Long Bay Custom Furniture in Murrells Inlet: What to Expect When You Order

Long Bay Custom Furniture makes built-to-order pieces in Murrells Inlet

Long Bay Custom Furniture is a made-to-order furniture workshop located in Murrells Inlet, near the North Carolina border. Rather than selling stock items from a showroom, the shop builds furniture to your specifications—meaning you choose the wood, finish, upholstery, dimensions, and hardware. This approach takes longer than buying off-the-floor but lets you get exactly what fits your space and matches your home.

The shop works with customers on residential pieces: dining tables, bedroom sets, cabinets, shelving, and upholstered seating. Because each piece is built after you order it, lead times run several weeks to a few months depending on the complexity and current workshop load. You'll typically visit in person to discuss your project, review wood and finish samples, and agree on a timeline and price before work begins.

Key Takeaways

• Long Bay Custom Furniture builds pieces to your order rather than selling ready-made stock, so you control wood type, finish, size, and upholstery details.
• Lead times are typically several weeks to a few months because each piece is made after you place your order.
• The shop is located in Murrells Inlet and works best for customers who can visit in person to discuss their project and review samples.
• You'll need to have a clear idea of what you want—or be willing to work with the craftspeople to develop one—before placing an order.

How the ordering process works

Start by visiting the shop or calling to schedule a consultation. Bring photos, measurements, or sketches of the space where the furniture will go, and any inspiration images that show the style you're after. The craftspeople will walk you through wood options (oak, cherry, walnut, maple, and others depending on availability), stain and paint finishes, hardware choices, and upholstery fabrics if the piece includes seating.

Once you've settled on the design, you'll receive a quote that covers materials and labor. A deposit is typically required to begin work, with the balance due upon completion or delivery. The shop will give you a realistic timeline based on their current workload and the complexity of your piece. Communication during the build is straightforward—you can check in on progress, and the shop will let you know if any adjustments are needed.

What makes custom furniture different from store-bought

Custom furniture costs more upfront than mass-produced pieces, but you're paying for fit, durability, and the ability to match your exact needs. A custom dining table can be built to your exact length and width, with the wood grain and finish you want. A custom cabinet can be designed to fit an awkward wall or hold specific items. Store-bought furniture often requires compromise—the size isn't quite right, the finish doesn't match your other pieces, or the quality isn't what you hoped.

Long Bay's pieces are built by hand in a local workshop, which means you know where your furniture comes from and can see the craftsmanship. If something needs repair or adjustment years later, you have a relationship with the maker rather than a distant manufacturer. For homeowners in the Murrells Inlet area who want furniture that lasts and fits their home perfectly, this model makes sense.

Wood and finish options

The shop works with several domestic hardwoods, each with its own grain pattern and color. Oak is durable and has a pronounced grain; cherry is warm and darkens over time; walnut is rich and dark; maple is light and fine-grained. Availability can vary, so ask what's in stock or can be sourced for your timeline. Softwoods like pine are sometimes used for painted pieces or rustic styles.

Finishes range from natural stain (which shows the wood grain) to paint in various colors and sheens. You can see samples in the shop and discuss durability—some finishes are better for tables that will see heavy use, while others work better for decorative pieces. The shop can also discuss maintenance: how to care for the finish once the piece is in your home.

Upholstery and hardware choices

If your piece includes seating—a bench, chair, sofa, or headboard—you'll choose the upholstery fabric. The shop typically has sample books from fabric suppliers, so you can feel the texture and see the color in person. Durability matters here: high-traffic pieces like dining chairs need sturdy, stain-resistant fabrics, while a bedroom bench can use something softer or more decorative.

Hardware—drawer pulls, hinges, knobs, and other metal fittings—also gets your input. The shop can show you options in different metals (brass, iron, stainless steel) and styles (modern, traditional, rustic). These small details affect the overall look and feel of the piece, so take time to consider them alongside the wood and finish.

Delivery and setup

Once your piece is complete, the shop will arrange delivery to your home. Larger pieces like dining tables or bedroom sets may require professional delivery to ensure they arrive safely and are positioned correctly. Discuss delivery costs and timing when you place your order—this varies based on distance and the size of the piece. The shop can also discuss assembly if needed and answer questions about placement and care.

Before the piece leaves the workshop, you'll have a chance to inspect it and confirm it meets your expectations. If any adjustments are needed, the shop can usually make them before delivery. Once it's in your home, you'll have the contact information to reach out if questions arise about care or maintenance.

Planning your visit to Long Bay Custom Furniture

Murrells Inlet is located about 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach and about 15 minutes north of Georgetown. If you're visiting the area, you can combine a furniture consultation with other activities—the inlet itself has restaurants, shops, and waterfront access. If you live in the Lowcountry, the shop is a reasonable drive for a consultation.

Call ahead to schedule your visit rather than dropping in, especially if you want to discuss a specific project. Bring measurements of your space, photos of your home's style, and any inspiration images. If you're not sure exactly what you want, the craftspeople can help you think through options—but having a general sense of your needs and style will make the conversation more productive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a custom piece?

Lead times typically range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the piece and the shop's current workload. Simple pieces like a small table might be faster; complex projects like a full bedroom set take longer. The shop will give you a specific timeline when you place your order.

Can I see the piece before it's delivered?

Yes. You'll have the opportunity to inspect the finished piece at the workshop before delivery. If any adjustments are needed, the shop can usually make them at that point. This is your chance to confirm the color, finish, size, and overall quality match what you ordered.

What if I change my mind about the design after I've ordered?

Changes are possible early in the process, but become harder once work has begun. Discuss any concerns as soon as they come up. The shop will let you know what can be adjusted and whether changes will affect the timeline or cost.

Do you offer refinishing or repair of existing furniture?

Contact the shop directly to ask about refinishing or repair services. Some custom furniture makers offer these services for pieces they've built or for other furniture, but it varies by shop. A phone call will give you a clear answer.

What's the price range for custom furniture?

Pricing depends on the wood, size, complexity, and finish. A simple dining table will cost less than an elaborate cabinet with multiple drawers and hardware. Get a quote during your consultation based on your specific project—this is the only way to know what your piece will cost.