Search for a furniture company in Lagos and you will find hundreds of options, from Instagram carpenters to large showrooms selling imported stock. Prices vary wildly, photos all look good, and it is hard to tell who will deliver a piece that still looks right in ten years.
This guide covers what to compare, the seven questions worth asking any furniture manufacturer in Lagos before you pay a deposit, and the red flags that tell you to walk away.
Local or imported furniture: what you are really comparing
Imported furniture can look like the safe choice, but the price on the tag is rarely the final cost. Shipping, port clearance and import duties are added on top, and delivery depends on a long supply chain you cannot see. If something breaks, spare parts and repairs may not be available locally at all.
A good local manufacturer changes the equation. You can visit the workshop, see the materials, agree exact dimensions for your space and get repairs from the people who built the piece. The trade-off is that quality varies a lot between makers, which is why the questions below matter.
7 questions to ask a furniture manufacturer in Lagos
1. What wood and materials will you use, exactly?
Ask for the species of wood used in the frame, not just the visible surfaces. Dense West African hardwoods such as Iroko, Sapele, Afzelia and African mahogany are well suited to furniture that has to last. For upholstery, ask what the fabric or leather is and how it should be cleaned. At Majeurs, leather means top-quality animal leather hide, and our Materials & Care guide lists every fabric and how to look after it.
2. How are the joints made?
Joinery decides how long a chair or bed frame survives daily use. Mortise-and-tenon, dowelled and properly glued joints hold up for years; frames held together mainly with staples and nails loosen quickly. A confident maker will happily show you a joint or an unfinished frame.
3. How is the wood dried, treated and finished for Lagos humidity?
Wood that is not properly dried will move, crack or warp once it settles into an air-conditioned room. Ask how the timber is dried, whether it is treated against pests, and which finish protects it from humidity, spills and sunlight.
4. What does the warranty cover, and is it in writing?
A verbal promise is not a warranty. Ask what is covered, for how long and how to make a claim. Every Majeurs piece carries a 12-month warranty from delivery or installation: frame and joinery are covered for 12 months and upholstery stitching for 6 months, with a clear claims process by phone, WhatsApp, email or at the showroom.
5. What is the lead time, and what happens if it slips?
Handmade furniture takes time, and that is fine as long as the timeline is agreed up front. Ask for the expected production and delivery dates in writing, how you will be updated, and what happens if materials are delayed.
6. Can I visit your workshop or showroom?
Seeing finished pieces in person tells you more than any photo. Sit on the sofas, open the drawers and look at the stitching. You can visit the Majeurs showroom at 32 QMB Builder’s Mart Road, Lekki, to see finished pieces and material samples before you order.
7. What happens after delivery?
Ask whether the maker offers repairs, re-upholstery or maintenance once the warranty ends. Furniture that can be serviced locally lasts far longer than furniture that has to be replaced when one part fails.
Red flags to watch for
- Veneer or board sold as “solid wood”. Ask what every part is made from and get it in writing.
- No workshop or showroom you can visit, only photos on social media.
- Vague quotes with no materials, dimensions or finish listed.
- Full payment demanded before any drawing, sample or timeline is agreed.
- No written warranty, or a warranty that excludes everything that matters.
How Majeurs works
Majeurs was founded in London in 2010 and has been rooted in Lagos since 2016. Every piece is made to commission and crafted by hand in our Lagos workshop, from handmade sofas and armchairs to beds, dining and office furniture.
Our makers are trained to production standards, and the Majeurs Furniture Academy trains the next generation of furniture makers inside a real manufacturing environment. For architects, interior designers, developers and hotel projects, the Majeurs Trade Program offers trade discounts of up to 20% and a dedicated contact for every project.
If you need something that does not exist yet, read how our custom-made furniture process works, or browse the collection to see finished designs.
Frequently asked questions
Is furniture made in Lagos cheaper than imported furniture?
Often, once you add shipping, port clearance and import duties to an imported piece, a well-made local piece compares favourably. The bigger difference is what you get for the money: furniture built to your size and finish, by a workshop you can visit, that can be repaired locally.
Which woods are best for furniture in the Lagos climate?
Dense West African hardwoods such as Iroko, Sapele, Afzelia and African mahogany handle heat and humidity well when they are properly dried, treated and finished. Ask your maker which species they use for the frame, not just the visible surfaces.
How do I know if a piece is solid wood or veneer?
Ask directly and get the answer in writing. Look at the edges and the underside: solid wood shows the same grain running through the edge, while veneer shows a thin surface layer over board. A reputable maker will tell you exactly what each part is made from.
What warranty should a furniture manufacturer offer?
Look for a written warranty with clear terms. Majeurs pieces carry a 12-month warranty from delivery or installation, covering frame and joinery for 12 months and upholstery stitching for 6 months.
Can I visit the Majeurs showroom before ordering?
Yes. You can see finished pieces, materials and upholstery options at our showroom at 32 QMB Builder’s Mart Road, Lekki, Lagos. Contact us first so the team can prepare samples for your project.
Does Majeurs make custom furniture?
Yes. Every piece is made to commission, and we regularly adapt sizes, materials and finishes to fit a space. See our custom-made furniture page or send us your brief to start.
VISIT OR GET A QUOTE
See the craftsmanship for yourself
Visit our Lekki showroom, or send us your space, sizes and the pieces you have in mind and we will come back with a quote.
