Frequently Asked Questions

Submit your target dimensions, design inspiration, and wood species preferences by phone (205-377-6729), email, or our online inquiry form. Once we agree on an initial quote and preliminary design, a 50% deposit secures your spot in our shop queue, starts final CAD drawings, and begins timber selection. The remaining 50% balance is due upon completion before delivery or pickup.

Find out more about our step-by-step custom build process on our Custom Buying Guide.

Made-to-order furniture using our in-stock urban timber averages an 8 to 12-week lead time once shop drawings and deposits are approved. Select single-beam benches or standard inventory items take 6 to 8 weeks. Projects starting from fresh yard logs through our Tree Concierge program take 3 to 24 months to allow for proper air-drying and kiln curing. Costs depend on wood species, dimensions, and overall construction scope.

We work extensively with interior designers, architects, and commercial contractors. Qualified ASID, AIA, and trade professionals receive 20% off standard furniture and home accessories, along with volume-based discounts on larger projects. We also provide presentation drawings (CAD and 3D renderings), tear sheets, physical wood finish samples, and tax-exempt processing.

Designers and trade professionals can apply directly on our Trade Program Application.

Over 90% of our lumber is harvested within a 50-mile radius of Birmingham, Alabama. We source timber from municipal tree clearing, residential removals, storm damage, and local Southeastern sawmills. Sourcing locally lets us divert quality hardwoods from landfills and give native species like White Oak, Walnut, Pecan, and Beech a second life.

Read more about how we log and mill urban timber on Our Process page.

Through our Tree Concierge program, homeowners can turn downed yard trees into custom dining tables, desks, benches, or any other project. To start, submit tree photos and base measurements for review, then coordinate log delivery to our shop at 1700 Vanderbilt Road with your tree service. Milling fees are calculated using the Doyle Log Scale, and once the wood is air and kiln dried, we craft it into your finished piece.

Check out full instructions and steps in our Tree Concierge Guide.

Alabama Sawyer does not cut down trees or pay cash for standing yard timber. Property owners hire licensed local arborists or tree removal services to fell the tree safely and deliver qualified logs directly to our North Birmingham facility.

Find more details about log delivery terms on our Tree Concierge Menu & Instructions.

Logs must come from the main straight trunk section, as upper canopy branches warp heavily and yield little usable lumber. We require a base diameter of at least 20 inches and an optimal length of 10 to 12 feet. Logs must also have a solid core free of severe center rot, nails, fencing, or foreign metal.

We operate a working sawmilling and furniture workshop at 1700 Vanderbilt Road in Birmingham rather than a daily retail showroom. However, you can contact us to schedule a facility tour or a custom project consultation.

We are hosting a special event, our 10-Year Anniversary Gallery Exhibition from September 16th through September 26th, come view featured pieces and take part in our events. Find out more on our Event Page.

We ship nationwide to fit your project needs. For residential orders, our blanket-wrap white-glove delivery service brings the table directly into your home, sets it up in your room of choice, and handles all packaging removal. Commercial shipments are palleted or custom-crated.

Review our full policy on our Delivery & Returns page, or email us directly at Office@alasaw.com with any shipping questions.

Our small products are shipped via UPS, USPS, or DHL. For furniture, we prefer blanket-wrap shipping for the best care and quality of service, which also ensures nearly all packaging is reused indefinitely. When crates and freight shipping are required, we adjust accordingly.

Review full carrier guidelines on our Delivery & Returns page.