Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering & Quotes
How do I place an order? All Lone Chimney Co. pieces are made to order. Simply fill out our Request a Quote form with your details, and we'll get back to you within 2 business days to discuss your project and provide pricing.
Is a deposit required? A 50% deposit is required for custom projects and orders over $500, with the remaining balance due at delivery. For smaller standard orders, full payment is due at delivery.
Do you offer refunds or returns? Because every piece is custom-built to order, we are unable to accept returns. We take pride in our craftsmanship and will work with you to make sure you're happy before your piece leaves the shop.
Delivery
Do you deliver? Yes! All pieces are delivered locally. Delivery ensures your furniture arrives safely and gives us a chance to walk you through care instructions in person.
Which areas do you deliver to? We deliver to Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
What if I'm not in a county you have listed? We may be able to make an arrangement depending on your order. Submit a Request a Quote form with your location, and we'll get back to you.
Is there a delivery fee? Orders over $200 delivered within our listed counties are delivered for free. Delivery fees for orders under $200 will be included in your quote upfront — no surprises.
Materials & Finishes
What wood do you use? We build with cedar, redwood, and fir — species chosen for their natural durability, beauty, and suitability for outdoor use.
How are your outdoor furniture pieces finished? Our outdoor furniture pieces are finished with a high-quality penetrating oil-based stain and sealer designed to protect against moisture and UV exposure while letting the natural wood character show through.
Are your planters safe for growing food? Yes. Planter exteriors are finished with 100% pure, all-natural Tung oil, not synthetic chemicals or heavy metals that could leach into your soil. Our planters are assembled using small amounts of Titebond® II wood glue, which is FDA-approved for indirect food contact and non-toxic. Combined with our natural finish, your herbs and vegetables stay completely food-safe.
Turnaround Time
How long does it take to complete my piece? Most pieces are completed within 2 to 4 weeks. Before any cutting begins, we allow one week for the lumber to dry and acclimate — an important step that ensures your piece stays stable and true over time. Build time from there typically runs 1 to 3 weeks, depending on complexity and current shop volume. We'll give you an estimated completion date when we confirm your order and keep you updated along the way.
Can I request a rush order? Reach out, and we'll do our best. Rush availability depends on the current queue, project scope, and what dry lumber we have on hand.
Longevity & Natural Aging
How long will my piece last? With proper care and maintenance, our outdoor furniture pieces are built to last many years and develop a beautiful character over time. Like all natural materials, wood has a lifespan influenced by how it is used, where it is placed, and how consistently it is maintained. Pieces that are regularly resealed, kept off damp ground, and protected during harsh weather will always outlast those that aren't.
What about planters specifically? Planters have a shorter lifespan than furniture by nature; they are in constant contact with damp soil, which is one of wood's biggest challenges. With our Tung oil finish, a breathable landscape fabric liner, and regular oil reapplication, you can expect a well-maintained planter to last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. We think that's a fair and honest expectation for a handcrafted wood product.
Will my piece show signs of aging? Yes, and we think that's part of the beauty. Wood expands and contracts with the seasons, develops a natural patina, and may silver gracefully in the sun. These are not flaws; they are the marks of a living material doing exactly what it was always meant to do.
How will I know when my piece has reached the end of its life? Keep an eye out for deep cracking that goes beyond the surface, soft or spongy spots in the wood, or structural instability. These are signs that the wood fibers have broken down and the piece is ready to retire. Until then, consistent annual care goes a long way.
Built with the Earth in Mind
At Lone Chimney Co., we believe the most sustainable choice is one built to last. Every piece we make starts with natural cedar, redwood, and fir, species chosen for their durability and natural resistance to the elements, finished with non-toxic oils and stains.
A well-maintained wood piece that serves your family for years is simply a better environmental choice than cheap plastic planters and composite furniture that degrade, shed microplastics, and head to landfill long before a quality wood piece ever would.
Always working to improve, we're currently exploring more eco-friendly adhesive options to make our end-of-life story as clean as the rest of it, and we'll update our practices as better solutions become available.