My Poor Review
6' Wide x 12' Long Rustic Table top for a client's existing table base. The client requested a 'staggered plank' pine table top built in sections for their existing metal table base that was 4' wide and 11' long. He wanted a multi-colored 'reclaimed patchwork' appearance and asked me to use 3/4" pine. I suggested that for a table that large, it should be built on frames to give it additional stability and a 1.5" thick edge. The client agreed. I then sent him images of a panel with the multi color look he had requested, which frankly, I didn't like the looks of. He then decided to have me finish the panels in an aged gray stain, which I did. As a result, I had unused paints and stains and also had to buy the new gray stain which he had requested. I re-sanded and refinished the original panel and finished the other panels all at no additional cost to the client. When it was time to install, the client whom I had dealt with was out of town and it was clear from the moment we arrived that his wife had no interest in either the existing table base, nor the top that had been built for it. As we were finishing the install, she complained that food crumbs would get in the gaps of the boards. Even though the staggered plank design had been requested, the joints were extremely tight and the small gaps between some of the panels were filled and stained (see close up images). She complained about the smell of the stain and when I spoke to her husband on the phone he suggested that 'for my trouble' I take the entire table including the large base that would never have fit in my vehicle and sell it. At that point, I realized that any additional effort to please this client would be wasting additional time and money, so I packed up my tools as my assistant thoroughly cleaned the hardwood floor of the sawdust and metal shavings from drilling out the table base for the installation. By the way, did I mention that this was a 'rush' job, 500 miles away and that to accommodate this client, I delivered on a weekend? I suggest that you examine the photos, read my other reviews and judge for yourself.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
I started designing and crafting custom furniture for clients over forty years ago as a teenager in my father's garage. After thirty-five years in international business; I have returned to my roots. I work with a variety of hardwoods including; oak, walnut, maple, mahogany and metals including steel, stainless steel and copper.
My designs are not for everyone, but if you were looking for conventional, cheap and temporary, you'd be browsing the IKEA website.
My clients don't buy furniture, they adopt functional art. My privilege is to reveal the next life of the once living tree. I start with the wood and often use the pieces others would avoid. What others see as flaws that would slow production, I see as character that deserves to be celebrated.
I subscribe to the idea of "Japanese Quality" derived from Total Quality Management. In this context there are two kinds of quality:
Atarimae hinshitsu and Miryokuteki hinshitsu.
Atarimae hinshitsu（当 たり前品質） - The idea that things will work as they are supposed to (e.g. a pen will write). It is the functional requirement.
Miryokuteki hinshitsu （魅 力的品質）- The idea that things should have an aesthetic quality which is different from "atarimae hinshitsu" (e.g. a pen will write in a way that is pleasing to the writer, and leave behind ink that is pleasing to the reader).
I encourage you to view my designs while knowing I would love an opportunity to craft something especially for you.
- DS
Dee Sink
For Dee's Media Cabinet5.0Dana Valley is easy to work with. He's conscientious and meticulous. We are delighted with the overall project and will definitely work with him again.
- BM
Brent Meyer
For Table Top1.7What started off a a great project ended terribly. Dana built a rustic table top for us an promised he would secure it to our base. The top was full of large gaps - it was made of thin wood and he did not secure it. In fact it could fall on any one of our children and hurt them (or worse). When we tried to discuss with him, he picked up his tools - turned off his phone - and left.
MLMaggie Levine
For custom redwood parsons table2.3I initially posted an extremely positive review for Dana. I loved my table and found him to be a pleasure to work with. Unfortunately, when the table developed an enormous crack, and I contacted him multiple times and sent photos, Dana never replied. I'm so disappointed and contacted Custom Made Support to allow me to change my review.
ALAdrian L
For Walnut Two Level Round Coffee Table5.0Very happy with the custom coffee table Dana Valley has created for us. I can see the dedication and time he put into it. He is timely in responding to any questions or concerns via email or message through custommade.com. He delivered the table straight to our home as promised. The completion time was a little delayed by few days but it was still close to estimated date. He had a few other orders to finish before ours. This can be expected with any custom made orders, we would not want them to rush any projects and cut corners. I would rather have him put the necessary time and care to do things right, and we got exactly what we wanted. Thank you Dana Valley, I would highly recommend to you, 5 stars all around!
BSBowie Sims
For custom bed5.0Dana did an exquisite job on our custom bed for our daughter. He thought of everything and once it was assembled, we were delighted. He is also very prompt with communication.
- BM
Bradley Morone
For Industrial Style Reclaimed Wood And Steel Dining Table Or Desk4.3Took a bit of time but that's ok, everything went fine overall except the final product just wasn't really what I hoped for. The stain is far off, and now I need to spend more money on an additional professional locally to finish it better. I have certainly learned if I go custom, use local, the fact they couldn't come and see the products they were trying to match in real life and only via photos really put a damper on this entire project. That aside Dana's communication is probably second to none and is as helpful as can be.
- AT
Alona Tetter
For Overlap - Coffee Table5.0Dana was an absolute pleasure to deal with! He was excited about the challenge, communicated very professionally every detail,kept me updated with pictures & status of our order constantly, delivered an amazingly difficult project! Couldn't be happier & can't wait to get more done through him! Highly recommend, true professional & an artist!
- KL
Kathy Liptak
For Shabby Farmhouse Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table5.0I absolutely love the table and it exceeded my expectations! Dana was in consistent contact through the production, sent updates as promised, made suggestions and finished early. He was very knowledgeable, professional and clearly very talented! Everyone who had seen my table loves it as much as I do and some have asked for his information for projects. I would with confidence recommend Dana at Thubder Valley Art and hope to hire him again when I have need for another custom piece!
- YG
Yasaman Golban
For Yasaman's Dining Table5.0Dana made me a beautiful wall-mounted dining table for my small San Francisco kitchen. He was easy to communicate with throughout the process and very willing to accommodate some special requests, such as using a particular wood finish. The finished result exceeded my expectations. I would definitely hire him again.
- BG
Bryan Gonzales
For Industrial Reclaimed Wood Desk5.0Happy with the final product :)
- M
Mike
For Mike's Dining Table5.0Really happy with what he did for me working with Black Walnut on a budget, two things that usually don't go together. Thanks again!
DDDan De Kadt
For Dan's Bed5.0Working with Dana was a really superb experience. He is friendly, thoughtful, and professional; not to mention a very skilled craftsman. He delivered a truly unique and beautiful king-size bed frame on a very tight timeline. I was really ecstatic when I saw the finished product, it well exceeded my expectations. His pricing was more than reasonable. Dana was very open to my design inspirations, and then brought his own ideas and touches to the piece, but never without my approval. Thank you Dana!
- CW
Carolyn Watts
For Dog Crates That Can Also Be A Bench, End Table Or Coffee Table4.8I am EXTREMELY happy with the final product. My dog, Ollie, has the BEST looking doggie den in Los Angeles! Dana was pleasant to work with and easy to contact and talk to. He listened to my ideas and concerns with the product and was able to create an amazing piece. I will definitely be working with him in the future.
- KT
Kem Theilig
For Tansu Base5.0Dana was great to work with. He delivered by tansu bases exactly on time and was very professional. I would recommend him!
- TL
tari loomis-trapenard
For Wine Barrel Oak Room Divider - Multi Panel, Fully Customizable5.0I am very happy with this project...Dana did a good job... I am going to use this art display for years to come...
- JD
Janet Davidson
For Janet's Dining Room & Kitchen5.0Dana did a wonderful job with our bench. He kept us in the loop throughout the process and even now, writes to ensure we are pleased with the final product. He is a pleasure to work with and will definitely do more work with him again in the future.
JJjoann Jarvis
For Reclaimed Wood, Acadian-Style Tables (Cypress)4.3Absolutely thrilled with Dana. He was on spot with communication and did fulfill the project as I asked. The finished project was a disappointment but my fault as I invisioned my table differently. Dana went out of his way to accommodate my instructions. The table is pretty however and I would ask Dana to do another project. He delivered the table and bench in person and we were happy to meet him. I rate him a 5 star and would do the same for my table and bench as I instructed.
- JM
Jennifer Mcnulty
For Reclaimed Wood Farmhouse Table With Beautiful Turned Legs5.0The table looks just as I wanted and far exceeded my expectations . This maker was great to work with I will use him again for future furniture.
- JR
Jun Roxas
For Jun's Bed5.0My wife and I couldn't be any happier with Dana's work. We invested in a beautiful live-edge slab of Parota and looked for quite some time for someone who could create a headboard with floating side tables from the one slab. Dana took on the challenge and came through on-time and on-budget. The work was spectacular! His oil finish and install was professional and absolutely the best. We have additional projects we're looking at and will definitely utilize Dana's services again. Great person and master woodworker.
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