Question 1

Where is Hand & Hewn based?

Accepted Answer

Hand & Hewn is a New York-based design partnership. We work with clients across New York and the wider United States, and every piece is hand-carved to order by our master artisans in Lahore, Pakistan, then shipped to your door.

Question 2

Can you furnish a whole home or a full renovation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our clients commission Hand & Hewn while renovating or building out a home, coordinating multiple made-to-measure pieces so beds, benches, credenzas, and tables share one design language. We work room by room or across the entire project, matching dimensions, finishes, and carving so everything feels intentional.

Question 3

I am moving into a new home. Can you make furniture that fits it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If you are moving or settling into a new space, we design each piece to your exact room dimensions, ceiling heights, and doorways, and adjust the finish to suit your palette. Because everything is made to order, your furniture arrives sized and styled for the home you are moving into, not a generic showroom floor.

Question 4

What is Sheesham wood?

Accepted Answer

Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), also known as Indian Rosewood, is a dense hardwood native to the Indian subcontinent. It is prized for exceptional durability, rich grain patterns, and warm honey-to-chocolate tones that deepen beautifully with age. We use only solid Sheesham, never veneers or particle board.

Question 5

How long does a co-carved commission take?

Accepted Answer

Custom co-carved pieces typically take 4 to 6 months from approval of final design to delivery. This includes hand-carving by our master artisans in Lahore, finishing, quality inspection, and international shipping. Larger or more intricate pieces (like the Kohal bed or Khat suite) sit toward the longer end of that range.

Question 6

Do you ship across the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hand & Hewn ships nationwide across the US, from New York to California, and worldwide as well. Every piece is crated and insured in transit, with white-glove options for larger commissions. Shipping cost and timeline depend on destination and piece size, and we include a complete quote with every commission.

Question 7

Can I provide my own sketch or design?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. That is the heart of the Co-Carved experience. Whether you arrive with a detailed sketch, a Pinterest board, specific dimensions, or only a feeling, our design team works with you to translate your vision into a piece our artisans can hand-carve in solid Sheesham.

Question 8

How is pricing determined?

Accepted Answer

Each piece is priced based on size, complexity of the hand-carving, choice of finish, and any custom hardware or upholstery. We share a transparent quote after our first design conversation, with no obligation to proceed.

Question 9

Will I see my piece before it ships?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You receive progress photographs at every milestone of the build, and final photographs of the finished piece for your approval before it is crated. The balance of your commission is only due once you have signed off.

Question 10

What finishes can I choose from?

Accepted Answer

Sheesham takes stain beautifully. Most clients choose between a natural finish that shows the honey-to-chocolate grain as it is, warmer amber tones, classic walnut, or deeper espresso and ebony stains. We confirm your finish with physical or photographed samples during the design stage.

Question 11

Can you adjust a collection piece rather than starting from scratch?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — this is the most common commission. Any piece in the Signature Collection can be resized, re-proportioned, or refinished for your space, and carving details can be simplified or elaborated. The quote reflects the changes.

Question 12

Do you work with interior designers and architects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We partner with designers and architects on client projects and full-home schemes, including made-to-measure pieces drawn to your specifications. See our For the Trade page or mention your practice when you inquire.

Question 13

Who handles customs and import paperwork?

Accepted Answer

We do. Hand & Hewn prepares all export documentation in Pakistan and coordinates customs clearance into the United States and other destinations. Any applicable import duties for your country are set out in your written quote before you commit, so there are no surprises at the door.

Question 14

What if my piece is damaged in transit?

Accepted Answer

Every shipment is insured for the full commissioned value from the moment it leaves the workshop until it is in your home. In the rare event of transit damage, document it on delivery and contact us within 48 hours — the insurance claim is ours to manage, and our artisans repair or rebuild your piece.

Question 15

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

International freight, customs clearance, and final delivery typically take 4 to 8 weeks after your piece passes final inspection. This window is already included in the overall 4-to-6-month commission timeline we quote.

Question 16

Do you deliver inside the home?

Accepted Answer

White-glove delivery — carrying the piece to its room, unpacking, placement, and removal of all crating — is available for larger commissions such as beds, suites, and credenzas. Standard insured delivery to your door is available for smaller pieces.

Question 17

How do I care for my Sheesham furniture?

Accepted Answer

Sheesham is remarkably low-maintenance. Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the rich tones. Apply a natural wood oil once a year to nourish the grain. With this simple care, your piece will deepen in character for generations.

Question 18

What does the guarantee cover?

Accepted Answer

Every piece is guaranteed to be what we say it is: solid Sheesham throughout, traditional joinery, no veneers, and no particle board. We stand behind the structural integrity of our work — if a joint or structural element fails under normal residential use, contact us and we will make it right.

Question 19

How do I care for the finish day to day?

Accepted Answer

Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Wipe spills promptly with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid silicone sprays and ammonia-based cleaners, which can cloud a hand-applied finish. Use coasters under glasses and trivets under anything hot.

Question 20

Will the color change over time?

Accepted Answer

Gently, and for the better. Sheesham deepens and warms with age, developing the patina that makes old rosewood furniture so sought after. To keep the change even, avoid placing a piece in prolonged direct sunlight and rotate objects that sit on its surface.

Question 21

What about dry winters and humid summers?

Accepted Answer

Solid wood breathes with the seasons. Keep pieces away from radiators and vents, and aim for moderate indoor humidity. Fine seasonal movement in solid Sheesham is natural and is exactly what the traditional joinery is built to accommodate.

Questions & Answers

The Studio & The Craft