A custom wood feature wall costs what its size, complexity and finish demand, and our commissions start at $5,000. That starting point covers a piece designed for one specific wall rather than chosen from our existing wood pieces. This guide explains what drives the cost up or down, how a commission works from first message to delivery, and when an existing piece is the better choice. If you have a wall in mind, our custom commissions page is the place to start.
How much does a custom wood feature wall cost?
At our studio, commissions start at $5,000. The final figure depends on the scope, so we quote each project individually rather than publishing a per-square-foot rate. For comparison, our existing pieces range from $600 for the smallest in natural birch to $3,360 for the largest in a stained finish.
| Existing piece | Commission | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $600 to $3,360 | From $5,000 |
| Size | 33.25 to 103.75 in wide, as listed | Designed to your wall |
| Form | Our 14 designs | New or adapted form |
| Finish | Natural, Walnut Stain or Black Stain | Discussed per project |
| Lead time | Natural about 5 business days; stained 2 to 3 weeks | Set per project |
What drives the cost of a commission?
Five things matter most. Size is the most obvious, but it is rarely the only factor.
- Size and coverage. More wall means more material and more parts to cut, sand, assemble and finish. A full floor-to-ceiling wall is a different project from a single large panel.
- Complexity of the form. A gentle wave across parallel ribs is simpler than a twisting, asymmetric or doubly curved surface. More variation between parts means more design and fitting time.
- Depth. Deeper forms use more material per rib and are more involved to assemble. Our existing pieces range from 2.5 to 7.25 inches deep.
- Finish. Hand staining adds time and cost compared with natural birch. On our existing pieces, stained versions cost about 60 percent more than natural.
- Number of sections. Very large walls may need to be made in sections that join on site, and more sections mean more joints to design so the surface reads continuously.
Site conditions also shape the design: outlets, switches, windows, doors and uneven walls all need to be worked around. They are easier to handle when we know about them at the start.
How does a commission work?
A commission moves from your wall to a design to a finished piece, and you see and approve the direction before anything is made. In outline:
- Inquiry. Send us the wall's dimensions, photos of the room, a sense of the light, and any pieces from our range you like. A rough budget helps us propose the right scale.
- Concept. We develop a parametric form for the wall. Because the form is rule-based, we can adjust its rhythm, depth and proportions to suit the space.
- Review and quote. You review the concept and the quote. Changes at this stage are straightforward; changes after cutting are not.
- Making. The piece is cut from birch plywood, then sanded, assembled and finished by hand in our Brooklyn studio.
- Delivery. The piece ships ready for installation. For feature walls and large commissions, we recommend a professional installer.
Timing depends on the scope and is agreed with you at the quote stage.
When is a commission worth it over an existing piece?
A commission is worth it when no existing size fits the wall, when the wall has obstacles a standard piece cannot accommodate, or when you want a form that belongs to one space. Typical cases are long walls in open-plan rooms, stairwells, double-height walls, reception areas, and walls with a specific width that falls between our sizes.
An existing piece is often the better choice when the wall is a standard size. Our largest stock pieces are the Anomaly II sculpture at 103.75 by 22.75 inches, Cadence at 57.75 by 54.5 inches, and Convergence at 61.25 by 40 inches. If one of those fits the proportions of your wall, it will cost less and arrive sooner than a commission. You can compare every size in our large wood wall art collection.
Can an existing design be resized or adapted?
Often, yes. Because our designs are parametric, a form can be stretched, compressed or extended while keeping its logic. Anomaly II is an example: it takes the twisting logic of the 70.25-inch Anomaly to a nearly 9-foot form of its own. A request to adapt an existing design to a new size or proportion is handled as a commission.
How should you prepare before asking for a quote?
Gather the information that most affects the design:
- Exact wall width and height, plus ceiling height
- Positions of outlets, switches, vents, windows and doors
- Photos taken straight on and from where people usually stand or sit
- Which way the light comes from, and when
- Floor and wall colors, and any wood tones you want to match
- Your budget range and any date you are working toward
The more of this we have up front, the more accurate the first concept and quote will be. Answers to common questions on shipping and care are in our studio FAQ.
FAQ
What is the minimum budget for a custom wood wall?
Our commissions start at $5,000. The final price depends on size, complexity, depth, finish and the number of sections.
Can I choose the finish on a commission?
Yes. Our standard finishes are natural birch, birch hand-stained in a walnut tone, and birch hand-stained black. Finish is discussed as part of each project.
Can I return a commissioned piece?
No. Our pieces are made to order, so we do not accept returns. That is why the concept and quote are reviewed and approved before anything is made.