Furniture Packaging and Shipping
A major detail of custom furniture making that is often overlooked is shipping. I make pieces for clients all over the states and occasionally overseas. It very important after weeks of working on a piece of fine furniture that it arrives safely and undamaged to the client. There are lots of ways to wrap, box and ship furniture but I typically use 2 methods based on size to deliver my work. Make sure to watch this YouTube video of me wrapping and boxing up a custom side table.
The first step for me when shipping furniture is to measure and weigh the piece.
Pick a Company
The first step for me when shipping furniture is to measure and weigh the piece. If the item is under 25″ x 25″ x 48″ I typically will use Fed-Ex Ground. If the item is larger, or a significant weight, I will use a company called Plycon.
The important thing to keep in mind with this is that FedEx can be pretty rough with the package. So, you need to suspend the piece in the box and pad it quite well. I typically will buy new blankets to wrap up the piece before boxing and also use foam to help suspend the piece so that there is at least an inch or two of space all the way around the piece from the box. Don’t forget to add the insurance.
I typically will buy new blankets to wrap up the piece before boxing and also use foam to help suspend the piece so that there is at least an inch or two of space all the way around the piece from the box.
Use a Good Box
Anytime I am shipping furniture with FedEx, not only do I get insurance but I make sure that all the packing I am using is as high quality as the furniture. I use a double corrugated box from a company in Austin called Eco-Box. As with any trade, I am also amazed at the passion and expertise involved. These guys are super passionate about boxes and really know their stuff. I will never look at a cardboard box the same way again.
Use hard rigid cardboard to protect the edges and corners of the box.
White Glove Service
When shipping big pieces of furniture, like a dining room table or large cabinet, I will use a freight company called Plycon. I always use their white glove service to ensure the safe delivery of the furniture. This means that the piece does not get boxed up but instead is wrapped in blankets and carried by hand. They will come to my shop, wrap the piece, place it gently into the truck, and deliver it themselves. This is really nice for the client since they do not have the hassle of disassembling a crate or packing material. Plycon will also place the piece in its setting, unwrap it, and wipe it down. This can be a bit expensive and slow, but is the safest option for large items.
Great Advise! Have you had a good experience with shipping through USPS?