Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you ever ask us, is answered on this page , you can also use our chat box on the bottom right for Q and A.

1. I am nervous to order online, how safe is it?

2. Why should I order custom made furniture?

3. Does Vintage-etc have a showroom, where are you located?

4. How do I know what size to order?

5. How do I know what style to choose?

6. How thick should the table be, and what legs do I choose?

7. What timber do I choose?

8. What finishes can I choose?

9. What is powder coated metal?

10. What NOT to say to your furniture manufacturer!

11. Is Vintage-etc limited to Cape Town?

12. Does Vintage-etc offer soft furnishing as well?

13. How do I go about ordering timber furniture?

14. How long will it take to come?

15. How do payments on custom orders work?

16. Can I order bulk orders for my business?

17. How do I apply for a trade account and related discount?

18. What is Vintage-etc's return and refund policy?

19. Rustic or Reclaimed Wood - what can I expect ?

20. How to care for new timber furniture

21. How to clean timber and Oak tables and furniture

22. Tell me about timber choices please

23. How long does it take or what is lead time for orders?
24. Do you offer delivery services?
25. Can I customize the dimensions of the furniture?
26. Do you offer warranty on your products?
27. Do you accept returns or exchanges?
28. What payment methods do you accept?
29. Can I track my order?
30. Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
31. How do I care for my furniture?
32. Can I cancel my order?
33. Do you offer trade discounts?
34. What is your policy on damaged or defective items?
35. Do you offer international shipping?
36. Can I change the finish/color of the furniture?
37. Can I request a sample of the wood or finish?
38. Do you offer financing options?
39. Are there minimum order requirements for trade professionals?
40. I cant find an item I am looking for on your website

41. Do you do shop fittings , install office projects, accommodation and restaurants?

42. What is the best custom made wood and design for bespoke outdoor tables to withstand the elements if the table is exposed to weather conditions?

1. I am nervous to order online, how safe is it?

At Vintage-etc, we pride ourselves on over a 13 years of trusted service, delivering high-quality custom furniture since 2013. Ordering online from us is completely safe and transparent. Here's why:

Owner-Led and Personally Managed: As an owner-led business, you deal directly with me throughout your journey. I personally oversee every project to ensure the highest quality and customer satisfaction.
This personalised service is one of the reasons our clients trust us repeatedly for their custom furniture needs. Additionally, my partner, who runs our Johannesburg-based workshop, is also a proud female entrepreneur. Her exceptional attention to detail and hands-on approach ensure that every piece crafted meets our exact standards of excellence.
Proven Track Record: With years of trading experience and countless happy clients across South Africa, our reputation speaks for itself. Our consistent five-star reviews highlight the satisfaction and trust of our customers, see our Facebook ratings
Transparency Throughout the Process: From the moment you place your order, we keep you informed. You’ll receive regular updates and progress photos of your custom furniture to ensure you're involved throughout. Once you pay the deposit, you only pay the final amount on completion and on us sharing images with you of your items.
Strong Online Presence: Our website and social media platforms are filled with testimonials, completed projects, and client feedback, giving you peace of mind about the quality of our work and the reliability of our service. We have well maintained social media pages - see our Facebook and Instagram
Reassurance Through Reviews: Time doesn’t lie—our excellent online reviews and customer feedback highlight our dedication to craftsmanship and customer care. If a company has a poor track record, it shows in their reviews. With Vintage-etc, you'll find nothing but positive experiences from our valued customers

Rest assured, when you order from us, you’re partnering with a trusted and well-established South African brand that prioritises quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction.

Examples of some of our reviews:

"Exceptional craftsmanship and service!"
“Vintage-etc exceeded all my expectations! The custom dining table they made for me is absolutely stunning and exactly what I envisioned. Amanda was so hands-on throughout the process, sending regular updates and progress photos. It’s rare to find a business so transparent and focused on customer satisfaction. I’ll definitely order from them again!”
– Sarah M., Cape Town

"Amazing attention to detail!"
“From start to finish, the team at Vintage-etc was incredible. Their attention to detail is unmatched, and you can see the care they put into every piece. I ordered a reclaimed wood coffee table, and it’s now the centerpiece of my living room. Plus, knowing the workshop is female-led makes me even prouder to support them!”
– Thandi N., Johannesburg

"Beautiful, durable furniture!"
“We ordered several custom pieces for our lodge, and they are perfect for our space. The craftsmanship is outstanding, and the furniture is both beautiful and sturdy, which is essential for our high-traffic areas. The progress updates and open communication gave me complete peace of mind.”
– James L., Eastern Cape"

"Fast turnaround and incredible quality."
“I needed furniture for my boutique guesthouse, and Vintage-etc delivered on time with exceptional quality. The team went above and beyond to customise every piece. My guests always compliment the furniture, and I’ve already recommended them to other guesthouse owners!”
– Karen D., Mpumalanga

2. Why should I order custom made furniture?

The most important part of ordering online is trusting the company that you are ordering from. Here's what to look for:

a. To begin with, and probably the most obvious, ordering custom made means that you can design your furniture piece exactly how you want it. You decide on your sizing, type of wood, style - everything down to the final seals, tints and washes. Ready to order furniture does not give you this opportunity, you have to buy it as it is, which can be limiting.

b. South Africa has a weaker currency, meaning imports are often out of our price range. Not everyone can afford to shop at the three or four major retailers that dominate the furniture market in SA and have mark ups of more than 200%. So why not customise something similar, as you want it, for yourself - at a more affordable fee? Seems like an obvious choice!

c A big part of why our business introduced custom made furniture into our model, is because we want to do our absolute best to support local economy. The hard working teams behind custom orders, are taking home their wages for school fees and feeding their families. As South Africa struggles with the effects of the pandemic, buying custom made furniture is providing local workers with a job, and children with an education. Not to mention that supporting local is far better for the environment due to the products traveling less air miles and having a lower carbon footprint on the environment.

3. Does Vintage-etc have a showroom, where are you located?

We don’t operate a traditional showroom, as we focus on keeping our overheads—and in turn, our pricing—low for our clients. Instead, we maintain an online-first approach. You can explore our fabulous online gallery and follow our social media pages, where we showcase our latest creations and custom orders weekly.

For manufacturing, we have workshops in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, giving us the flexibility to transport orders nationwide. Having multiple locations allows our national clients to save on transport costs by using the workshop closest to their area. Whether you're in South Africa or beyond, we ensure efficient delivery to your location.

If you’d like to see your order in progress, we can arrange a factory visit by appointment at one of our workshops. This allows you to experience the craftsmanship and care that goes into every piece we create.

4. How do I know what size to order?

Take some box or masking tape and mark out a space on your floor of your ideal sized table/sofa or item. Remember that you will still need space for chairs or benches or for a walk way, to get to plugs for example.

Then measure the L x B x H of the item you want, and provide that as part of your brief, along with your reference images.

5. How do I know what style to choose?

An established furniture company should have a portfolio of products that you can review on their website and social media. Or find a picture on Pinterest or from another furniture company that you like. A reference image is a must.

On Vintage-etc , you can get inspiration from our Pinterest Inspiration collections, or from our picture gallery.These both showcases a lot of the products we have made and maybe you will be inspired by an item there.

Once you find what you like, make notes on what you want changed (e.g. the size, the wood type, or the style of the legs) and communicate that to your manufacturer. Don't be afraid to say what you like, and what you don't like - about a reference image. The clearer your brief, the better the outcome! We ALWAYS need L x B x H dimensions to quote.

6. How thick should the table top be, and what legs do I choose?

LETS TALK TABLE TOPS : when ordering tables, the thicker the table top (or island or desk) , the more you will pay. Important to note, when you ask for a 50mm thick table, remember that you will be ordering 50mm in RAW wood, which is then planed and sanded down, so you will lose a few mm on the raw thickness on a finished item.

You could start at 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 70mm or 80mm top, you can decide on which size you want - the thicker your wood, the more expensive the raw timber will be for your item. But there is a way you can fake the thickness fo the table top without paying over the odds for it.

What you could do, is ask your manufacturer, to use a "build up" on the table edge. This means that on the outer edge of the table, there is a double slab - or a built up side (see reference images) that gives the appearance of the whole table top being for example 70mm thick.

This essentially means that that to the eye, the table looks chunky, but its only the outer edge that is thick - the inner inlay - is in fact only 25-30mm, which is not evident. This could save you up to 40% on your manufacture cost, because you are using less timber.

Money saving tip when ordering bespoke tables, islands and desks - from Vintage-etc

MOVING ONTO LEGS: There are so many leg options that you can choose between, for example, black metal legs, cross legs, straight legs, or turned legs. Please see the pictures below for just four high-level shapes and examples of each.

7. What timber do I choose?

Certain woods have different grain patterns and the longevity can differ. For the clients who want a more rustic and affordable option, we generally work in Rustic Pine - which has knots and it can be stained various finishes - it really is not "yellow" as now-days, the tinted sealants we can use are wonderful. For more image and examples of wood finishes and the right timber to choose for outdoor vs indoor custom made tables, please read questions 20 and 21 on this page.

Please also look at our gallery of all our custom orders installed for clients for finished items.

Another cost effective option for shelving and desk top options, is laminated Birch Ply. The reason it is affordable is that suppliers give it to us already planed and ready to use. The edges are as noted in the image below. It is a super flexible timber - increasingly popular and a trending finishing edge.

For a more upgraded, clean finish, we recommend Oak. We normally work in Grade A Oak, or Rustic Oak - which has some variations in tones and also can be sealed in a variety of seals. Have a look at the following examples of finishes on the same slab of Oak, as you can see we can tint wood with varied finishes.

If you want no knots in your wood, the price per square meter goes up drastically for raw materials.

Other timbers are available, which we can quote on per item - Prime Oak, Teak, Meranti, Beech, Mahogany or reclaimed Oregon; Veneer options, the choice is yours - but you should know that the pricing can differ from R5000 per square meter, to R50000 per square meter, depending on the timber choice.

See question 22 and BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR MORE SAMPLES . Teak and Mahogany are the best options for outdoor "exposed" usage as they weather better outdoors.

8. What finishes can I choose ?

We promote the use of UV protectant sealants, to limit the bleaching of the items that are exposed to light. Sealants (which is not a varnish) will also protect from spills and has a matt finish. The bonus is that they allow you to change the hue of the wood, if you want it darker or whiter.

Most reputable providers can offer you various tints and seals to your product to give a certain finish - but remember that the sealant AND wood type, is what determines the final finish. Here are just some examples of how Oak can be tinted into different finishes, using a sealant. The best way for us to choose your final sealant/tint, is to make your item and use an off-cut to test a few samples and you choose the one you like the best.

The following is a range of tints by Top Oil on Oak and on Pine :

The following below is a range by Pro-Nature on Oak:

Vintage-etc used UV sealants for our custom order tables and bespoke furniture

When you receive your newly sealed item, keep it totally dry for at least 5 days to let the seal cure.

9. What is powder coated metal?

As you can see from the example below, the left has a more matte texture and that is because it is powder coated. For our business, this process requires us to send your items to a third party to be powder coated, so there is a charge for this service. In-house we offer a spray finish.

10. What NOT to say to your furniture manufacturer:

Gosh, we can't tell you how often we get these requests - DAILY! Do not email a custom order manufacturer and say something like:

"Please quote an 8 seater table from Oak" - or "Please quote an L-shape Sofa in grey".

This is much too vague, and will result in a lot of clarifying correspondence which takes up your time, and also your provider's time. When you build a house or even an extension, you give the builder a plan, so he knows what to quote for.

When it comes to making tables - the thickness of wood of the table top will vary, the width of the table will also vary; and one persons "8 seater " is not the same for other 8 seaters, as it depends on the size of the chairs.

When it comes to sofas, the depth and height of the sofa will affect the cost, as will the choice and "pull" of the fabric, as will the inners (feathers vs foam for example).

Take the time to put a proper brief together - to save you both to and fro and to get accurate costings back. Yes, you should expect your manufacturer to be professional, but know that their pricing and revert, is only as accurate as YOUR brief.

As you can see from the sample of products below, a table style (and thus the costing thereof) is greatly affected by the brief and specs.

On the left is an Oregon cross leg table, on the right is an Oak turned leg table - and the price points depend on specs, cost of raw material and labour.

11. Is Vintage-etc limited to Cape Town?

NO we are not ! Good news is that we are pleased to have expanded into Johannesburg in early 2021, and now can service our Johannesburg clientele (and surrounding areas) without the hefty transport fees from our Cape Town workshop. We also deliver nationwide, as far as Namibia and surrounding countries for special orders.

12. Does Vintage-etc make custom or bespoke soft furnishings, such as sofa's and headboards?

Absolutely we do - YES! We have a partnership with leading sofa company's who make the items for us, we manage the entire process to get exactly what you need made and shipped to you. In order to quote you, please do not leave out any information, and send your brief to us at info@vintage-etc.com

a. Find a reference image of what you need us to make.

b. Send us the dimensions (length x breadth x height )

c. Tell us what type of finishes and fabrics/leather you want. It helps us to have a visual reference.

d. It helps to go to a fabric house like Hertex or Mavromac - or any other, and note the name and brand of the fabric you like (take a photo of the sticker on the back of the sample of the fabric, we can order that for you at trade rates)

f. Once you have sent us a brief, if we feel it is necessary to meet on a more complex project - we will make such arrangements with you directly.

g. We offer trade rates for clients who qualify. Read more about trade here

h. Lead times are approx 5-7 weeks on soft furnishings, as the fabric often has to be shipped to us which can take at least 10-14 days.

13. How do I go about ordering furniture?

For our business, our clients need to fill out a custom order form - or email info@vintage-etc with your detailed brief and we request that clients do not omit any information .

We ask that our clients give us

a. L X B X H dimensions in centimeters

b. Include a reference image (or description)

c. It is even better if you can provide us with a high level sketch of your ideas, to make sure that we fully understand your brief. Your sketches need not be professional, just good enough for us to understand your dimensions (see examples below)

d. Specify your materials such wood type, fabric or metal requirements

14. How long will it take to come?

Most good furniture manufacturers take 20-30 working days from receiving a signed mandate and payment to manufacture, or from sign off of technical drawings; and then a few days for transport. Lead times can vary if the workshop is at full capacity, if it is peak season, or when processing a special or bulk order. Your lead time will be confirmed when you order your product. Make sure to ask for this and confirm the expected due date before you pay your manufacturer.

15. How do payments on custom orders work ?

For orders under R25 000, we require full payment. For orders over R25 000 we request a 70% deposit. Items will be wholly owned by Vintage-etc until fully paid for. No partial refunds can be made for any items that are cancelled for any reason what so ever as the cost of manufacture is a sunk cost to our business.

16. Can I order bulk orders for my business?

Absolutely! We welcome bulk orders for businesses and offer competitive trade rates for trade buyers, making it easy for you to furnish your lodge, B&B, restaurant, hotel, or any commercial project. Should you qualify for a trade discount, here’s a breakdown of our trade discount structure:

Trade Discounts on Imports

Orders over R50k (per order or calendar month): Discounts of 5-8%.

Trade Discounts on Custom Orders

Orders over R50k (per order or calendar month): Discounts of 10-12%.
Orders over R100k (per order or calendar month): Additional discretionary discounts of 12-15% may apply.

We’re happy to work with you to tailor a trade deal that fits your project requirements. For large-scale orders, we can also assist with customizing designs, ensuring the furniture perfectly matches your business's aesthetic and functional needs.

To discuss your bulk order or trade deal, please drop us a line at info@vintage-etc.com

17. How do I apply for a trade account and related discount?

In order to apply trade discounts, your order needs to be for R50K or more, and we will need the following information to validate your trade status:

Your Trading Business Name and Website: If you don’t have a website, please share your social media handles.
Your Industry: Confirm if you’re in the decor, hospitality, or design industry, corporate or specify another relevant industry.
Length of Time in Business: Let us know how long you’ve been trading.
Trade Supplier References: Provide a name and contact details for three regular trade suppliers you work with (e.g., decor businesses, fabric suppliers, nurseries, manufacturers, or designers).

Please email this information to info@vintage-etc.com, and allow 2-3 working days for us to review your application.

18. What is Vintage-etc's return and refund policy ?

At Vintage-etc, we aim to ensure a smooth shopping experience. Here are key points about our returns, exchanges, and refunds policy:

Payment & Stock: Payment must be made in full before goods are released. Stock can only be reserved for 48 hours without proof of payment.
Custom Orders: No refunds are offered on custom items (at all).
Returns: Items must be returned in original condition and packaging within 5 days of delivery. Transport costs are covered by the client.
Inspection on Delivery: Clients (or their representatives) must inspect items upon delivery and report any issues within 24 hours.
Trade Usage: Durability in high-traffic areas depends on appropriate item selection and maintenance.
Transport: Delivery is outsourced to third-party couriers, and damages incurred during transport are not the responsibility of Vintage-etc. Clients may arrange their own insured delivery.

Feel free to reach out via info@vintage-etc.com for any questions or concerns!

Please see our full delivery and returns policy.

19. Rustic or Reclaimed Wood - what can I expect?

When choosing items made from Rustic Oak, cants, or reclaimed wood, you are embracing the natural charm and character of wood that has lived a previous life. Each piece is truly one of a kind, with its own unique story and attributes. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Unique Character: Every batch of reclaimed wood is distinct, featuring variations in color, grain, and texture. This means no two pieces will ever look exactly the same—images shown are guide images only.
Natural Imperfections: Marks, knots, small cracks, and other imperfections are all part of the appeal. These features highlight the wood's history and are considered intrinsic to its rustic beauty.
Environmental Sustainability: Reclaimed wood is eco-friendly, repurposed from structures like barns, factories, or old furniture. By choosing reclaimed wood, you're supporting a sustainable approach to furniture-making.
Batch-Specific Variations: Since the wood is sourced from different places and times, the final look can vary depending on the batch. This uniqueness is part of the charm of reclaimed wood furniture.
Authentic Aesthetic: Reclaimed wood offers a warmth and authenticity that cannot be replicated with mass-produced materials. The slight inconsistencies add depth and character to each piece.

While we do our best to replicate photos and references, the final product will reflect the natural variations of the particular batch of wood used. This uniqueness is not a flaw—it’s the essence and beauty of reclaimed wood, offering a timeless, one-of-a-kind piece for your space.

If you’re considering reclaimed wood for your furniture, we’ll be happy to guide you through the process and set realistic expectations. Contact us anytime for more details!

20. How to care for new timber furniture

Our wood has been tried to recommended moisture levels, but wood is a live product, and it is subject to changes with the elements and temperatures and moisture content in the air so changes to the wood surface, and swelling and cracking (especially if placed outdoors). These changes are beyond our control once all protocols for manufacture and sealing have been followed. Vintage-etc is unable provide any guarantees on longevity of tables due the nature of live wood, where they are placed, and how they are cared for (this is in our terms and conditions ). Here are some high level tips.

Do not place any hot items directly on the surface
Do keep it covered for the first week or two , especially if outside - as they adjust to extreme temperatures / moisture content
Do not clean it with detergents , just use a slightly damp cloth
Do not let your table sweat by wrapping it in plastic - as wood is live. If you want to wrap in a plastic sheet, ensure you cover it with cloth or towels first.
Place away from radiators, fireplaces, and heating ducts.
Position your timber items and chairs out of direct sunlight or adjust blinds to avoid hour after hour of direct sunlight.
Try and control humidity in your home as best you can. In winter consider using a humidifier, in summer why not try a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
When first putting new tables outside, give them the best possible chance to adjust by covering when not in use
Use coasters with non-scratching bottoms.
Use padding under all sharp, hot, or cold objects.
Store table leaves in close proximity to the table or in the same humidity, avoid storing leaves in damp basements where the leaves may swell.
Avoid using nail polish remover, alcohol, and other solvents near or on the table.

21. How to clean timber and Solid Oak Furniture

In order to keep your furniture looking in fine condition, you should wax it every 6 months, this may seem like a bit of a chore, but it is worth it if you like to keep value in your furniture and keep it looking fresh. Wax or polish with a high content of beeswax is ideal for treating and polishing your solid oak dining table and chairs. Waxing protects the grain and makes the wood crack-resistant, keeping any finish in the best condition. It’s a good idea to test the wax you’re going to use on a part of the furniture not in plain sight, like underneath the table, just to check you’re happy with the finish. If you’re happy, apply the wax to the rest of the piece in the same direction as the wood grain. Leave it for five minutes, then remove the wax by buffing, again following the direction of the grain.

When cleaning solid oak furniture is extremely simple and all you will need is microfiber cloths and clear dish soap. Start by wiping down your wood furniture with a barely damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime. You never want the water to sit on the wood, so quickly wipe it down with another dry microfiber cloth.

22. Tell me about timber choices please?

Timber per square meter, is astonishingly expensive, and customers are generally surprised when they know what the price per meter is of RAW wood. When choosing the right timber for the right purpose, it is important to go beyond just the aesthetic finish of the wood. See some examples below. It is however a good idea to research wood finishes before ordering your custom order item.

If choosing wood (example Oak, Oregon, Pine, Ash) for our outdoor area, then it is highly recommended that it is only put in well covered patio area with no direct exposure to sun and rain. Vintage-etc does not recommend you put softer wood in your outdoor area, rather pay a little more per square meter and opt for very hardy wood for longevity purposes.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE : Cypress, Redwood and Cedar are three softwoods that have natural moisture-wicking properties and make a fair choice for outdoor furniture. It is however suggested that the better wood for outdoor furniture comes from top-of-the-line hardwoods such as Meranti, Ipe, Mahogany, and Teak, but this comes with a price to match per square meter.

Ultimately, it is the client's responsibility to choose the right wood for your physical space/elements and to ensure you follow the care instructions for that item. There is a plethora of published information online, to help you make informed, safe choices. How to clean timber and Solid Oak Furniture.

What wood type to choose for custom order furniture in South Africa

What type of wood to choose for custom order tables in South Africa

What wood types to choose for custom order tables in South Africa, Cape Town and Johannesburg

23. How long does it take or what is lead time for orders?

On imports (ready made) items. it arrive in 3-7 days. On custom orders, lead times can vary depending on the complexity /volume of the order and our current workload, a safe estimate is 25-35 working days. Items can be made on rush for a fee. Please contact us directly for more details by submitting your query here.

24. Do you offer delivery services?

Yes, we offer delivery services in and around central Cape Town and Johannesburg , Pretoria areas. We also provide nationwide courier/shipping services within South Africa and to African destinations like Botswana and Kenya, even Europe. Delivery is billable, but we do not place any mark up on delivery at all. Costs depend on volume of order and distance to destination. Contact info@vintage-etc.com for a quote.

25. Can I customize the dimensions of the furniture?

Yes, we can customize the dimensions of the furniture to suit your specific requirements and we have a helpful quick video here. Please provide us with the exact measurements when requesting a quote. The fastest way to get a quote is to follow our due process which is to fill in this short form and please do not skip any fields, or we will have to come back to you to ask you for the missing information, before we can quote and this will create delays for you. Remember, guide pricing is on our website for you to get ball park costs. Here is the form .

26. Do you offer warranty on your products?

We place great pride in the quality of our workmanship, but we can not control external factors, like humidity or how clients care for their items . If an item has a quality control issue, it is to be raised within 10 days of delivery, and the course of remedy will of course depend on your location and if we can get to you in person. For our refund policy, you can review it in more detail here.

27. Do you accept returns or exchanges?

We accept returns or exchanges on non-customized items within a certain period of time. Please refer to our Returns Policy for more information. You can read that here.

28. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer), and cash when arranged and mutually agreed. Any credit card fees are for the client to pay, the final amount to reach us is the amount billed for the order. We can also take payments in the UK.

29. Can I track my order?

If you would like to track your order, once it has been collected by the chosen transporter, you can track your order once it has been shipped/delivered via a Waybill number which we will share if required. Each transport company has their own tracking system, and depending on destination, different transporters are used.

30. Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?

Yes, we offer discounts for bulk orders and trade orders. You can email us at info@vintage-etc.com to discuss your requirements. For clarity, "bulk " orders would be over 10 items in one order.

31. How do I care for my furniture?

Proper care and maintenance instructions will vary depending on the type of wood and finish used in your furniture. We have given you some very detailed care guidelines in our FAQ , refer to question 19 and 20 by visiting our website.

32. Can I cancel my order?

Once you have agreed to an order and paid a deposit, if your order has been started, a full refund can not be granted, as we would have incurred costs to purchase your material, and cut your timber, and the items we make for you may not be something someone else wants to buy, thus your order would be a cost to our business. Cancellation is not guaranteed and you may forfeit your deposit, but all factors must be considered, especially the stage of production. Please contact us as soon as possible if you wish to cancel your order so we can see how we can assist you. For our returns and refund policy, you can read more here.

33. Do you offer trade discounts?

Yes, we welcome our valuable trade community, so please feel free to join our trade programme. Trade discounts are available to interior designers, architects, hotels and restaurants and turn key project managers. Understandably, because we get so many "fake" trade people ask for discounts, we have protocols in place to ensure you are a member of the trade. Please check that you qualify by visiting our trade page here, and email this information to us to be approved: https://vintage-etc.com/pages/trade.

34. What is your policy on damaged or defective items?

We do check every order before it is sent out, but if by chance you receive a damaged or an inherently defective item , please contact us immediately so we can assist you. Please note however that we do not operate our own delivery fleet, but use third parties and once items leave our premises, the transport is between customer and transporter, we are not responsible for damage in transit but will do everything we can to help you. Here is more information on this.

35. Do you offer international shipping?

Yes, we offer international shipping to select destinations, but due to shipping fees, this is only viable on bigger orders (than once off items) . Each order will be unique, depending on country's regulation and volume and content of order.

36. Can I change the finish/color of the furniture?

Absolutely! At Vintage-etc, we offer a range of options to customize the finish or colour of your furniture to perfectly match your style and aesthetic. Whether you’re after a matte black, warm honey wood, smokey oak, light ash, or a whitewashed effect, we can achieve your desired look.

The final result depends on two key factors:

Wood Type: Different wood species react uniquely to stains and finishes.
Stain Colour: The specific hue you select will determine the depth and tone of the finish.

We recommend providing a clear image reference if you have a specific look in mind. This helps us better understand your vision and ensures we can match your expectations as closely as possible. Be sure to specify these requirements when requesting a quote so we can tailor the process to your needs.

37. Can I request a sample of the wood or finish?

Yes, we can provide samples of the wood or finish upon request. When placing your order, we will discuss finishes and share some options with you.

38. Do you offer financing options?

At the moment we do not offer financing, but for custom orders, we only take a deposit and are able to stage payments.

39. Are there minimum order requirements for trade professionals?

Yes, we welcome our valuable trade community, so please feel free to join our trade programme. Trade discounts are available to interior designers, architects, hotels and restaurants and turn key project managers. Understandably, because we get so many "fake" trade people ask for discounts, we have protocols in place to ensure you are a member of the trade . Please check that you qualify by visiting our trade page here, and email this information to us to be approved.

40. I cant find an item I am looking for on your website

Try putting a key words into the search box on the top right of the website home page such as "coat rack" or "round coffee table" This should help, otherwise contact info@vintage-etc.com for help.

41. Do you do shop fittings, install office projects, accommodation and restaurants?

Absolutely! At Vintage-etc, we thrive on tackling unique and meaningful projects, whether it's shop fittings, office spaces, accommodation, or restaurant installations. A great example is a recent project we completed for a tented bush camp on a game farm in mid-Africa, owned by a South African operation. The brief? To use reclaimed wood for over 45 bespoke items, achieving a natural, sustainable aesthetic that blended beautifully with the surrounding environment.

For that project, we crafted everything from shop fittings, library units, wardrobes, and booze cupboards to fridge cabinets, trays, and even beaded chandeliers—all shipped from our bases in Cape Town and Johannesburg. This commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship reflects our passion for delivering high-quality furniture and fittings that are built to last.

Over the years, we've developed a reputation for creating durable, eco-friendly solutions perfectly suited for game lodges, bush camps, and boutique accommodations in remote areas. By working with sustainably sourced and recycled woods, we ensure our designs are both beautiful and respectful of the environment.

What makes us unique is our ability to collaborate closely with clients, like Anna from the Eastern Cape, who recently shared her incredible experience working with us. Projects often evolve during the process, and we take pride in being flexible and solutions-focused—offering suggestions, adjusting designs, and scaling up orders as needed, all while meeting tight deadlines. You can read more about Anna’s story and how we worked together on this blog post here.

Whether you’re outfitting a game farm, luxury lodge, or urban restaurant, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. Contact us at info@vintage-etc.com

42. What is the best custom made wood and design for bespoke outdoor tables to withstand the elements if the table is exposed to harsh weather conditions?

When choosing the best custom-made wood and design for bespoke outdoor tables in South Africa’s diverse and often harsh weather conditions, durability, quality, and style are key. At Vintage-etc, we specialize in crafting outdoor tables that combine functionality with timeless aesthetics. Here’s what to consider:

A. Top Wood Choices for Outdoor Tables

Teak: Known for its natural oils, teak is highly resistant to moisture, rot, and pests. Its durability makes it ideal for coastal or high-humidity areas.
Iroko: A dense hardwood similar to teak, iroko offers excellent weather resistance and a rich golden-brown tone.
Balau: A popular option for outdoor furniture, Balau (often used as decking) is incredibly tough and withstands heavy rain and UV exposure.
Meranti - known for its hardy attributes, it is slightly "redder" - but a worthy contender for outdoor furniture as it is a hardwood that withstands harsh South African elements

(see FAQ no 22 for images of the examples of all these wood types)

B. Protective Finishes for Longevity

To enhance weather resistance, we apply only the best finishes, that are available in a variety of tints - such as:

Marine-grade varnish for added protection against water and sun.
Natural oil treatments that maintain the wood’s beauty while repelling moisture.
Matt Water or Oil based Weather-resistant sealers to prevent cracking and warping over time.

C. Optimal Design Features for Harsh Conditions

Slatted tabletops: Allow water to drain efficiently, preventing pooling that can cause damage - which prevents warping

Powder-coated metal bases: For added stability and resistance to rust, ideal for windy or humid environments.
Customizable sizes and shapes: Tailored to your outdoor space, from sprawling entertainment areas to compact patios.

D. Why Choose Vintage-etc for Your Custom Outdoor Table?

Since 2013, Vintage-etc has been crafting bespoke outdoor tables that stand the test of time. Our designs include extra metal or timber reinforcements in the base, ensuring unmatched strength and durability, even under heavy use. This attention to detail makes us the preferred manufacturer for wine farms, bars, clubs, boutique accommodations, and game reserves across South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. These environments demand furniture that can endure harsh weather conditions and high-traffic wear and tear, and our tailored manufacturing process delivers just that.

Trusted by interior designers, lodge owners, and restaurateurs, we’re renowned for our fast turnaround times and unwavering commitment to the highest quality standards. Whether it’s custom-made tables or benches, our pieces are designed for industrial-grade use while maintaining a stylish, timeless aesthetic.

Investing in a high-quality, custom-made outdoor table from Vintage-etc not only transforms your outdoor space but also provides a durable solution for South Africa’s demanding climate. Visit our website or contact us to start designing your perfect table today