FAQs

MEK Design  — Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find answers to common questions about our furniture, materials, ordering, delivery and care. If you need help with a specific product or specification, please contact us.

About MEK Design

Who is MEK Design?

MEK Design is a British furniture maker specialising in handmade sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, bar stools, benches, dining tables and bespoke furniture. Every piece is designed and handcrafted in England using carefully selected materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Why choose handmade furniture?

Handmade furniture offers a level of craftsmanship, durability and individuality that cannot be achieved through mass production. Each piece is made to order and carefully finished by skilled craftsmen in England.

Do you have a showroom?

We do not operate a showroom. We provide fabric and finish samples for you to view and compare at home.

Ordering & Customisation

How can I place an order?

You can place an order through our website or by email. For made-to-order and bespoke furniture, we confirm all specifications in writing before production begins.

Can I place an order by phone?

No. To avoid misunderstandings, all orders and specifications must be confirmed in writing before production begins.

Can I customise my furniture?

Many pieces can be customised with different fabrics, finishes, dimensions and selected design details, depending on the model.

Can I change my order?

Please contact us as soon as possible. Changes may affect pricing and lead times and may not be possible once production has started.

Can I request fabric or wood samples?

Yes. Fabric samples are available for most collections, and selected wood finish samples may also be available, subject to availability.

Fabrics & Upholstery

How do Fabric Price Groups work?

Sofa fabrics are arranged into six Price Groups, while chair, armchair and bar stool fabrics are arranged into seven Price Groups.

What determines a fabric's Price Group?

Price Groups reflect factors such as supplier cost, country of origin, durability, performance characteristics, weave complexity, composition and design.

Can colours look different on screen?

Yes. Screen settings and lighting conditions can affect colour appearance. We recommend viewing samples where possible.

Can I use my own fabric?

Possibly. Please contact us before ordering to confirm suitability and required quantities.

Can I choose different fabrics or piping?

Selected models are available with two-tone upholstery and optional piping. Depending on the design, matching or contrast piping may be available.

Sofas, Chairs & Bar Stools

What materials are used in your upholstered furniture?

Our upholstered furniture is built using hardwood frames and carefully selected upholstery materials. Construction details vary by design.

Can I customise the size of a sofa?

Some sofa models are available in bespoke widths or depths. Please contact us regarding the model you are considering.

Which cushion fillings are available?

Depending on the model, options may include foam, foam-and-fibre blends or feather-wrapped cushions.

Can I customise wood finishes?

Many pieces are available in a selection of wood finishes and colours.

Are your chairs suitable for commercial projects?

Selected chairs, armchairs and bar stools may be suitable for hospitality and commercial environments. Please contact us to discuss requirements.

Are bar stools available in different heights?

Many models are available in both counter-height and bar-height versions.

Dining Tables & Stone Furniture

What wood is used for your dining tables?

Our dining tables are made from solid oak or solid walnut.

Can I customise table dimensions?

Many tables can be customised in length, width and height. Selected models are also available with extension mechanisms.

Are variations in solid wood normal?

Yes. Variations in grain, colour, knots and texture are natural characteristics of solid timber and make each piece unique.

Will solid wood change over time?

Yes. Solid wood is a natural material and may respond to seasonal changes in humidity and temperature. These subtle changes are part of its character and authenticity.

What is the difference between Clear Oak and Rustic Oak?

Clear Oak features a more consistent appearance with fewer knots and natural markings. Rustic Oak celebrates the natural character of timber, including knots, colour variation and organic grain patterns.

What stone options are available?

Our collections include sintered stone, quartz composite and selected natural stones.

Can I choose a different stone colour or finish?

In some cases, alternative materials may be available through our suppliers. Additional costs or lead times may apply.

Are variations in stone normal?

Yes. Natural materials can vary in colour, pattern and texture, making each piece unique.

How do extension leaves work?

Selected dining tables are available with extension leaves, allowing the table to be extended when additional seating is required. Extension leaves are crafted to complement the main tabletop and store separately when not in use.

Consoles & Sideboards

Are your consoles and sideboards handmade?

Yes. All are handcrafted in England using carefully selected materials and finishes.

Do they have soft-close doors and drawers?

Most console and sideboard models feature soft-close hinges and drawer runners, depending on the chosen design.

Payments & Production

Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit and debit cards through Stripe, along with PayPal and other payment options where available.

How does the 50/50 Payment Plan work?

A 50% deposit is payable when the order is placed. Production begins once the deposit is received. The remaining balance is due when the furniture is complete and ready for delivery.

How long does production take?

Our standard production lead time is approximately 6–8 weeks from confirmation of your order and receipt of deposit. Delivery is arranged separately once production is complete and typically takes 1–4 days, depending on the destination. Our team will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.

When does production begin?

Production begins once the order specification has been confirmed and the required deposit has been received.

Delivery

Where do you deliver?

We deliver throughout the UK and Crown Dependencies. We deliver throughout the UK and Crown Dependencies. International delivery is also available to many European and worldwide destinations.

Do you offer international delivery?

Yes. We offer international delivery to many European destinations and selected countries worldwide.

Delivery charges vary depending on the destination and products ordered. Please contact us with your location and the furniture you are interested in, and we will provide a personalised quotation.

We frequently deliver to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland where preferential delivery rates may sometimes be available.

For a quotation, simply email us with your delivery address and the items you wish to order.

What does standard delivery include?

Standard delivery is to the entrance of the property.

Is White-Glove Delivery available?

White-Glove Delivery may be available depending on location, access and the products ordered. Services can include room-of-choice placement and packaging removal.

Does my furniture arrive assembled?

Many upholstered pieces arrive fully assembled. Larger tables and cabinet furniture may require simple assembly where appropriate.

What should I check before delivery?

Please ensure the furniture will fit through doorways, hallways, staircases, lifts and other access routes before ordering.

How will I know when my furniture is ready for delivery?

Once your furniture is ready, we will contact you to arrange a convenient delivery date and time.

Returns & Warranty

Can I cancel my order?

As all MEK Design furniture is made to order and manufactured to each customer's specification, orders cannot be cancelled once production has commenced. We therefore recommend reviewing all specifications carefully before placing your order. Please refer to our Returns & Cancellation Policy for full details.

What if my furniture is faulty or damaged?

Please contact us promptly with your order number and photographs where available. We will review the issue and advise on the next steps.

What does the 2-year guarantee cover?

The guarantee covers eligible manufacturing, structural and material defects arising during normal domestic use, subject to the full Warranty Terms.

What is not covered?

Exclusions include accidental damage, misuse, normal wear and tear, natural material variation, improper care and unauthorised repairs.

Does the guarantee affect my statutory rights?

No. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.

Care & Maintenance

How should I care for upholstered furniture?

Follow the care recommendations for your chosen fabric, clean spills promptly and avoid harsh cleaning products.

How should I care for solid wood furniture?

Protect wooden surfaces from standing water, excessive heat and sudden environmental changes. Follow the care guidance for your chosen finish.

How should I care for stone furniture?

Use coasters, placemats and trivets where appropriate, and follow the care recommendations for the specific stone surface.

Contact

How can I contact MEK Design?

Please email shop@mekdesign.uk with questions about products, customisation, quotations, orders or delivery.