Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about custom orders, personalization, cutting boards, pet memorials, pricing, or artwork? Start here.

Custom Orders

  • Yes. Custom work is one of the things Brinker Woodworks enjoys most. A customer can start with a fully developed idea or just a rough concept and we’ll work together to turn it into something real. The goal is to create a high-quality product that is meaningful, built to last and something the customer is proud to keep or give as a gift.

  • That’s completely fine. You can start with almost anything: a photo, rough sketch, handwritten note, email, phone conversation, logo, cellphone picture, or even just a verbal description. From there, we can draft ideas, create AI mockups, CNC previews, or laser layouts and continue refining the design together. Most basic design help is included, though there may be a small fee if low-quality artwork has to be rebuilt into a production-ready SVG or vector file.

  • Yes. Brinker Woodworks generally does not begin production until both the customer and I agree on what the final product should look like. Depending on the project, that may involve an AI mockup, CNC software preview, laser engraving layout, or another type of visual proof. The goal is to make sure there are no surprises before fabrication begins.

  • Yes, and those projects are encouraged. Some of the most enjoyable projects are things Brinker Woodworks has never made before. If it is a custom wood product, personalized gift, branded business item, memorial, sign, or another creative project, it is worth reaching out. If it can be built in the shop, it can often be made; if it requires a product to be sourced and then customized, that can often be done too.

  • Brinker Woodworks can personalize a wide range of products including cutting boards, tumblers, pens, coasters, signs, keepsake boxes, pet memorials, business gifts, and other custom wood or engraved products. If you have something in mind that is not shown on the website, reach out. We are always happy to explore whether it can be built, sourced, engraved, carved, or otherwise customized for you.

  • For logos and detailed engraving, vector files such as SVG, AI, EPS, or vector PDF usually give the cleanest results. High-resolution PNG files can also work well. If all you have is a photo, screenshot, or low-resolution image, send it anyway. We can review it and let you know whether it is ready to use or needs to be recreated for a higher-quality finished result. This is a common question across engraving businesses because artwork quality directly affects engraving quality.

  • Yes. Depending on the project, we can often work from photographs, handwritten notes, signatures, drawings, and other personal artwork. The image may need some cleanup or conversion before it is ready for engraving or carving, but you do not need to arrive with a perfect production file.

  • Turnaround time depends on the product, quantity, complexity of the design, materials required and current shop workload. A simple engraved item can usually be completed more quickly than a fully custom woodworking project with CNC carving or inlays. For a general rule, most products can be shipped within a week of when they are ordered. If you have a specific date you need the product by, let us know when you request your quote so we can determine whether the schedule is realistic.

  • Changes are usually possible before production begins. Once materials have been cut, engraving has started, or custom components have been ordered, changes may be limited or may result in additional costs. That’s why we take time to review and approve the design before production begins.

Pricing

  • The biggest factors are materials, complexity, artwork preparation, machine time, and finishing. High-quality hardwoods cost more, but Brinker Woodworks does not use cheaper materials simply to lower the price. Complex inlays, carving, multiple engraving surfaces, or difficult artwork can increase the cost. If a customer already has a usable SVG or vector file, that can save setup time. The goal is always to work within the customer’s budget and find the best custom solution possible without cutting corners on quality.

  • Yes. Larger orders may qualify for volume pricing depending on the product, quantity, materials, and amount of customization involved. Orders that use the same main logo or artwork with only individual names changing are generally more efficient than completely different designs on every item. Feel free to make a request in the Additional Information field.

  • Most normal design assistance is included as part of the custom process. In rare cases, a small one-time artwork fee may be necessary when a logo or image must be substantially recreated, cleaned up, or converted into a high-quality vector file before it can be engraved or carved.

    If an artwork fee is needed, we’ll always let you know in advance before any additional work is done.

    Once that artwork has been prepared, it can generally be reused on future Brinker Woodworks projects without paying the same setup fee again.

  • For most custom projects, a 50% deposit is required before production begins. The remaining balance is due when the project is complete. This allows us to purchase materials and begin the custom design and fabrication process.

  • Yes. We’re happy to discuss your budget during the design process. There are often different ways to approach materials, size, complexity, engraving, or inlay work while still creating a high-quality finished product. We won’t cut corners on craftsmanship, but we will work with you to find the best solution for your price range.

Pets and Pet Memorials

  • The most important thing is that the memorial feels right for the family and reflects the pet being remembered. Some customers want detailed designs with paw prints, photos, artwork, engraved messages, dates, or custom inlays. Others want something very simple, perhaps just the pet’s name and a favorite photo. Brinker Woodworks works closely with each customer because pet memorials are deeply personal and no two really need to be the same.

  • Yes. Pet memorials can be designed with names, dates, paw prints, silhouettes, photos, favorite sayings, custom inlays, or other details that help reflect the personality of your pet. Some customers prefer a very simple design, while others want something more detailed. We’ll work with you to create something that feels right for your family.

  • Not at all. In fact, most of the pet memorials we create are different. The design, wood species, engraving, inlays, photos, and other details can all be customized. Our goal is to create something personal rather than simply reproduce the same design for every family.

  • In many cases, yes. A clear photograph can often be used as the starting point for artwork, engraving, or a silhouette. We’ll review the photo and let you know what will produce the best result.

  • Yes. Personalized pet picture frames are a great way to celebrate a pet, whether they are still part of the family or being remembered after they have passed.

    Frames can be customized with the pet’s name, dates, paw prints, a short message, custom artwork, or other meaningful details. We can keep the design very simple and clean or create something more decorative depending on what you have in mind.

    If you have a favorite photo, name, phrase, or idea, send it to us and we can help design a frame that feels personal to you.

  • Absolutely. Pet products do not have to be memorial items.

    Brinker Woodworks can create personalized products for pets and pet owners such as picture frames, name signs, leash holders, feeding-station accessories, toy storage, custom décor, and other wood or engraved items.

    If you have an idea for something you do not see on the website, reach out. We enjoy custom projects and are always happy to explore new ways to create something unique for you and your pet.

Tumblers & Personalized Gifts

  • Absolutely. A company can order multiple tumblers, pens, coasters, cutting boards, or other products and have the same logo on each while adding different names, titles, messages, or even different artwork. For example, a company logo can go on one side of a tumbler and an individual employee’s name on the other. If artwork needs to be recreated into a high-quality vector file, there may be a one-time setup fee, but that same artwork can generally be reused afterward without another setup charge.

  • Yes. Laser engraving is different from a sticker or printed design. On most powder-coated tumblers, the laser removes the coating in the engraved area to reveal the stainless steel below. Because the design is engraved into the finish rather than applied on top, it will not peel off like vinyl or a decal.

  • We offer a selection of stainless-steel tumblers in different sizes, colors, and lid styles. Most coated stainless-steel tumblers engrave very well because the laser removes the exterior coating and reveals the metal underneath. If you are looking for a particular size, color, or style that is not shown on the website, contact us and we may be able to source it for you. Similar engraving shops commonly address brand, size, and finish compatibility because not every tumbler behaves the same under the laser. North Texas Laser Works

  • Absolutely. This is one of the most popular options for business and employee gifts. We can engrave a company logo on one side and personalize the opposite side with an employee name, title, message, or other design. We can also personalize each tumbler differently within the same order.

  • Yes. If you are ordering tumblers for employees, customers, a wedding party, team, or event, each one can have an individual name while keeping the main logo or design consistent. For larger orders, we will work with you to organize the name list and confirm spelling before engraving.

  • Potentially, yes. We would first need to review the brand, size, finish, and condition of the tumbler to make sure it is compatible with our equipment and engraving process. Because customer-supplied items cannot always be replaced if something unexpected happens during engraving, we prefer to review them before accepting the project.

  • That depends on the tumbler and its finish. On many powder-coated stainless-steel tumblers, engraving removes the colored coating and exposes the silver-colored metal beneath. The finished engraving is generally a single contrasting color rather than a full-color printed image.

  • To help preserve the tumbler’s finish and insulation, we recommend hand washing with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge unless the tumbler manufacturer specifically says otherwise. The laser-engraved design itself is permanent, but hand washing is generally the safest way to protect the overall finish and vacuum-insulated construction.

  • No. You can order a single custom tumbler or a larger quantity for employees, customers, teams, events, or gifts. Larger quantities may qualify for volume pricing, but there is no minimum order.

Cutting Boards

  • That depends on how you plan to use it. Face-grain boards are often the most visually striking and easiest to personalize, making them especially good for charcuterie and lighter cutting use. Edge-grain boards are more durable, more knife-friendly, and still offer excellent customization. End-grain boards are generally the most durable, most labor-intensive, and most expensive, but they are ideal for serious cutting-board use. Walnut, maple, and cherry are the most common hardwood choices, though other hardwoods like sapele can also be used.

  • Hand-wash only with warm water and mild dish soap. Never soak it or place it in the dishwasher. Dry it immediately with a towel and stand it upright so all sides can air-dry. Condition it about once a month or whenever it looks dry using food-safe mineral oil or a conditioner such as Brinker’s Bee Butter. Bee Butter is made from beeswax and food-safe mineral oil and should be applied liberally, allowed to absorb for at least 15 minutes, and then wiped clean with a lint-free cloth. Avoid direct sunlight and strong heat sources.

  • Yes. Because Brinker Woodworks is a custom shop, we can often adjust the size, thickness, wood species, color contrast, and design of a board to fit your needs. Walnut, maple, and cherry are among the most common choices, but other hardwoods may also be available depending on the project.

  • Yes. Cutting boards and charcuterie boards can be personalized in many ways, including names, wedding dates, family names, business logos, custom graphics, and CNC inlays. The best method depends on the type of board and how it will be used, so we can help determine whether engraving, carving, or an inlay is the best choice.

Ordering, Shipping & Pickup

  • No. Brinker Woodworks can make one item or work with orders of 100 or more. Larger quantities may qualify for volume discounts, and shipping can become more economical when multiple items are sent together. The focus is not on competing with mass-production promotional companies, but on giving individuals and small businesses access to high-quality custom products at a fair price.

  • Yes. Brinker Woodworks is located in Salem, Oregon and local pickup can be arranged for completed orders. We will coordinate pickup details with you when your project is finished.

  • Yes. Many Brinker Woodworks products can be shipped. Shipping cost depends on the size, weight, destination, and packaging requirements of the order. Larger or heavier handmade products may cost more to ship, while multiple smaller items can often be packaged together more efficiently.

  • Yes. If you have a deadline such as a birthday, retirement, wedding, employee event, or holiday, let us know as early as possible. Whether a rush order is possible will depend on current workload, material availability, design approval, and the complexity of the project.