Custom Order Timeline & What to Expect

Buying a crib for a first baby is one of the first big furniture decisions a family makes. If the crib is made to order rather than sitting in a warehouse, the question is not just “which crib” but “how does this actually work—and when will it arrive?”

This guide walks through the custom-order journey for a solid hardwood, US-made convertible crib, so you know exactly what to expect at each step—from choosing a style to the day the crib arrives and the years of use that follow.

Made to order vs. in stock: what it means

A made-to-order crib is built only after a customer places the deposit. Nothing sits idle on a shelf, and there is no “last one in stock” squeeze. The trade-off is time: production begins with your order rather than before it.

For many families that trade is worth it. A custom, made-to-order piece is typically built from solid hardwood with handcrafted finishing, sized and stained to the choices you make, and designed to last through multiple stages of childhood. It is the opposite of flat-pack furniture that is built down to a price and expected to last a season or two.

The honest part of made-to-order buying is timing. Because each crib is built after your order, the lead time depends on current production and your finish choices. Rather than publishing a one-size-fits-all “ships in X days” promise, we confirm a planning estimate for your specific order and location.

The order journey, step by step

Step 1 – Choose your style, wood, and finish

Start with the collection that fits your nursery. Most styles offer wood and stain options on the product page. If you are unsure which finish will match your room, send inspiration photos through Get Personal Assistance and we will help you narrow choices before you place a deposit.

Step 2 – Place a 50% deposit; production begins

Ordering requires a 50% deposit, which is non-refundable as stated on the product page. That deposit moves your crib into production—it is what turns your configuration into a real piece being built. Read the terms on the page you purchase from before depositing; we are happy to answer questions first.

Step 3 – Confirm lead time and delivery for your zip code

After the deposit, we confirm a planning estimate for delivery to your area and the delivery option that fits (see delivery below). This is the point where “what to expect” becomes “here is what to expect for your order.”

Step 4 – Production and finishing

Your crib is crafted in solid hardwood and finished according to the choices you made (finish safety details live on our Safety & Certifications page). On select collections the finish carries UL GREENGUARD Gold certification for low chemical emissions; others use non-toxic, water-based, lead-free finishes. This stage is where careful work takes time—which is why we avoid promising overnight ship dates.

Step 5 – Balance due before shipping

The remaining balance is due before the crib ships. Your order confirmation and follow-up communication will state when the balance is due so there are no surprises at delivery time.

Step 6 – Delivery to your home

Delivery options are confirmed for your zip code at order. Choose standard delivery or white-glove delivery depending on the level of setup and placement you want. The exact options and pricing for your area are confirmed when we plan your shipment.

Step 7 – Years of use: conversion, not replacement

This is the payoff of a 4-in-1 convertible crib. As your child grows, the same crib converts through its stages (and on select styles, toddler and full conversion kits are included—confirm what is in the box for your SKU). A solid hardwood piece built to be converted becomes an investment that spreads cost across years instead of a disposable that gets replaced.

How long does a custom crib actually take?

This is the most common question, and the honest answer is: it depends on your order and when production is scheduled. Current production timing is confirmed at the time you place the deposit, and a planning estimate is provided for your style and location.

The most useful planning step is to share your target delivery month. If you tell us “we need the crib in place by early November,” we can tell you whether that is realistic for the style and finish you want, before you commit. That is exactly what Get Personal Assistance is for—real guidance tied to your dates, not a generic answer.

A useful habit for custom furniture generally: if you have a hard deadline (a due date, a nursery-ready date, a moving date), start the conversation early and name the deadline explicitly.

Deposits, cancellation, and balance

  • Deposit: 50% non-refundable as stated on the product page; production starts with the deposit.
  • Cancellation: product pages state a 48-hour cancellation window. Because production begins promptly, the deposit is non-refundable as written. Read the terms on the page you purchase from, and ask us before depositing if anything is unclear.
  • Balance: due before shipping, per the confirmation and follow-up communication.

What to prepare before you order

  1. A shortlist of 1–3 styles you like, and which wood/stain you are leaning toward (or inspiration to share).
  2. Your delivery zip code, so delivery options and estimates can be quoted accurately.
  3. Your ideal delivery window—the month is enough to start.
  4. Confirmation of what is included for the SKU (e.g. whether conversion kits are included) so there are no surprises.

Common questions parents ask

Is the crib really built after I order?

Yes. Each crib is made to order in solid hardwood. The 50% deposit starts production, and timing is confirmed for your specific order and location.

Why not publish an exact lead time on every page?

Because timing depends on current production and your finish choices. A confirmed estimate for your order is more honest than a generic promise that may not hold.

What if I need the crib by a specific month?

Tell us the target month before ordering. We will tell you if it is realistic for the style and finish you want. This is exactly what Get Personal Assistance is for.

What happens after I pay the balance?

Your crib ships via the delivery option you chose, with the shipping method and window confirmed for your zip code.

How long will the crib last?

Solid hardwood, convertible construction is built to move through multiple childhood stages rather than be replaced. Confirm the conversion stages and included kits for the specific model you are considering.

If you are comparing styles, choosing a finish, or planning around a due date, use Get Personal Assistance. We will help you make a confident decision before you place a deposit.