a semi-gloss coat to match
• Should, overall, be sonically dead/neutral. I'd imagine that choice of construction materials, here, would be important. From memory, hard woods tend to have a sharp echo when knocked where as soft woods are sonically dead but might (??) be an issue for the weight of the doors. Particle board is sonically dead but won't be suitable for mounting the heavy doors; possibly a mix of woods? - Looking for guidance.

[dfidler]

So back to the original question, what kind of tradesmen should I be looking for in the UK?

Also, are there any barriers/issues that anyone can see in the construction of it?

[mark270981]

To be fair we could make that for you.

be probably about £1350.00

[dfidler]

Mark, thanks for that, that gives me a ball park on what to expect it to cost. I'm looking for someone more local though, I think, as I'd want them to come to the house to help me pick the finish, etc, as I can't pack up my speakers to bring to someone (too damned heavy). From what I can see, you're over an hour away from me which would make that kind of communication difficult.

Any chance that you can tell me what profession the tradesmen would advertise themselves as that would do this?

Builders & Joiners only seem to want to fit my kitchen or build me a deck.. which this isn't...

[mark270981]

Cabinet maker is perhaps the best way of describing the skill you are after.

[mark270981]

I've no idea who the below are, just googled cabinet makers newcastle UK

http://www.matthewmccrossan.co.uk

http://hallettmillerfurniture.weebly.com

http://www.dunhamfittedfurniture.co.uk

[dfidler]

That's awesome, thanks Mark. I really appreciate your help!