Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Church Furniture Company

Choosing the right church furniture company is a major decision for any congregation. Whether you are purchasing new pews, refinishing existing sanctuary seating, remodeling your worship space, or adding custom furniture, the company you hire will directly affect the quality, durability, appearance, and long-term value of your investment.

Not all church furniture companies offer the same level of craftsmanship, experience, or service. Asking the right questions before signing a contract can help your church avoid costly mistakes and ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

At Kivett’s Fine Church Furniture, we’ve worked with churches across the Eastern United States since 1958. Here are some of the most important questions every church should ask before hiring a church furniture company.

1. How Long Has the Company Been in Business?

Experience matters — especially when working on worship spaces that often require custom craftsmanship and careful attention to detail.

A company with decades of experience is more likely to:

• Understand sanctuary design challenges
• Deliver consistent craftsmanship
• Handle installation professionally
• Provide long-term customer support
• Offer proven refinishing and restoration techniques

Kivett’s Fine Church Furniture has been serving churches since 1958 and remains one of the largest family-owned pew manufacturers and refinishing companies in the country.

2. Do They Manufacture Their Own Furniture?

Some companies act only as resellers, while others manufacture furniture in-house. This distinction can impact quality control, customization options, project timelines, and pricing.

Ask whether the company:

• Builds furniture in its own facility
• Uses solid hardwood construction
• Offers custom dimensions and finishes
• Controls delivery and installation internally

Kivett’s performs sales, manufacturing, delivery, and installation from its North Carolina facility, helping maintain consistent quality throughout the process.

3. What Materials Are Used?

Church furniture is a long-term investment. The materials used directly affect durability, appearance, and maintenance needs.

Important questions include:

• Is solid hardwood used or veneer/composite materials?
• What type of upholstery foam and fabric is used?
• Are finishes designed for heavy sanctuary use?
• How durable are the kneelers, racks, and accessories?

According to Kivett’s Church Furniture Services, their pews are crafted using high-quality materials designed for long-lasting performance.

4. Can They Match Existing Furniture?

Many churches want to preserve the original character of their sanctuary while adding new furniture or expanding seating capacity.

Ask if the company can:

• Match existing wood stains
• Replicate pew end styles
• Create matching chancel furniture
• Blend new furniture with historic interiors

Kivett’s refinishing division specializes in creating replacement parts and custom additions that simulate existing seating and furnishings.

5. Do They Offer Refinishing and Restoration Services?

Replacing church furniture is not always necessary. In many cases, refinishing and restoration can dramatically improve appearance and extend furniture lifespan at a lower cost.

Ask:

• Do they provide refinishing services?
• Is transportation included?
• Can upholstery and foam be replaced?
• Do they repair structural damage?

Kivett’s Refinishing Division handles removal, repair, refinishing, reupholstering, delivery, and reinstallation with in-house technicians.

6. Who Handles Installation?

Professional installation is just as important as quality manufacturing. Improper installation can lead to loose pews, alignment issues, floor damage, and safety concerns.

Questions to ask:

• Is installation performed by company employees or subcontractors?
• Are installers factory-trained?
• Is the work insured?
• How long will installation take?

Kivett’s installation teams are factory-trained and handle projects throughout the Eastern United States.

7. Can They Provide References or Project Examples?

A reputable church furniture company should gladly provide examples of previous projects, testimonials, and references.

Review:

• Before-and-after photos
• Customer testimonials
• Completed sanctuary projects
• Churches with similar needs or styles

Testimonials on Kivett’s website frequently highlight craftsmanship, professionalism, and customer service.

8. What Services Are Included in the Quote?

Not all proposals include the same services. Clarify exactly what is included before committing to a project.

Ask whether the estimate covers:

• Furniture manufacturing
• Upholstery
• Removal of old furniture
• Transportation
• Installation
• Repairs
• Warranty coverage
• Cleanup after installation

Understanding the full scope helps avoid unexpected costs later.

9. Can They Handle Custom Church Furniture?

Every sanctuary has unique architectural and functional needs. A quality furniture company should offer customization options tailored to your church.

Custom options may include:

• Pulpits and communion tables
• Chancel furniture
• Choir seating
• Custom pew dimensions
• Matching accessories and rails
• Upholstery colors and stain selections

Kivett’s Custom Church Furniture Services include handcrafted pews, chairs, screens, rails, accessories, and sanctuary furniture designed to complement the church’s overall aesthetic.

10. What Happens After the Project Is Complete?

Long-term support is important. Church furniture should last for decades, and ongoing maintenance or future updates may eventually be needed.

Ask:

• Is there warranty coverage?
• Can replacement parts be ordered later?
• Do they offer future refinishing services?
• Is maintenance guidance provided?

A long-term relationship with a trusted church furniture company can help preserve your sanctuary furniture for generations.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a church furniture company is about more than simply buying pews or chairs — it’s about choosing a partner who understands craftsmanship, worship spaces, durability, and long-term service.

By asking the right questions before beginning your project, your church can make confident decisions that protect both your investment and the beauty of your sanctuary.

At Kivett’s Fine Church Furniture, we’ve spent more than six decades helping churches with custom pews, refinishing, restoration, sanctuary remodeling, and handcrafted furniture solutions tailored to each congregation’s needs. To learn more or request a consultation, visit Kivett’s Contact Page today.