Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What hardwoods grow in Hawaii?
A. See our "Woods of Hawaii" Samples Page.

Q. How do I commission a woodworking project?
A. Search our member database by type of work desired, and contact the artist of your choice. They will guide you through the process.

Q. How long will I need to wait before my project is finished?
A. A delivery date will be scheduled by the artist, based on his work backlog at the time of your order, the complexity of the project, and the availability of materials to be used. A handcrafted unique piece takes more time to create than a production-line item, and a chair requires more work than a small table. Every craftsman works at his own pace, regulated by a determination to produce the highest quality end result possible.

Q. How are furniture pieces shipped, and what is the cost of shipping?
A. A variety of air freight carriers provide economical shipping for large items; for example, delivery of a blanket chest from Hawaii to New York can typically be accomplished for less than 10% of the purchase price. Each craftsman makes his own arrangements for crating and shipping.

Q. Can I have a custom piece created from a photo?
A. A Guild craftsman can use a photograph, magazine image, or even a simple sketch supplied by the client to help develop a set of working plans for a special project. These plans are then submitted to the client for review and approval.

Q. How will a piece made in Hawaii of local woods react in other climates?
A. Wood is a material in constant movement, reacting to variations of temperature and humidity by expanding or contracting. Correctly designed and constructed pieces allow for this movement without negative impact on the function or beauty of the work.

Q. How hard is Koa?
A. Expressed as resistance to indentation or fibre compression, the hardness of Koa is moderate, similar to that of Walnut or Cherry wood.

Q. Why is Koa so expensive?
A. Koa is a wood species unique to Hawaii; the limited supply and access to the resource, balanced with the high demand worldwide for this colorful and highly reflective material, results in market-driven pricing.

Q. What kind of finish is used on Koa, and how is it cared for?
A. Modern wood finishes fall into two basic categories; Oil based and synthetic polymer coatings. Oil finishes provide a warm, smooth, satin-textured protection that penetrates below the surface of the wood. They also require periodic maintenance and replenishment over time. Synthetic coatings, such as lacquers and plastic polymer based formulations, perform their protective function by covering over and sealing the wood surface. These finishes are generally care-free, requiring only dusting or occasional waxing to maintain their appearance.

Q. What payment options do I have for purchasing work from a Guild member?
A. Payment arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis with the individual craftsman selected. The payment options offered by each craftsman are listed in the Guild member database.