FAQs

Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our bespoke furniture, ordering process, delivery, and care instructions. We aim to provide you with all the information you need to make your experience with Made in the Cellar seamless and enjoyable. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to our team—we’re here to help!


Where can I read your reviews and/or leave you one?

You can view our current 5-star, 4.9 rating and reviews on Google, as well as our 5-star rating on Etsy, (where we first started our web shop) with over 2,000 reviews! To read more or leave a review, simply visit our review page or reach out to us directly, we love to hear from you. We particularly love to see images of our pieces in your homes so don’t forget to tag us in your Instagram pics.

Do you have a showroom?

Yes! Our Sheffield showroom allows you to experience our craftsmanship firsthand. Since our workshop is in the same building, you can also see items being made and discuss your custom options in person. Appointments are required to ensure we can dedicate our full attention to you. Click here to book your appointment.

Do you have any discounts available?

We occasionally offer promotions and discounts. However as all our items are handcrafted and made to order we don’t have clearance sales or offer large discounts. 

Sign up for our newsletter or check our website to stay updated on any current offers.

Can I customise my furniture?

Absolutely! Most of our furniture is made to order and fully customisable, from dimensions and handle choices to finishes and paint colours. Simply choose your custom options when placing your order. We’ve expanded the size variations available in our standard listings, allowing you to customise wood finishes and paint colours. If our curated collection of 15 paint colours isn’t enough, you can opt for a bespoke colour for an additional £50.

Can you colour match your furniture to our home floors or existing furniture?

Although we don’t provide an exact colour-matching service, you can purchase wood samples in our finishes to help find the perfect fit for your décor. We’re always here to advise on what will complement your existing furniture.  

Can I have a bespoke item that’s not listed on your website?

Yes, we can create completely bespoke furniture tailored to your specifications. Just drop us an enquiry via our bespoke service page, and we’ll work with you to bring your idea to life.

How do I choose a wood finish?

We offer various wood finishes in our Oak & Pine – please note the Oak colours cannot be used on Pine tops and vice versa for Pine colours on Oak. 

Check out our Stain Finishes page for examples, order a sample to be delivered direct to your door (we add a little surprise in your sample pack to help you decide!) or visit our showroom to see them in person. The sales team are always on hand to offer advise should you require it.

How is the wood protected?

For our shelving and small pieces of Pine furniture we offer a waxed finish (with 3 colours available) or our water based Pine finishes (available on all Pine furniture – large and small) which are then sealed with a matt acrylic varnish. (Please note we do not advise using Wax finishes on dining tables). Offering a level of every day protection to the wood but keeping its natural beauty. Please note we do not offer a high sheen finish on our furniture unless a lacquered finish is requested. (This is priced on an individual order basis) 

For our Oak pieces we finish the wood in Rubio Monocoat’s Interior oil, with a selection of 6 colours available. This product bonds with the wood fibres in the surface to be treated and thus protects and colours your wood in a single layer. This avoids overlaps and marks, and you get low consumption and long lasting protection

How do I choose a paint finish?

At Made in the Cellar, we provide a carefully curated selection of 15 standard colours to beautifully finish your furniture. If you have a specific bespoke colour in mind, we’re more than happy to accommodate your request!

Simply enter your desired colour in the free-type box on the product listing (make sure to spell it correctly), along with the brand of paint you’d like us to match. For a small fee of £50, we will colour match your chosen shade, ensuring that your furniture perfectly complements your space.

As long as our paint supplier can match it*, we can make it happen! Popular paint brands we’ve successfully matched in the past include Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, and Dulux. If we cannot achieve the desired colour match, we will always reach out to you.

*Please note that paint batches can vary, so allow for a 10% tolerance in shades. Additionally, the sheen level of an existing product may influence the appearance of the colour

What paint finish do you offer?

We use a durable acrylic eggshell finish for our painted furniture. This finish provides a smooth, elegant appearance that is long-lasting and easy to maintain. Should you need to make any touch-ups, we include a small pot of touch-up paint with your order for your convenience.

What VOC level is your paint?

Our paints are Premium Quality Low VOC at 3g/Litre, ensuring a healthier option for your home and the environment, without compromising on quality or durability.

Is your furniture sprayed or hand painted?

We hand-finish all our products as standard. For larger pieces of furniture, such as sideboards and vanity units, we use a spraying technique, especially for lighter colours. However, we still hand-paint all our wooden table frames to ensure a high-quality finish.

Do you offer a guarantee on your furniture?

We guarantee that the wood, paint, mechanisms, and handles of our furniture are free from defects for a period of 12 months, provided that you adhere to our oral and written instructions regarding the storage, installation, use, care, and maintenance of the product. Please refer to the care advice available here for detailed guidance.

This warranty does not cover damages resulting from fair wear and tear or external factors, such as misuse by children or pets. Additionally, please note that products may vary slightly from their images on our website, as highlighted in the preceding paragraph.The warranty does not include apparent defects in natural materials, such as knots in the wood, which are considered part of the inherent character of the furniture. It also excludes inaccuracies in measurements provided within the specified tolerances. For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

How accurate are the dimensions listed on the website?

All dimensions provided are as accurate as possible, but please allow for the listed tolerances below due to the handmade nature of our products. For detailed information, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

The tolerances may vary as follows:

  • Standard Oak Thickness: 30-35mm
  • Standard Pine Thickness: 43-48mm
  • Metal Work Measurements: ± 15mm
  • Table Length Measurements: ± 20mm
  • All Other Measurements: ± 15mm
Can I cancel my order?

You may cancel your order free of charge if you contact us within 24 hours of your purchase. After this period, cancellations may not be possible, as all our pieces are made to order and materials will have been ordered and customised to your specifications. In such cases, you may incur a cancellation fee or receive a partial refund to cover the costs of materials.

For further details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Can I have a bespoke size table?

Yes, as we hand-craft all our furniture to order, we can make our product ranges to any size and specification to suit your home. If you have a size request or completely new design in mind that isn’t on our website, our designers can work with you to create a fully bespoke piece. 

Do benches fit under the tables?

Yes, our benches are designed to fit neatly beneath our tables. If you’re ordering a custom size, we can ensure the bench fits perfectly. As a general guideline, subtract 35 cm from the table length to determine your bench size. This allows enough room for the bench to fit between the legs and slide in and out comfortably without hitting the table legs. Please note that this calculation may not apply to all table styles. Contact our sales team if you need confirmation on the bench length for your table choice.

How many chairs can I fit under the table?

The number of chairs you can fit around your table depends on the table size and your seating choice, especially if you select wider, upholstered chairs. Please keep this in mind when deciding on your seating arrangement.

Below is a general guide to how many people can sit comfortably around different table sizes. This will vary depending on your chair size, the table style, and the leg placement. If you’re unsure which size to choose, feel free to contact us for advice.

  • 4ft table – Seats 4-6 (2 per side, 1 at each end)
  • 5ft table – Seats 6 (2 per side, 1 at each end)
  • 6ft table – Seats 6-8 (3 per side, 1 at each end)
  • 7ft table – Seats 8 (3 per side, 1 at each end)
  • 8ft table – Seats 10 (4 per side, 1 at each end)
  • 9ft table – Seats 12 (5 per side, 1 at each end)
  • 10ft table – Seats 14 (6 per side, 1 at each end)

If you need help determining the right size for your space, our team is happy to assist!

Can I have a drawer in my table?

Yes, you can add a drawer to your table in many of our wooden frame tables (excluding the metal base styles). If drawers are available to add on they can be selected in the product listing. Drawers are  added to the long side of your table. Below are the drawer dimensions: 

Internal drawer measurements: 56 cm (W) x 41 cm (L) x 3.7 cm (D)

External measurements: 60 cm (W) x 45 cm (L)

What size is a table extension?

We offer extension leaves for almost all of our dining tables, whether pine, oak, or metal-based. These leaves can be added to both ends of the table and easily slotted in when needed. When not in use, they should be stored in a room with a similar temperature to the table for optimal care. For convenient storage, the metal arms can be removed from the leaf if required.

As standard the extension leaves are 60cm long, adding 2 extra seats to your table.

With continuous wood grain across the table and the extension leaf, there’s no cross grain here! Please note, extension leaves must be ordered at the time of your table order, as they cannot be retrofitted later. They’re the ideal solution for larger dinners and gatherings.

What are the standard dimensions of the tables?

Standard dimensions may vary depending on the design, and you can find specific measurements in each product listing. However, we offer the option to make all tables to your custom sizing if needed.

As a general guide, the majority of our wooden table frames are approximately:

  • Height: 76 cm
  • Clearance from floor to underside of the table skirt: 63 cm

If you require a bespoke width, height, or other custom specifications beyond the listed variations, please use our Bespoke Enquiry Form to share your requirements, and we’ll be happy to assist you

Will my table top look exactly like the product pictured in the listing?

Each piece of wood is unique, so while the general style will match, natural variations in grain, knots, and colour may occur. This is part of the charm of solid wood furniture.

I don’t want cracks or knots in my furniture, is that possible?

We embrace the natural beauty of wood, including knots, hairline surface cracks, and other character markings that make each piece unique. If you’re looking for furniture without these natural features, we might not be the right fit for you.

Are Cracks and Movement in Wood Normal?

Wood is a natural material that responds to changes in temperature and humidity by expanding and contracting. These movements may occasionally result in visible changes, such as small cracks or shifts in the wood’s surface. This is not considered a fault but a natural and expected feature of solid wood.

While we take great care to ensure our products are built to withstand typical environmental changes, the conditions in your home can impact the wood over time. As your furniture adjusts to its surroundings, minor movements or hairline cracks may occur. These are part of the wood’s natural behaviour and should be embraced as part of its character.

To help prolong the life of your furniture and minimise the effects of atmospheric changes, we recommend placing your piece in a room with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid situating items near heat sources such as radiators, ovens, or wood burners.

All of our timber is treated to help protect against issues such as insect activity and rot. However, as with all natural materials, these risks cannot be completely eliminated. In the unlikely event that any issues arise, we suggest treating the affected area with a suitable wood treatment or insect repellent. Having taken all reasonable precautions, we cannot accept liability for damage arising from these natural occurrences.

Due to the handmade nature of our furniture and the rustic character of character grade wood, natural imperfections such as colour variation, knots, and uneven grain are to be expected and embraced. These features are a hallmark of genuine, timber and not defects. If you prefer consistent colour and finish, we recommend choosing a different product.

Will knots show through the painted finish over time?

We apply a specialist knot-blocking solution to all visible knots before priming and painting your furniture. This is a standard part of our preparation process and helps prevent knots from bleeding through the paint.

However, due to the natural resins found in wood—particularly in Pine—knots can sometimes reappear over time, especially with lighter paint colours and increased light exposure. This is not a fault but a natural result of the resin in the wood working its way to the surface gradually, even after treatment.

While we take every precaution to prevent this from happening, it is not something we can fully control. To help keep your furniture looking its best, we include a small touch-up pot of paint with your order, which can be used if any knots begin to show through.

Will sap leak from the knots in my Pine table top?

You may notice a small amount of sap (resin) appearing from some of the knots in your Pine table top, particularly during periods of warmer weather. This is completely natural and more common in softwoods like Pine, which can contain trapped sap that becomes more fluid when exposed to heat.

Sap is essentially the tree’s “blood”—a mix of water, sugars, and other natural compounds. Although the wood is carefully dried during processing, small pockets of sap can remain deep within the knots. When the furniture is placed in a warm environment or experiences a sudden change in temperature, this trapped sap can soften and rise to the surface.

It usually wipes away easily with a dry cloth or a small amount of white spirit if needed. The sap may reappear once or twice, especially during warm spells, but it will settle down as the wood continues to acclimatise to your home.

To help minimise this:

  • Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight where possible
  • Avoid placing it near heat sources like radiators or stoves
  • Allow the wood to adjust gradually to your room’s temperature

These natural quirks are part of the charm of using solid wood and add to the unique character of every piece.

What walls can the shelves be fitted to, do I need special fixings?

Our shelves come with durable 90-degree steel brackets or Gallows brackets, depending on your selection, along with all necessary screws and fixings. We don’t predrill the wood for the brackets, allowing you the flexibility to position them exactly where you need them. This is particularly useful if you have a specific spot in mind or need to avoid hidden pipes within the walls. Just ensure the brackets are placed close enough to the ends for adequate support.

The fixings provided with our shelves are designed specifically for installation on masonry walls. If you’re planning to install your shelves on plasterboard, you’ll need to acquire suitable fittings from your local hardware store. We recommend using ‘Gripit Plasterboard Fixings’ from Screwfix or similar alternatives. 

If you have any doubts about the installation process, consulting a professional is a wise choice. For more detailed guidance, please visit our fitting instructions section for a step-by-step guide on how to install your shelves.

Can your furniture be situated near a heat source such as an aga or log burner?

We don’t recommend placing wooden furniture too close to heat sources, as this can cause warping or cracking. A gap of at least 1.5 metres is advisable to reduce the risk of the wood fracturing.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the arrival of my new furniture?

Our wood is carefully selected, kiln-dried, and crafted in our workshop, maintaining a moisture content of 10% to 14%. In contrast, an average home’s moisture content is typically around 6% or lower.

To ensure the longevity of your table, it’s important to allow it to acclimatise to its new environment. We recommend placing it in a cool room and gradually increasing the heating temperature over a few weeks.

As oak is a natural material, it may experience slight movement and moisture loss. This minor movement can lead to small cracks, which are completely normal and can enhance the rustic charm of your furniture. Additionally, over time, the natural wood will darken, particularly with exposure to sunlight.

On delivery day please ensure there is clear access to the room where your furniture will be placed. For larger items, check that doorways and hallways are wide enough for delivery as the majority of our furniture is fully assembled.

How do I look after my table?

To protect the surface of your table, we recommend using coasters and placemats. For routine cleaning, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and warm water—avoid using any cleaning products. Be sure to dry the table thoroughly after cleaning.

For specific care instructions, please visit our Pine and Oak Furniture Care pages, as the maintenance for these materials differs. To keep your table looking its best over the long term, consider occasional re-finishing or oiling. For further guidance and to find suitable wood finishes, check out our table care pages and recommended care products.

I have marked my table and I can’t remove it? What should I do?

If you notice a mark on your table that you can’t remove, we recommend checking our individual Pine and Oak Care pages for specific repair instructions, as the methods vary for each type of wood.

For Oak tables finished with our Rubio Monocoat oils, spot repairs may be possible, especially if the stain can’t be removed with our specifically designed stain removal products. For the best results, please refer to our table care products, which include cleaning products recommended by Rubio for use on your oiled Oak furniture.

In contrast, removing a stain from Pine tops usually involves sanding the entire surface back to bare wood and refinishing it. For more detailed information on repair options, please visit our care pages.

How do I avoid the furniture damaging my flooring?

We provide felt pads for our tables and chairs where applicable. Please note that underfloor heating may cause these pads to become detached over time, so they may need to be replaced periodically.

To protect your flooring from scratches or damage, we recommend using additional felt pads or furniture gliders under the legs of your furniture.

When moving your pieces, please avoid dragging them across the floor. Always lift the item to move it, using assistance if needed. This approach helps prevent damage to both your flooring and the furniture by distributing weight evenly.

What is the lead time?

Our lead times vary depending on the product. As all our solid wood furniture is made to order, we need time for our workshop to craft your items. Each piece has its own lead time, which can vary. You can find the specific lead times for each product on the product page but please contact us directly for up to date lead times. We do advise against using these lead times to schedule tradesmen or renovations, as there may be occasional delays in manufacturing and delivery which are out of our control.

We strive to keep you updated if any delays occur. To ensure smooth communication, please provide correct contact details (mobile number and email) when placing your order.

Can I delay my order until I’m ready?

Yes, we can hold your order for a limited time if you’re not ready to receive it. Just let us know in advance. Upon ordering if you know you won’t need your order until a house sale completes or until renovation work is complete please advise us and we can delay manufacturing slightly to avoid storing the furniture unnecessarily.

What locations do you deliver to?

We deliver across the UK using our in-house delivery team or trusted third-party couriers. Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, we also welcome customer collections. For customers in remote areas that we don’t service regularly, we may arrange for your order to be delivered via a pallet delivery service. You will be informed of this option when your delivery is scheduled.

Who delivers my order?

We deliver 90% of our large furniture items using our own personal drivers or trusted third-party private couriers to ensure your items arrive as intended. Due to this, we cannot offer a choice of delivery dates or times. We operate on a 2-3 week rotation across the UK, so if you cannot accept delivery on the date provided, the next available slot may be in another 1-3 weeks depending on your location. We do provide a 2-3 hour delivery window to avoid unnecessary waiting, and our drivers can call when they are 30 minutes away.

Please note that we mainly deliver on weekdays; however, occasionally, deliveries may fall on a weekend. For more remote locations that we don’t cover as frequently, we may use a pallet service. In such cases, we will liaise with you directly to arrange delivery and advise on any differences in the service.

Deliveries are made by a single driver, so we ask that someone be available at the property to assist with bringing the item inside. Standard deliveries are to the ground floor only, unless otherwise arranged and confirmed with our sales team.

How does my item get delivered?

Your furniture will be delivered either by our in-house team or a trusted delivery partner. Most items arrive fully assembled. Tables typically arrive with detached legs and will require assembly by the customer unless otherwise specified. By delivering the majority of our orders with our in-house vehicles and drivers, we reduce the need for unnecessary packaging, further minimising waste.

I need it to be a two person delivery – what do I do?

If you require a two-person delivery service or delivery beyond the ground floor, please notify us prior to ordering, as these services are not included as standard and may incur additional costs.

Do you deliver to Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight or other UK islands?

We’re really sorry, but we only deliver to mainland UK. This means we’re unable to deliver to Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight, or other UK islands, including parts of the Scottish Isles.

We previously offered pallet delivery to some of these locations, but it became increasingly difficult—and costly—to resolve any issues with damaged or delayed goods. As a small business, we’ve had to make the tough decision to stop delivering to these areas for the time being.

We know this may be disappointing and we truly appreciate your understanding.

Do you deliver internationally?

We do not offer international delivery as standard. However, please get in touch with your request, and we will provide a quote if we can facilitate this.

I am unable to accept delivery on the date you have provided. What do I do now?

If you are unable to accept delivery on the scheduled date and time, please contact us as soon as possible, and we will reschedule your delivery. Please note that since we plan our delivery runs in-house on a rotation basis, we may not be back in your area for another 2-3 weeks, depending on your location.

I have missed my confirmed delivery, what happens now?

If no one is available at your address to accept delivery after confirming your ability to do so, our delivery partner will return the items to the workshop. In some cases, smaller items (such as shelving) may be left with a neighbour or in a safe place if you have confirmed this is acceptable. We will then contact you to rearrange delivery when we next have a driver in your area (please note, this may take 1-3 weeks). Alternatively, you can arrange to collect the products from us, but please be aware that you may incur an additional delivery fee or a wasted delivery fee.

I have received my order but I ordered incorrectly. What do I do now?

You are responsible for ensuring that the items you purchase will fit into the intended space and can be delivered through any openings to their final location. If you order a custom-built item based on your measurements, it is your responsibility to ensure those measurements are accurate. If you have any doubts, we recommend contacting us for guidance before placing your order. Please note that all items are bespoke, and we cannot exchange them for larger or smaller sizes if measurements are incorrect.

Contact us as soon as possible to discuss a solution. Depending on the issue, we may be able to assist with modifications however this will incur an additional cost as we are not liable for incorrect orders placed.

I have received my order but something isn’t right. How do I report it?

If something isn’t right with your order, please  contact our Customer Service Team: [email protected] within 48 hours of delivery. We’ll work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Can I return my order?

As most of our furniture is made to order, tailored to your requested size and finished according to your specifications, returns are not possible. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details on our return policy. We are happy to provide any advice needed prior to purchase to ensure you get everything right before placing your order.

I have had my furniture for a while but it has developed a fault. What should I do?

If your furniture develops a fault within the 12-month guarantee period (provided you have followed our oral and written instructions for storage, installation, use, care, and maintenance—please refer to our Terms & Conditions for more details), please contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Can’t find an answer to your question? Contact the team – we will be happy to help.