98 Ventures in Charleston: Handmade Furniture and Local Craft

What 98 Ventures offers

98 Ventures is a Charleston-based furniture maker and showroom specializing in handcrafted pieces built to order. The studio creates custom wood furniture—tables, chairs, shelving, and bedroom pieces—designed by the makers themselves and built in their workshop. Rather than stocking mass-produced inventory, 98 Ventures works directly with customers to design pieces that fit a specific space, style preference, or functional need.

The showroom is located in Charleston's design district and displays samples of their work, wood options, and finish choices. Customers can visit to see the quality of construction firsthand, discuss design ideas with the makers, and place orders for custom pieces. Lead times vary depending on the complexity of the design and current workshop capacity, typically ranging from several weeks to a few months.

Key Takeaways

• 98 Ventures builds furniture to order rather than selling ready-made pieces, so you work directly with the makers to design what you need.
• The showroom displays wood samples, finishes, and completed pieces so you can see construction quality and discuss design options in person.
• Custom orders allow you to specify dimensions, wood type, and finish to match your space and style preferences.
• Pricing reflects handmade construction and custom design, and you should expect lead times of several weeks or longer depending on the project.

The design and ordering process

When you visit 98 Ventures, the first step is discussing what you need—whether that is a dining table for a specific room size, a bookshelf to fit an awkward wall, or bedroom furniture in a particular style. The makers ask about dimensions, how you plan to use the piece, and your aesthetic preferences. They show you wood samples (typically hardwoods like walnut, oak, cherry, or maple) and explain how different finishes—natural oil, stain, or paint—will look and wear over time.

Once you and the maker agree on a design, they create a detailed plan and provide a quote. The quote includes materials, labor, and timeline. You place a deposit to secure your spot in the workshop schedule, and the maker builds your piece. You are invited back to see the finished work before it leaves the studio, and the makers can explain how to care for and maintain your new furniture.

Wood types and finishes available

98 Ventures works primarily with solid hardwoods chosen for durability and appearance. The specific woods available may vary, but typically include walnut (dark, rich grain), white oak (light with prominent grain), cherry (warm reddish tone that deepens with age), and maple (pale, fine grain). Reclaimed or salvaged wood is sometimes available depending on what the makers have sourced.

Finishes range from natural oil that shows the wood grain clearly, to stains in various tones, to painted finishes in custom colors. The makers discuss which finish works best for your intended use—for example, a kitchen table might benefit from a more durable polyurethane topcoat, while a bedroom dresser could use a softer oil finish. They explain maintenance requirements so you understand how to care for the piece long-term.

Why custom furniture costs more than mass-produced options

Handmade furniture carries a higher price tag than factory-made pieces because each item is built by skilled craftspeople using solid materials and time-intensive techniques. The maker is not cutting corners with veneers, particle board, or assembly-line speed. Your piece is built to last decades, not years, and is designed specifically for your space rather than manufactured to fit a generic market.

You are also paying for the design consultation—the maker's time spent understanding your needs and creating a custom plan. If you need modifications mid-build or want to change a detail, that flexibility costs more than a fixed production schedule. The result is furniture that fits your life exactly, rather than forcing your life to fit off-the-shelf dimensions and styles.

Visiting the showroom

The 98 Ventures showroom is open by appointment or during posted hours. Calling ahead ensures a maker is available to discuss your project in detail rather than a quick walk-through. The showroom displays finished pieces, wood samples, and hardware options so you can see the quality and range of what is possible. Bring measurements of the space where your furniture will go, photos of your room if helpful, and a clear sense of what you are looking for.

If you are unsure about design direction, the makers are accustomed to working with customers who have only a vague idea of what they want. Bring inspiration photos from magazines or websites, or describe the style you are drawn to, and they will translate that into a piece that works for your specific situation. The consultation itself is free; you only pay if you decide to move forward with an order.

Delivery and installation

98 Ventures handles delivery of finished pieces, typically within the Charleston area. Larger items like dining tables or bedroom sets may require coordination to ensure safe transport and placement in your home. The makers can advise on doorway widths, stair clearances, and other logistics before the piece is built, so there are no surprises on delivery day.

Installation support varies by piece—a simple table may just need to be set in place, while a built-in shelving unit or custom bed frame might require assembly or minor adjustments. Discuss delivery and setup details when you place your order so you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a custom piece?

Lead times depend on the complexity of the design and the workshop's current schedule. Simple pieces might take four to six weeks, while more involved projects can take two to three months or longer. The maker will give you a specific timeline when you place your order.

Can I see examples of 98 Ventures' work before ordering?

Yes. The showroom displays completed pieces and samples of different wood types and finishes. You can also ask the makers to show you photos of past projects similar to what you are considering. Seeing finished work helps you understand quality and style before committing to an order.

What if I change my mind about the design after placing an order?

Changes made early in the building process are usually possible, though they may affect the timeline or cost. Changes made late in construction may not be feasible. Discuss any concerns or second thoughts with the maker as soon as they arise so you can find a solution together.

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Payment terms vary by order size. A deposit is required to secure your spot in the schedule, and the balance is typically due before delivery. Ask about payment options when you discuss your project with the maker.

How do I care for handmade wood furniture?

Care depends on the finish. Oil finishes may need occasional reapplication; stained or painted finishes require dusting and occasional cleaning with appropriate products. The makers provide care instructions with your finished piece and are happy to answer questions about maintenance.