What to Expect When You Receive Your Custom Piece

beautiful salvaged white oak coffee table by Jaeger Design llc.

Packing for Protection

Every piece leaves our workshop wrapped and secured to withstand transit. We use premium protective materials — foam padding, corner guards, and custom crating when necessary — to shield the wood and finish from damage. Live-edge slabs are particularly vulnerable during transport, so we take extra care to stabilize the piece and prevent shifting.

Before your furniture leaves, we photograph it to document its condition. This record protects both you and us and gives us a reference point if any questions arise after delivery.

Shipping and Delivery

Depending on your location and the size of your piece, we coordinate delivery through trusted carriers or arrange personal delivery when feasible. You'll receive tracking information and a delivery window so you can plan accordingly.

For local or regional orders, we handle delivery personally — no freight carriers, no curbside drop-offs. We bring your furniture in, place it where you want it, and make sure you're happy with it before we leave. If anything needs a minor adjustment on-site, we handle it then and there.

Upon Arrival

Inspect your piece as soon as it arrives. Check for any visible damage to the packaging or the furniture itself. Open the crate or wrapping carefully — take photos if you notice anything concerning. If there's an issue, document it and contact us immediately so we can address it right away.

Once unpacked, allow your piece to acclimate to your home's environment for a few days before heavy use. This is especially important for live-edge wood, which may shift slightly as it adjusts to local humidity and temperature.

The Finish: Clean Armor

Your piece is finished with Clean Armor Tabletop Finish — a professional-grade coating used commercially for almost twenty years. It's resistant to everyday wear while preserving the natural look and feel of the wood beneath it.

Caring for Your Piece

Clean Armor is low maintenance by design, it will not require any future re-coating, but a few habits will keep your piece looking its best:

  • Wipe spills promptly — the finish is water-resistant, not waterproof. Don't let standing liquid sit.
  • Use coasters and trivets — especially for hot items directly from the stove or oven.
  • Clean with a damp cloth — mild soap and water is all you need. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
  • Avoid direct, prolonged sunlight — UV exposure can shift the color of the wood over time.

What's Normal

Live-edge wood is a natural material and will continue to express that over time. Minor seasonal movement — slight expansion or contraction with changes of seasons — is normal and not a defect. The grain, figure, and character you fell in love with during slab selection will only deepen with age.

Questions After Delivery?

We stand behind our work. If you have questions about your piece after delivery — care, touch-ups, or anything else — reach out directly. We'd rather hear from you than have you wonder. Contact us here.

Thank you for reading this article, and I hope you've gained a little.

                       Brendan Jaeger, Jaeger Design LLC.