Ordering & Terms

How a Grove Story commission works — from deposit to delivery day.

Thank you for considering a Grove Story piece. Everything we build is made to order, by hand, from solid North American hardwood — which means your table is built for you and only you. There is no warehouse it comes out of and no floor model to swap it with.

That's why the terms below exist. They keep the process clear and fair for both of us, so we can spend our energy where it belongs: on building you something remarkable. Please read them before placing your deposit. If anything here raises a question, ask us first — we'd rather talk it through than leave you wondering.

Reserving Your Build — The Deposit

A 50% deposit reserves your place in our build queue and covers the hardwood and materials purchased specifically for your project.

Because those materials are bought to your exact specification — your species, your dimensions, your design — the deposit is non-refundable once it is placed. Your build slot and design are held for you as soon as the deposit is received.

Final Payment

The remaining 50% balance is due in full once your table is complete, before your delivery is scheduled. When your piece is finished, we'll send you photos of the final table and settle the balance — then we schedule your delivery date.

We handle it this way on purpose, and it works in your favor. It means your table arrives fully paid and ready to enjoy, with no invoicing, paperwork, or payment to sort out at your door. Delivery day should be the celebration — the moment your table comes home — not a transaction on the doorstep.

Build Timeline — 8 to 12 Weeks

Most Grove Story tables are completed within 8 to 12 weeks, and the clock starts the day your deposit is received.

Your design, dimensions, species, and finish are settled before you place a deposit — so nothing sits waiting on paperwork once the clock is running. Changes or additions requested after that point may carry an additional fee and added time.

Solid wood is a natural material. Lumber availability, proper drying, and finishing time can occasionally shift the schedule. If that happens, we'll always let you know. We build at the pace the craft requires, and we don't rush a piece meant to last generations.

Design Approval and Changes

Before a single board is cut, we confirm your final design, dimensions, wood species, and finish — in writing. This is the moment to get everything exactly the way you want it.

Once you've approved the design and cutting begins, the design is locked. Solid wood cannot be un-cut. As a final safeguard, we check in with you once more before final assembly to confirm color and layout. After that point, changes are generally not possible.

Because a custom build is planned, sourced, and executed around your approved design, change requests made before cutting carry significant additional cost and added time — and some changes simply cannot be accommodated.

For story and heirloom builds, the objects and elements to be incorporated are set during the design phase. We love making something deeply meaningful, but the scope is defined up front. Additions after design lock are considered case by case and are not guaranteed.

Cancellations

Your deposit is non-refundable once it is placed. It holds your slot in the build queue and commits the hardwood bought specifically for your piece.

If your plans change, tell us as early as you can. We will always talk it through and do what we reasonably can — but please place your deposit knowing that it is not returnable.

Delivery and Installation

Standard delivery brings your finished table to your home and into your entryway or garage.

Optional in-home placement — where we carry the piece to its room and set it in position — is available as a good-faith courtesy. When we assist in moving a piece inside your home, we do so in good faith and are not liable for incidental damage to floors, doorways, walls, or the home.

Before delivery, please confirm a clear, adequate path and access to the room. For new-construction homes or large installations, we'll coordinate timing case by case so everyone is on the same page about when the space is ready.

Warranty and Repairs

Grove Story stands behind the structural integrity of every table for the original purchaser. The Our Standards page details exactly what is and is not covered — natural wood movement, grain and color variation, seasonal checking, patina, and normal wear are expected characteristics of solid wood and are not defects.

If a covered warranty repair is needed, the customer is responsible for disassembly (where applicable) and for transportation to and from the shop. Any damage that occurs during disassembly or transport by the customer is not covered.

If the original materials are no longer available at the time of repair, we reserve the right to substitute materials of equal or greater value. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper humidity, heat, moisture, or abrasive cleaning, and does not extend to pieces used commercially.

Storage and Pickup

Once your table is complete, we hold it free of charge for up to two weeks. Beyond that window, a modest weekly storage fee applies, as shop and garage space is limited.

For new-construction homes or projects with timing outside your control, we'll coordinate a delivery window together — just keep us posted so we can plan around your move-in.

Photography and Marketing

Grove Story may photograph completed work for our portfolio and marketing. Most pieces are styled and photographed in our shop before delivery, so your finished table never has to leave a controlled setting for a photo.

If you'd prefer we not photograph your piece, simply let us know in writing.

Questions Before You Order?

By placing your deposit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these terms. A signed copy is provided with your design approval.

If anything above is unclear, ask before you order. We'd rather spend twenty minutes on the phone than have you wondering about something for twelve weeks.

Ready to start your table?

Tell us about your space and we'll design it together.