To buy custom-made or factory-made furniture?
That is the question pondered by discriminating buyers. But if you ask designer Charles ”Duffy” Poindexter of Poindexter & McLaughlin, no question about it-custom-made wins hands down.
”The advantages of custom-built are that you get something hand-made, hand-fitted and finished as opposed to being made in a production line . . . and everything is solid wood,” said Poindexter, who only uses American hardwoods, such as cherry, oak and walnut.
One of the biggest advantages, he says, is the price, which can range from $250-$1,000. ”Similar pieces of the same quality, that you might find in the showroom, cost considerably more,” said Poindexter, a former social worker, who turned his hobby into a full-time job eight years ago.
But most important, he adds, ”I make pieces in the Arts & Crafts and Prairie styles reminiscent of the Frank Lloyd Wright and Gustav Stickley furniture that are difficult to find anywhere.”
Samples are displayed at his shop at 2632 W. Touhy, Chicago. Orders take from one month to six weeks to complete. Call 312-743-7397.
