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Custom Furniture Manufacturers: Why a “Facebook” Recommendation Can Be the Riskiest Mistake

Custom Furniture Manufacturers: Why a “Facebook” R...

Custom Furniture Manufacturers: Why a “Facebook” Recommendation Can Be the Riskiest Mistake

This is the third and final part of the article series. In the first part, we analyzed Google search, in the second – artificial intelligence (AI) recommendations. This time, we turn to the backstage of social networks. Using the most common search patterns, we examined how trust is formed inside Facebook groups.

Our experimental model was simple. We uploaded a photo of a modern kitchen with the request: “Please recommend a manufacturer who could produce a similar kitchen based on this example.” In parallel, we analyzed posts using the phrases “furniture design and manufacturing”, “custom furniture manufacturing”, and “made-to-order furniture”.

Important: company names in this series are hidden and accessible only to logged-in users.

Experiment: a photo, a request, and recommendations
After posting the kitchen photo with a note that we were looking for someone who could complete the work within a short timeframe, we received active recommendations within the first hour. One company immediately stood out — it appeared familiar and was recommended by three different individuals.

The doLink.lt team checked whether these recommendations had real value: Some of the recommendations were genuine, with no visible connection between the manufacturer and the people recommending them. However, one company clearly raised concerns.

Inner circle: The first recommendation came from the company owner, the second from the mother-in-law (easily identified through “Likes” and reaction history), and the third from a sister. This is how an artificial sense of popularity is created for unsuspecting users.

History of name changes: Although top-quality service was promised, it turned out that this “company” had changed its name at least twice. These are individuals who accumulated a history of negative reviews but continue operating under the same small partnership structure, simply using a different name. According to Okredo.lt data, this person is linked to three entities in the same field as a director or shareholder.

“Smooth as butter” — until the first advance payment
Once we contacted the manufacturer in question, the conversation felt professional and reassuring. We received advice and suggestions about what could be improved in the project and what should be avoided. However, we noticed that the same kitchen examples were being promoted across several different Facebook pages. When asked about this, we received the following response:

“These are not my recommendations, I have nothing to do with that. We work with high quality; others simply take our examples.”


The numbers, however, tell a different story. Behind the pleasant communication lie 22 negative reviews across three separate Facebook pages:

Oldest profile (14 negative): 2 cases involved neither a returned advance nor delivered furniture. More than half described severe delays or complete disappearance while avoiding defect corrections.
Second profile (7 negative): 1 case involved disappearing with an advance payment. The rest reported systematic delays.
Third profile (active for 5 months): Information has already been published about delays, naming the specific owner.

Why is a group recommendation a major risk?
Social networks do not see what official registers clearly show. When searching for made-to-order furniture through Facebook, you risk receiving a recommendation from an inner circle of relatives or acquaintances who simply want to help secure an order — often without malicious intent.

The real risk is that friendly communication usually lasts only until the advance payment is transferred. After that, clients often find themselves in the same queue as others who wait months for furniture delivery or defect correction.

How to choose correctly?
Stop relying on “neighbors’” advice in groups where opinions spread from unreliable sources. Custom furniture manufacturing requires factual verification.

Safety tips:

1. Check the profile: Search for the recommender’s name and see whether they promote the same company under multiple posts.
2. Look for “skeletons”: Even if negative comments are deleted, fragments of older discussions often remain. Search for the manufacturer’s name within the group.
3. Evaluate connections: If a company is linked to individuals who previously caused problems under another business name, this is a serious warning sign.

This article concludes a series based on real doLink practice. Our goal is to protect consumers from financial losses and show that true reliability is verified by facts and numbers — not by comments on social networks.
doLink
Custom Furniture Manufacturers: Why Blindly Trusting AI Recommendations Can Be a Costly Mistake

Custom Furniture Manufacturers: Why Blindly Trusti...

Custom Furniture Manufacturers: Why Blindly Trusting AI Recommendations Can Be a Costly Mistake

This is the second part of a series, focusing on the experience of finding manufacturing partners through artificial intelligence. Using the same most popular search phrases, we asked ChatGPT to suggest the best market players. The results clearly demonstrated that AI recommendations are often nothing more than a well-packaged digital response, with little to do with the actual production situation.

Queries used on the ChatGPT platform:
"Furniture design and manufacturing" – suggest the best.
"Custom furniture manufacturing" – suggest the best.
"Made-to-order furniture" – suggest the best.

Important: company names in this series are hidden and accessible only to registered users.

The AI illusion: why does the algorithm suggest "leaders"?
When asking ChatGPT, we receive a confident, logically structured answer. The AI provides a list of companies presented as industry leaders, supposedly known for high quality and reliability. For many users, this creates the impression of an objective and well-researched recommendation.

The reality is different. AI relies entirely on publicly available texts, reviews, and articles—often written or influenced by the companies themselves. It does not see what is actually happening inside workshops or production facilities today.

Interestingly, just like Google, ChatGPT suggested companies that formally met the search criteria. One of them was a small partnership whose member (who accepted our first order) has disappeared to this day (2025-12-14).

Experiment: a two-front test
We decided to run an experiment: to observe how one of the “best” AI-recommended companies would respond to a new, simple order while the previous project was still unfinished and the manufacturer was not answering calls. Coordinating with a designer, we sent a new request in her name, clearly emphasizing an urgent deadline: "within 3 weeks".

"Hello, I need one TV shelf, attached is the drawing. The main issue – the client returns after New Year, the project must be completed. Could you help, not only producing but also installing the shelf by the end of the first week of next year? I have the keys and can allow access at any time."


Knowing that the manufacturer had not responded to our calls as an existing client regarding a delayed kitchen project, we expected no reaction. However, the reply arrived immediately:

"Hello Juste, of course, we can make it; we have both the materials and the capabilities to complete the work on time."


The situation is paradoxical: the same manufacturer ignores communication about an unfinished kitchen project with a deadline less than a month away, yet for a new order they suddenly "have all the capabilities". Communication with the designer proceeded smoothly, while our direct and follow-up calls were consistently ignored.

Why blindly trusting AI is risky?
AI algorithms evaluate text signals, not real operational capacity. They cannot determine whether a company currently has available resources or is simply attempting to attract new advances to cover existing obligations.

If a query like "made-to-order furniture" leads you to a manufacturer who only appears successful on paper, you risk both time and money. AI does not detect situations where new orders are used to resolve old problems, leaving your project vulnerable to indefinite delays under familiar excuses such as “sick employees.”

How to choose correctly?
Stop relying solely on algorithms that interpret promotional content. Custom furniture manufacturing requires real-world verification, something no AI can perform today.

True verification is done by evaluating:

Financial health – does the company avoid growing debts to suppliers?
Actual employee turnover – are there qualified workers physically present to manufacture the furniture?
Current production capacity – is the company accepting a volume of orders it can realistically handle with its equipment?

This article is based on real practice. Informational photos may be identical or very similar to the described situation, but company names are hidden to protect their future work.
doLink
Individual furniture manufacturers: how the first page of Google sells marketing, not quality

Individual furniture manufacturers: how the first...

Individual furniture manufacturers: how the first page of Google sells marketing, not quality

This article is based on real experience and a deliberate experiment in which, using the same most popular search phrases across different platforms, we encountered a market whose digital image often has little to do with reality.
This is the first part of a series of articles in which we analyze Google search results and the illusion they create. The next parts will focus on artificial intelligence recommendations and experiences in social networks (Facebook).

Used queries across all platforms
Across all platforms, we used the same three most popular phrases:

Google search:
“Furniture design and manufacturing”,
“Custom furniture manufacturing”,
“Made-to-order furniture”.

Artificial intelligence (ChatGPT):
Using the same phrases, we asked to recommend the “best” option.

Facebook groups:
Using a specific kitchen photo, we looked for a manufacturer capable of producing a similar project.

Important: In this article series, company names are not publicly disclosed. They are visible only to registered users in order to avoid personal targeting and to keep the focus on the system rather than individual names.

The “Google” illusion: does the first page mean leadership?
When entering phrases such as “custom furniture manufacturing” or “made-to-order furniture”, Google delivers dozens of results within seconds. The user gets the impression that the choice is vast and that the companies shown on the first pages are market leaders and the most reliable solutions.

However, the reality is much simpler—and at the same time more dangerous:
the search algorithm evaluates digital visibility, SEO optimization, and advertising budgets, not a company’s actual experience, manufacturing capacity, or the qualifications of its craftsmen.
Google does not show whether a company has available capacity for your project. It does not show whether deadlines are realistic, or whether promises are simply another way to secure an advance payment.

The experiment: when search disappoints
We submitted a standard inquiry with designer-prepared drawings to one of the companies occupying top positions in search results (2025-10-03):

“Hello, we need a kitchen, a wardrobe, and two bedside cabinets. What would be the preliminary price? It is very important to complete everything by 2026-01-09. Materials and details are attached in the file.”


We received a response within half a day. A price was provided along with assurances that the work would be completed on time, or even earlier—on the condition that only the kitchen furniture would be manufactured. Since the project was described as “very urgent”, we made the decision immediately and transferred the advance payment.

A lie the search engine does not show
After one month, we checked in to ask how the project was progressing. We received confirmation:

,,materials have been ordered, work will begin in the coming weeks."


By mid-December, the situation changed. After seven phone calls, we finally received the following response:

“We haven’t started the work yet— all employees are sick, there is no one to work.”


Illness is a human and understandable reason. However, the doLink.lt team simultaneously documented the fact that the same manufacturer was actively installing furniture at another site, in another part of the city.
When asked why the “sick” employees were working elsewhere, communication stopped. The call was rejected, and shortly afterward we received a brief message:

“I will call you back, currently unavailable.”


As the holidays approached, the manufacturer remained unreachable. At that point, it became clear that our planned project completion date would, at best, mark only the beginning of the actual work.

Why blind trust in top search results is a risk
Companies that occupy the highest positions in search results often invest heavily in SEO and paid advertising. Sometimes—to grow. Sometimes—to cover old obligations with new advance payments.
When the flow of orders is not proportional to the actual number of employees, delays, broken promises, and client losses become highly likely. The Google algorithm does not see this—it shows those who optimized their websites best, not those who have the real capacity to complete your project on time.

How to choose correctly?
Custom furniture manufacturing is not an impulsive purchase. It is an investment for 10–15 years, so the decision should not be based solely on a beautiful website or a high search ranking.

Real evaluation begins when you assess:

1. Team capacity – whether the company actually manufactures in-house or merely administers orders. 2. Technological readiness – what equipment is used and whether processes are managed internally. 3. Work plan and accountability for deadlines – clearly defined production stages, their duration, and what happens if deadlines are not met.


A digital image can look excellent. But it does not guarantee that your kitchen will be manufactured when you actually need it.

This article is based on real practice. The photos used are for informational purposes and may be identical or very similar to the situation described. Company names are not disclosed in order to protect their future work and to maintain the purpose of this series—to reveal systemic issues rather than individual cases.
doLink
How to Manage Production Orders and Avoid Communication Errors

How to Manage Production Orders and Avoid Communic...

How to Manage Production Orders and Avoid Communication Errors

In production, success depends on meeting deadlines and the accuracy of information. In reality, however, the process often becomes complicated: a drawing is sent by email, followed by several calls to clarify details, then additional messages with corrections, and the final result still may have defects or be delayed. The main reason is not the manufacturer’s lack of competence, but information fragmentation. When data is transmitted through multiple channels, the likelihood of errors increases significantly.

Practical Tips: How to Manage the Process Independently

If you manage production orders yourself, we recommend following these key rules to avoid defects and time losses:

1. Single Channel for Core Information. Urgent questions can be discussed by phone, but all final agreements (price, production deadline, drawing revisions) must be confirmed in writing. Verbal agreements leave no traceable record, and messages on mobile devices often become hard to retrieve over time.

2. Preparation of Technical Specifications. The manufacturer needs precise parameters, not general descriptions. Before submitting a request, make sure the drawings are in the correct format, and that exact quantities and material specifications are provided. An incompletely prepared task forces the manufacturer to spend time on additional inquiries, which may delay your project.

3. Realistic Scheduling. When planning the final delivery to the client, always account for production risks. It is recommended to add at least a 15–20% time buffer to the manufacturer’s indicated deadline to cover unexpected factors: equipment failures, raw material supply delays, or other production disruptions.

4. Communication with a Single Responsible Person. When working with a factory, aim to have one direct contact person. When the same questions are addressed by different employees, information within the company is duplicated or lost, and accountability for final errors becomes unclear.

Why Problems Arise Even When Following the Rules

The Main Challenge – Human Factor and Data Fragmentation. Managing more than 5–10 different orders across multiple manufacturers makes it difficult to track the progress of each project in real time. You have to constantly check the order status personally, and the production manager is forced to repeatedly search for your project documents.
doLink
Reliable Furniture Manufacturers: How Not to Be Misled and What You Must Know

Reliable Furniture Manufacturers: How Not to Be Mi...

Reliable Furniture Manufacturers: How Not to Be Misled and What You Must Know

Finding a manufacturing partner who will precisely execute a project, meet deadlines, and not change the price during the process is one of the biggest challenges for both professional designers and private clients. Attractive photos do not always guarantee a smooth production process, so when evaluating a manufacturer, it is important to look deeper into the actual production structure.

Key Criteria When Choosing a Manufacturing Partner

1. Production specialization. There are no truly universal manufacturers. Some specialize in working with solid materials (MDF, laminated particleboard), others in metal structures or upholstered furniture. Look for a manufacturer whose technological capabilities are specifically suited to your project. This ensures not only quality and a better price, but also adherence to deadlines.

2. Actual production facilities. Avoid intermediaries who offer to “do everything” but do not have their own production capacity. Only a direct manufacturer can promptly resolve technical issues as they arise. Always find out where your order will physically be produced — this will help you determine whether the manufacturer has the necessary equipment to execute the project. That said, even manufacturers themselves cannot always accurately predict deadlines, as it is difficult to foresee market conditions 2–3 months ahead. In such cases, continuous control becomes critical: it is necessary to periodically monitor the production process so that any technical issues or delays are identified and resolved at early stages, rather than on the delivery day.

3. Reputation and real projects. Do not rely solely on reviews on a website or in public spaces (e.g., “Facebook” or neighbors’ recommendations). Check the company’s financial stability in public registries, pay attention to the number of employees and staff turnover. One of the most common mistakes is trusting company revenue and large order volumes as a guarantee of stability. Smooth operations are ensured not by large cash flows from new advances, but by stable employees and low staff turnover.

Most Common Mistakes When Signing a Contract
Most problems arise when agreements remain verbal. Reliable furniture manufacturers always require a clear technical specification. Before paying an advance, make sure that:

The final project drawings and material specifications are approved.

Exact materials, quantities, and color codes are specified. All of this must be clearly documented in a file, description, or email message with attached files.

A realistic production deadline is agreed upon, with responsibility defined for failure to meet it.

Contract template adjustments. Review obligations and liabilities. Avoid using penalties without justification, but if needed, you will have a solid tool to cover actual losses.

How to Avoid Production Risks and Unnecessary Communication?
Independent verification requires a lot of time, specific expertise, and constant direct communication with manufacturers. If you want to manage the process without additional stress, we offer a solution.

If you do not have time to personally check every manufacturer and are concerned that contracts may not protect you, doLink.lt does it for you. We have already selected reliable furniture manufacturers — all you need to do is submit your task, and doLink will structure the offer clearly and transparently so that the production process runs smoothly.
doLink
Why Does Furniture Manufacturing Cost Differ by Up to Two Times? How Not to Be Misled When Comparing Estimates?

Why Does Furniture Manufacturing Cost Differ by Up...

Why Does Furniture Manufacturing Cost Differ by Up to Two Times? How Not to Be Misled When Comparing Estimates?

You received three offers for the same project: the first is €4,000, the second €6,000, and the third exceeds €9,000. In such a situation, many clients feel confused — is the most expensive offer simply an attempt to profit more, while the cheapest one is a “good deal”?

There are no miracles in furniture manufacturing. Significant price differences always have a logical explanation, and it is worth understanding this before paying an advance and signing a contract.

1. The Hidden Side of Materials and Components
Two boards may look identical at first glance, but their price and durability can differ fundamentally.

1.1 Board density and surface: The cheapest laminated particle boards (LMDP) have lower density, meaning screws hold less securely and the boards are not resistant to moisture. Higher-quality boards will last for decades, not just a few years.

1.2 Component imbalance: Pay attention when inexpensive materials are offered together with expensive components (e.g., “Hettich”). If premium hardware is installed into low-quality surfaces, problems will arise not because of the mechanisms, but because of the material they are mounted into. Likewise, it makes little sense to use premium materials while choosing questionable low-cost hinges.

1.3 Hardware and counterfeits: This is where the most “savings” usually occur. Professional manufacturers choose proven brands (“Blum”, “Hettich”, “Grass”), but remain alert — the market includes cheap Chinese versions with misleading names such as “Hetich” or “Blium”. If the final furniture price seems unrealistically low while the manufacturer promises original hardware, there is a high risk that Chinese analogues will be installed. At first glance, they may look like originals, but their lifespan is significantly shorter.

2. Technology and Manufacturing Precision
The price directly depends on how the furniture is produced:

2.1 CNC machines vs. manual work: A manufacturer using modern CNC machining centers ensures millimeter-level precision. This means components fit together perfectly during assembly. Workshops that do not invest in equipment often face larger tolerances. Of course, machines are only half the job — who operates them is equally important.

2.2 Edge banding: This is the weak point of case furniture. Are the edges bonded using moisture-resistant PUR adhesive, or standard EVA technology? PUR adhesive ensures that furniture will not swell due to moisture, but this technology is more expensive for the manufacturer.

3. Employee Qualification and Business Model
An important factor is employee turnover. Low turnover means accumulated experience. A craftsman who has worked at the same company for five years will make fewer mistakes than one who is replaced every few months. Skilled labor costs more, but it significantly reduces the risk of defects.

Financial traps: The lowest price on the market often indicates that a company lacks working capital. Such manufacturers dump prices to secure an advance payment and cover previous debts. For the client, this creates a high risk of being placed in a queue until the project receives “new funding”. These companies tend to miss deadlines and ignore inquiries, even while actively advertising fast turnaround times on social media.

4. What Is Included in the Estimate?
When comparing offers, it is essential to ensure you are comparing “apples to apples”:

4.1 Is the preparation of production drawings included?
4.2 Does the price include transportation, installation, and actual warranty service?
4.3 Is VAT included in the price? There are cases where, at final settlement, the price suddenly increases by 21%, justified by taxes not being included initially.

How Does doLink.lt Help Manage These Processes?
Understanding all technical nuances independently is a complex task requiring specific expertise. When you submit a project through our platform, we ensure that all manufacturer offers are prepared according to the same technical criteria.

We periodically monitor manufacturers’ financial stability and employee turnover. If concerns arise, we temporarily stop sending inquiries to that manufacturer. We do not look for the cheapest option — we help find the optimal balance between quality and price, while reducing the risk of financial loss. To be transparent — even when working with a company that has 30 years of experience, there is no 100% guarantee, but doLink’s control mechanisms help maximize protection against systemic errors and unfair manufacturing practices.
doLink
How Much Does Custom Furniture Manufacturing Cost? Budget Planning

How Much Does Custom Furniture Manufacturing Cost?...

How Much Does Custom Furniture Manufacturing Cost? Budget Planning

When planning custom furniture, price is usually the main — and at the same time the most difficult to predict — factor. The furniture market is not a standard store with price tags; it is a combination of fluctuating raw material costs, logistics, and craftsmen’s qualifications.

Although raw material prices have stabilized, production estimates are currently most affected by rising labor costs and energy resources. To avoid overpaying, it is important to understand the “anatomy” of furniture: where an investment ensures durability, and where you are paying only for visual effect.

How Is the Furniture Price Distributed? (The 30/40/30 Rule)

Although every project is unique, on average the cost of quality furniture consists of three main parts:

30–35% Materials: Boards, fronts, countertops.
30–35% Hardware: Hinges, drawer runners, lifting mechanisms, handles.
30–40% Labor and services: Design, manufacturing, transportation, installation, and warranty service.

Important: The final price is significantly influenced by the total volume of furniture ordered. When ordering furniture for the entire home from a single manufacturer, installation, transportation, and other logistics costs are optimized, reducing the unit cost of each individual piece.

1. Critical Zones: Saving Here Is Risky

The initial desire to save money often turns into expensive repairs later on. Compromises should not be made in the following areas:

Moving parts (Hardware): Kitchen drawers and lifting mechanisms experience the highest daily load. Cheap mechanisms quickly begin to jam or deform. Investing in market leaders (e.g., Blum or Hettich) pays off through flawless operation and warranties lasting decades.

Countertop: This is the most heavily used part. If the budget allows, the most durable choice remains Compact HPL or stone. When choosing standard laminate, it is critically important that the edges are sealed with PUR adhesive, which protects the board from moisture penetration.

Sink area: Moisture is the main enemy of furniture. Poor-quality sealing around the sink can force a full cabinet replacement within just a few years, which is why edge sealing here is not an area to cut costs.

2. Where to Save Wisely?

Smart planning allows you to reduce the estimate by 10–20% without sacrificing the quality of the final result:

Internal carcasses: Solid-color laminate (for example, white) inside cabinets is always cheaper than textured finishes. This has no impact on structural strength, and visually, once cabinets are filled, the interior is practically unseen.

Mechanisms in rarely used areas: For upper cabinets that are used infrequently, standard mechanical lifting or opening mechanisms are sufficient, avoiding servo-drive-type electrified solutions.

Front alternatives: If the budget is limited, choose high-quality laminated particle board (LMDP) instead of painted MDF. Modern textures (e.g., Egger or Cleaf) are visually and tactually very close to natural wood or concrete.

3. Segment Differences: From Economy to Premium

Economy option: Focused on functionality. LMDP boards are used for fronts, standard hardware, and laminated countertops.

Mid-range: MDF fronts (painted or foil-wrapped), high-end hardware (Blum/Hettich), and more durable countertops (e.g., Compact HPL).

Premium segment: Natural veneer or luxury matte boards are used for fronts. Countertops are exclusively natural or engineered stone (quartz, ceramic). Integrated lighting, electric lifting systems, and custom metal elements are included (for example, copper panel integration or other specialized finishes).

Real Market Prices (doLink.lt Data)

Below is the average price per 1 linear meter of a kitchen furniture set (excluding household appliances), based on doLink.lt data from October 2025, without accounting for discounts depending on order volume.

Economy kitchen set: ~€552/m.
Mid-range kitchen set: ~€970/m.
*Premium kitchen set: ~€1,448/m.
doLink
LMDP, MDF or veneer: how to choose materials for furniture and not overpay?

LMDP, MDF or veneer: how to choose materials for f...

LMDP, MDF or veneer: how to choose materials for furniture and not overpay?

Receiving several quotes from furniture manufacturers often brings surprise: for the same project, prices can differ by thousands of euros. The main reason is the materials chosen. In 2025, the choice of materials is greater than ever, but how do you understand what suits your home?

1. LMDP – price and practicality leader
Laminated particleboard (LMDP) is the most popular choice for furniture carcasses and budget-class fronts. These materials are abundant on the market, but it is important to know that not all LMDP boards are the same. They differ in chip density, laminate thickness, and texture depth (e.g., more expensive boards have “synchronous” pores that mimic real wood relief).

Advantages: Lowest price, huge selection of designs (from concrete imitation to textured wood), easy maintenance.

Disadvantages: Sensitive to direct water exposure. If edges are not properly sealed or are mechanically damaged, the board can swell. Therefore, it is not recommended for areas with constant moisture (e.g., direct-contact zones in bathrooms).

Who should choose? Wardrobe carcasses, shelves, and anyone seeking the best price-quality ratio at the economy level. Read more about why prices can differ twofold here.

Expert tip: Ensure the edges are glued with PUR glue. According to international durability standards, PUR glue creates a practically invisible and waterproof seam, dramatically extending the furniture’s lifespan in kitchens or bathrooms.

2. MDF – aesthetics and flexibility
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is denser and smoother than LMDP, making it the primary material for painted fronts.

Advantages: Can be milled (for patterns, recessed handles), painted in any color (according to RAL or NCS palettes). Because the piece is painted on all sides, there are no visible edge joints – the entire piece looks seamless and luxurious.

Additional benefit: If after a few years the front gets scratched or you want to change the interior color, having the exact color code allows repainting – which is much cheaper than making new furniture.

Disadvantages: More expensive than LMDP, and the painted surface can chip from very strong impact.

Who should choose? Kitchen fronts, bathroom furniture, and those who value a seamless aesthetic.

3. Veneer – a combination of durability and nature
Multilayer birch veneer is experiencing a renaissance. It is important to note that it varies by type: FK (for indoor use) and FSF (more moisture-resistant). Flexible veneer also exists, allowing for unique curved shapes.

Advantages: Extremely strong, withstands heavy loads. Because it is multilayered, milling reveals different patterns in each sheet, giving furniture uniqueness and “life.” Visible layered cuts become a stylish accent.

Disadvantages: High price due to complex processing. Although usually varnished or oiled, it can also be painted, but this requires specific preparation, and price ranges can vary widely depending on the type of veneer.

Who should choose? Kitchen countertop bases (under HPL), children’s furniture, decorative wall panels, and Scandinavian-style projects.

4. HPL and Compact HPL – “armored” furniture
High-pressure laminate (HPL) is a material designed to withstand the highest loads. Compact HPL (8, 10, 12, or 15 mm thick sheets) is currently the most popular alternative to natural or artificial stone, wood, and similar surfaces.

Advantages: Maximum resistance to scratches, heat, and direct water exposure. Contrary to popular belief, HPL has thousands of designs – from exact stone or wood imitation to textured metal. It is an incredibly versatile material, allowing for high aesthetics: precise 45° or 90° miters can create the impression of a monolithic block.

Disadvantages: High price and large price differences between the cheapest and most expensive options (both the material itself and its specialized processing). It is important to note that Compact HPL edges are usually black, white, or gray. If this color does not match the design, the edge must be additionally coordinated or covered with another material.

Who should choose? Kitchen countertops, dining tables, and modern fronts where maximum durability and thin, elegant lines are desired.

These technical nuances are exactly what usually cause the largest price differences – we have detailed them in this article.

How doLink helps you choose correctly? Users often find it difficult to understand whether a proposed quote corresponds to material quality. On the doLink platform, the process is different:

When creating a project, you choose the desired quality level yourself. This immediately simplifies the search range – the system understands your expectations and helps “filter” the offers. Our goal is to ensure you get the best value and do not pay MDF prices for areas where simple LMDP will suffice.
doLink
Metal in custom furniture: how to create a refined interior and what’s important to know about manufacturing

Metal in custom furniture: how to create a refined...

Metal in custom furniture: how to create a refined interior and what’s important to know about manufacturing

For many years, metal in furniture production was associated exclusively with strict industrial (loft) style. Today, however, it has become a symbol of refined luxury and visual lightness. From subtle brass details to massive steel structures, metal gives furniture a level of durability that no other material can match.

Most popular metal types and their character

Black powder coating (matte): A classic that has stood the test of time. It is the best choice when seeking graphic clarity and clean lines. Powder coating is highly resistant to mechanical damage, making it ideal for chair legs, shelving systems, and partitions.

Black rusted metal: A specific aesthetic choice increasingly used in modern interiors to add texture and a sense of “age.” To prevent rust from staining or crumbling, these surfaces must be properly stabilized and lacquered.

Hot-rolled metal with lacquer: A unique way to achieve natural, industrial patterns and uneven coloration. Lacquering is essential for durability and corrosion protection, but this surface works particularly well for built-in shelves, massive table legs, or even façade accents.

Brass and copper: Elements of luxury and the “Mid-century modern” style. It’s important to note that real brass and copper oxidize very quickly, developing a distinctive patina. If a permanent shine is desired, lacquering or imitation materials are used. For those who value authenticity, regular polishing helps maintain the metal’s natural, living tone.

Stainless steel and aluminum: Brushed or polished steel is returning to high-end kitchen projects. It is a hygienic, heat-resistant material that adds a subtle futuristic character to the interior.

Critical manufacturing aspects: what manufacturers often don’t mention
Combining metal with solid wood or panel materials is a technological challenge. If you’re planning such furniture, pay close attention to the following points:

Material movement due to humidity: Wood reacts to changes in humidity by expanding and contracting, while metal remains highly stable. If these materials are joined too rigidly, the wood may crack or warp over time. Specific fastening solutions are required, such as adhesive bonding or special fixations that allow the materials to “breathe.”

Welding quality: In cheaply made metal furniture, rough welding seams are often visible. In high-end production, seams are ground down until the joint becomes completely invisible—the structure should appear seamless and monolithic.

Weight and installation: Metal structures are heavy. When planning wall-mounted metal shelves, it’s essential to assess the wall type in advance. If it wasn’t possible to evaluate the structure before finishing works, the manufacturer must be informed—an experienced craftsman will assess the situation and adapt the mounting solutions accordingly.

Where does metal work best in interiors?
Kitchen accents: Metal wine racks, plinths, or frames for glass cabinet doors (with or without glass).

Partitions: Glass and metal partitions allow spaces to be zoned without losing light. Thanks to metal’s strength, extremely thin and elegant lines can be achieved.

Table legs: A custom-designed dining table base can become the focal point of a living space, without being limited to standard shapes.

Sheets and details: From planters and various leg designs to unique handles. Thanks to the ease of cutting, bending, and processing metal sheets, their application possibilities are virtually limitless.

How does doLink help find metal craftsmen?
Not every furniture maker knows how to work with metal, and metal fabricators often lack an understanding of furniture aesthetics. The doLink.lt platform connects these two worlds. We work with a network of manufacturers and, when needed, enable collaboration between specialists who are best suited for complex, combined-material projects.
doLink

What is doLink and how does the system work?

What is doLink and how does the system work?

Individual furniture production often resembles a jungle: hundreds of craftsmen, different materials, fluctuating prices, and constant risks. doLink was created as a response to this chaos. We are not a furniture contractor – we are an innovative, centralized system specializing in furniture project management. We connect clients with the most reliable market professionals, reducing risk to a minimum even when implementing the most complex bespoke furniture.

Individual furniture production without stress: how do we help? Our goal is to ensure that the project is completed on time and in an orderly manner. You no longer need to communicate directly, make calls, and search for individual furniture manufacturers to take on your order yourself. We move all communication into a single system. Here, you can see all project deadlines, files, production progress, as well as any possible delays or early delivery.

An important highlight – the furniture production contract. Contrary to the common market practice where craftsmen often provide contracts without real accountability, doLink draws up a contract with genuine obligations and legal liability for your project.

What is doLink, really? Many mistakenly consider us furniture manufacturers or resellers, but our role is much broader. doLink is a technological partner and your representative. We manage the entire process after you submit an idea and choose the most suitable manufacturer from the offers provided.

We do not manufacture furniture ourselves, as we believe in specialization: the manufacturer must take care of the production work, while we ensure that the client receives transparent conditions, the best price-quality ratio, and a sense of security.

How does the doLink system work? 1. Project submission and copyright protection Whether it is kitchen furniture production or a living room project – you submit the vision on the platform, and we turn it into a technical task. If you are an architect or a designer, your creations are protected within the system. If we notice copyright infringements (when the same unique project is attempted to be implemented in other objects without permission), we promptly alert you.

2. Smart furniture manufacturer selection The system automatically filters craftsmen according to their specialization, availability, and internal rating. Our network of furniture manufacturers is evaluated based on real completion deadlines, financial stability, and communication quality.

3. Transparent price comparison Instead of receiving unclear estimates, you see comparable offers in the system. The furniture production price remains unchanged after the contract is signed – no more unexpected price jumps during the process.

4. Assistance to manufacturers (Facilitation) If a manufacturer requires specific sub-contracting services (e.g., non-standard glass or metal processing), we help them find partners so that your project does not stall.

How much does furniture project management cost? The doLink ecosystem costs nothing for the client. The maintenance of the system is covered by the manufacturers (averaging 2.34% of the project value). Since manufacturers receive fully prepared technical tasks, their operating costs are reduced. Therefore, individual furniture ordered through doLink is often cheaper than contacting the same manufacturers directly.
doLink
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