Why this $6,500 desk is worth every penny.

How do I price my work? I get asked that question all the time. In this video, I'm going to show how I price my work as a professional furniture maker and explain the twist that makes it unconventional. But, by removing that twist, it will give YOU a simple approach to establish consistent pricing. And the furniture piece we will be focusing on is this…an Ash desk with some super cool details (like LED lighted drawers, brass accents and 3D printed drawer organizers) and an overall elegant design (leg up close)...I will break down the estimate for this project and track the ACTUAL hours and material costs (BF of ASH = $$)…and at the end, reveal just how accurate-or INACCURATE-I was with my estimate. And to make it more interesting, this wasn't just any desk build…it was for my toughest client yet...my 9-year-old niece!

Links for 3D Printed Files

Products used for this project (*some are affiliate links):

Other places to find me and my content:

[nickrenshaw]

There is no amount of money in the world you could’ve charged a client that is worth that reaction. Great stuff as always mate!

[ChetKloss]

Your niece’s reaction made it all worthwhile ❤

[Ogilla]

Your target audience is probably mostly woodworkers, but I'm sure I'm not the only alien here that has nothing to do with woodworking but yet is still fascinated by this stuff!

I'm a powerlifting coach and gym owner, but somehow craftsmen like you were always an inspiration to me. The dedication, attention to detail, problem solving and patience is just astounding!


Thank you for your great work, a non-woodworker fan of Québec!

[OddJobEntertainment]

Another crucial detail with pricing is that the work invested for the first product of a line takes significantly longer than the second copy of the same product. With an established process, all that problem solving you had to do can be consolidated a lot. So the pricing for a one-off is very different even from doing a run of 5 products. With mass manufactured goods, the cost goes down significantly for the same reason but also incorporates automation, cheaper materials, simplified construction, and other variables.

[ScottWalshWoodworking]

Love that white finish on ash, it definitely subdues the sharp contrast between the sap and heart wood, which is my biggest complaint about ash. Also those drawer lights are something else! Great job dude

[ltsmith]

This is one of the greatest woodworking videos on YouTube, period. The build itself, Keith's commentary, and all of the insight into the time and cost... This is seriously top-tier content. Keith Johnson is one of the greats.

[julianmartinez]

Your niece is adorable and her reaction really made the whole video. Made me want to go make something for my daughter who's about the same age.

[julietphillips]

When you say, "Yikes" towards the end is so funny. Above and Beyond does not begin to describe your work! Uncle Keith, you're the best! Did you factor in the Inspector's Fee? Jerry wants to know!

[curtisroof]

I really enjoyed seeing your niece's enthusiastic reaction to her new piece of furniture!

[kevinf]

Your number one client. Her appreciation is payment satisfied.

[WillLeingang]

That reaction! You win the coolest uncle award! Amazing desk, outstanding craftsmanship as usual... video was on point 🔥

[rufinocabrera]

Mr. Johnson.
Your channel is one of my favorites. You are incredibly talented, down to earth, funny, and you have the best helpers too (Jerry and Lola)
Thank you so much for sharing. See you on the next video!

[xBris]

I love how you first explain the difference between "Profit" and "Margin" just to talk about PROFIT-MARGINS in the very next sentence. Very helpful 😂

[robertkerby]

Loved it! Love yer kitty kats, too!
I appreciated the effort that you put into the pricing of your niece's "pretend commissioned desk project, " then sharing with us common folk!
Also, I absolutely loved your very cute niece's reactions whilst finding her way around the desk and all of the extra things, e.g., 3d printed items!
Well done, Sir!

[Danilyn_Livao]

This an impressive piece of craftsmanship, Keith!💯 You’ve explained so well why investing in high-quality, handcrafted furniture is always worth it. 👌

[MWAWoodworks]

I love ash furniture and that finish looks amazing on it. Great work!

[RealPeoplePerson]

Looks fantastic! Great to hear your thought process and problem-solving.
On time estimates, there's a technique used in software development where tasks are estimated to take 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20 or 40 time units. Having this limited set of numbers to chose from reduces indecision, while at the same time reminding us that any high estimates will be inaccurate. If any task is estimated at 13 or more, we should probably split it into smaller tasks to better estimate them.

[daniel.lopez.partida]

I'm amazed by the skills, the story telling AND the quality of every tool!
Send good vibes so one day I can afford that great set!! :D

[lucifernebulae]

it's great to see appreciation of your work. Kids not always are so enthusiastic about things like that...

[probopje]

I really like to see you back in process! I’m learning this hobby! I really like your videos!!