5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Handcrafted Chair

Not every chair that calls itself handcrafted actually is. Some are machine-made with a hand-finished detail. Others are built by a single craftsperson from raw material to final stitch. The difference matters — not just for aesthetics, but for how the piece ages, holds up, and feels in your space over the years.

Here are five questions worth asking before you commit.

1. Who actually made this?

A factory with 200 workers and a workshop with 5 artisans produce very different things. Ask the brand to describe their production process. If they can not name the people or the place, that tells you something. At Goods Istanbul, every piece is made by a small team of skilled craftspeople in our Istanbul workshop. We know their names. They know ours.

2. What materials are you actually using?

Solid wood is not the same as plywood with a veneer. Hand-woven cord is not the same as machine-braided synthetic. Get specific. Ask for material specs. Good makers are proud to share this — it is part of the story. Our Rock collection, for example, uses solid beech wood and hand-woven cotton cord. Nothing is hidden or faked.

3. How long will this last?

Fast furniture lasts 3 to 5 years. A well-made handcrafted chair should last decades — potentially a lifetime if cared for properly. Ask about the joinery method. Mortise and tenon joints, for instance, are far more durable than screws and glue. Ask about the finish — is it sealed properly? Can it be refinished later?

4. Can I customize it?

One of the real advantages of handcrafted furniture is customization. If a brand can not adjust dimensions, wood type, cord color, or leather finish, they are probably not making it themselves. At Goods Istanbul, custom design is core to what we do. Different wood, different colors, different sizes — we build around your space, not the other way around.

5. What is the real cost per year?

A chair that costs $1,500 and lasts 20 years costs you $75 per year. A chair that costs $400 and falls apart in 3 years costs $133 per year — and generates waste. The math almost always favors quality. Add in the fact that a well-designed piece actually appreciates your space rather than cluttering it, and the case is clear.

Good furniture is not about spending more. It is about spending once.