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LIVE EDGE
Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR WOOD SLABS FROM?
We get most of our slabs from one of three sources: sawmills, tree services, or lumber harvesters. Outside of these main three sources, we partner with timber and logging operations, land management, and reforestation. Our North Florida sawmill can custom cut cherry, oak, mahogany, birch, pine and other softwoods and hardwoods. They kiln dry our sawmill cut wood which makes perfect pieces of lumber for interior or exterior custom building applications and just about any craft or woodworking project. Planks, boards, beams, and specialty custom sawmill work are also a part of our services.
HOW MUCH DOES LIVE EDGE COST?
The price of a live edge slab varies depending on many factors including size, type of wood, finishes, stains, and more. Unfinished live edge wood slabs average about $20 per board foot, for example, which is a wholesale price by current market standards.
The reason these slabs are expensive is because of their unique nature. The wood is more rare compared to plank boards purchased in bulk, after all, and sourcing such materials can be costly. The rule of supply and demand naturally kicks in to raise the market prices of these products.
To give clients an easier gauge of our product pricing, for the average live edge epoxy river dining table (3’ wide and 2” thick) we charge about $640 per linear foot.
WHY SHOULD I PURCHASE CUSTOM LIVE EDGE FURNITURE FOR MY HOME OR BUSINESS?
People love the look of live edge for a lot of reasons, not least of which is that each piece is completely unique. A timeless piece created with live edge surfaces can easily become an heirloom that you and your loved ones will love for centuries.
Live edge furniture preserves the unique abnormalities – cracks, grooves, curves and all. To choose a furniture piece made of live edge wood is to celebrate the inherent beauty in the world around us.
Stylistically, live edge furniture is a great choice if you’re looking to calm down a space. Live edge is unfussy, unpretentious and as natural as it gets – and makes for an alternative to the sleek lines and bright colors of modernism.
With its warm tones and raw edges, it’s almost as though live edge furniture was made for the rustic, country and cottage styles. However, the options for styling with live edge furniture are endless.
Another great thing about live edge furniture is that since it is not made to follow a specific design, it can blend in with a wide range of styles. Whether you choose to decorate your home using only live edge furniture or use live edge furniture to make a statement in a contemporary living room, if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s a sense of uniqueness. This is because live edge furniture isn’t just furniture; it’s a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, a gift, if you will, that can only come from nature – pure and preserved.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS I CAN LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN PURCHASING LIVE EDGE?
Financing/paying your deposit
• Coming soon: We will offer our clients financing options so that they can pay over time for our high quality items.
• Any order that exceeds $1,000 in labor costs is eligible for a half upfront deposit, with the final half being due upon project completion.
• Once your deposit is paid, we get started on your design, and get to work.
Choosing your slab
1. Burl round: The rarest type of tree slice is burl, cut from large protrusions in the tree trunk. Burl has striking grain patterns because they’re irregularities and not part of the main trunk.
2. Tree round: A tree round is a horizontally sawn slice of the tree trunk which shows the rings and has a relatively round shape. The shape can, however, vary depending on the species and size of the tree.
3. Tree slab: A tree slab is a long slice of a log, cut along the length of the tree rather than across its width. This is a good choice for a dining room table or headboard.
The only thing for our client to do when planning a custom live-edge piece is to decide on what size and shape you’d like. Be sure to consider the size and shape of the space in your room, and choose a design for your accent piece that won’t overpower the rest of your furnishings. Live-edge tables may appear heftier than you expect, dwarfing your sofa in comparison. So if you’re uncertain about the size, err on the smaller side.
Once we've picked out a slab together. our shop will handle it from there.
LASER ENGRAVING AND PYROGRAPHY
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS LASER ENGRAVING?
Laser engraving is a non-contact process where a laser is moved over a surface in a side to side and/or back and forth sweeping motion. The assembly includes a focusing lens which reduces the laser beam to a focal point. The focused laser beam delivers energy to the processing area in a manner which converts a high percentage of the light energy into heat. During engraving, the intense heat of the laser beam makes contact with the surface of a material, vaporizing it and leaving a permanent engraved area behind.
WHAT KINDS OF MATERIAL CAN YOU ENGRAVE?
Our lasers can engrave multiple mediums including but not limited to:
- Wood (our primary medium)
- Metal
- Glass
WHAT SIZES CAN I GET A CUSTOM WOOD ENGRAVING?
Our small size is about the size of a sheet of paper (12" x 8"). Our medium size is 16" x 12" and our large is 24" x 16". Anything larger than is considered a custom size and can be custom ordered. We also do pyrography murals and headboards
SPECIAL WOOD TECHNIQUES
Frequently Asked Questions
While working with customers, we’re constantly learning about their needs and managing inquiries that arise. As a result, we’ve included a list of frequently asked questions along with answers in order to provide additional support. If your question isn’t addressed below, get in touch with us and we’ll provide the information you need.
DO YOU HAVE A CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM?
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WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH SOVEREIGN CUSTOMS X DESIGN?
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ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS?
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LARGE PROJECTS
Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU HAVE A CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM?
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WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH SOVEREIGN CUSTOMS X DESIGN?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
METAL
Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU HAVE A CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM?
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WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH SOVEREIGN CUSTOMS X DESIGN?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
LEATHER AND UPHOLSTERY
Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU HAVE A CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM?
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WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH SOVEREIGN CUSTOMS X DESIGN?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
STONE
Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU HAVE A CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM?
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WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH SOVEREIGN CUSTOMS X DESIGN?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
EPOXY
Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU HAVE A CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM?
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WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH SOVEREIGN CUSTOMS X DESIGN?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
SHIPPING CONTAINER STRUCTURES
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT ARE SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES?
First things first, what exactly are shipping container homes?
Shipping container homes are homes, offices or other buildings that have been built out of shipping containers. It doesn’t matter if the containers are new or used. All that matters is that shipping containers were used to construct the building.
Q: HOW EXPENSIVE ARE SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES?
The cost of container homes can vary depending on location, size, quality, materials used, type of container used, etc.
The project management triangle paradigm governs container home construction, just like with all other project management undertakings. The paradigm shows us that time, cost, and scope (quality) are constantly in conflict with each other. A crucial thing to remember with this paradigm is that we can typically only prioritize two out of the three: time, scope (quality) or cost.
We can build the home quickly to a high quality, but this will be expensive.
We can build a high quality home for a small amount of money, but this will take a long time.
We can build the house quickly and for a small amount of money, but the quality won’t be incredible.
Regardless of which of the three are most important to you, you definitely need a detailed project plan to get you there.
All things considered, noe of the main reasons why people build with shipping containers is because of their affordability. A typical container home can cost less than $80,000.
There are also extremely affordable container homes that can be built from as low of a cost as $20,000 as well.
Q: HOW WILL YOU INSULATE MY SHIPPING CONTAINER STRUCTURE?
Without a doubt, insulating your containers is one of the most important aspects of the build.
If you don’t insulate, or if you get the insulation wrong, then your container home is going to be pretty unbearable. It will be cold during the winter and too hot during the summer.
It can be confusing how to insulate your containers as there are so many different options available.
We use the right insulation, such as InSoFast closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam panels, to transform containers into comfortable, energy efficient homes, offices, shops, restaurants and storage spaces.
InSoFast panels are the easy way to turn cold, corrugated steel containers into cozy and safe structures, keeping them dry, quiet, and in good condition.
Condensation Hazards
A steel shipping container is like a submarine – a nearly airtight environment. This presents a unique challenge when you want to transform it into a viable living or working space.
Steel is a very good heat conductor. Without adequate ventilation, right-sized HVAC equipment and proper insulation, your shipping container will feel like a sauna in the summer and an ice box in the winter.
As the metal cools, the heat escapes, the air inside cools, and any humidity in the air gets trapped inside the container, quickly leading to problematic condensation, or “sweating metal,” which can result in a build-up of mold, rot, rust and poor air quality.
Shipping Container Insulation Options
Fibrous insulation products, like rockwool, cotton and fiberglass, are notoriously tricky to install and not a DIY kind of job. Also, if there are any breaches in the wall, warm moist air will migrate to the surface of the container’s metal wall. This can lead to condensation, reduction of R-Value and mold growth.
Another alternative is spray foam, but it can be a very messy affair, is also tricky to install and is more expensive than other insulation options. When the spray foam is in place and the stud framework is built over the top, there will be hidden air space behind the drywall finish. Moisture can then be trapped within the spray foam.
InSoFast CX Container Panels are designed specifically for the side walls of shipping containers. They have a thin profile and take up only two inches of interior space, enabling you to minimize the thickness of your walls. The panels are set up for an 11-inch repeating pattern of the corrugation and the panel size is 44” x 24”.
These panels are installed horizontally with the studs running vertically to allow the studs to adhere to the interior-facing ribs of the container. CX Container Panels are cost-effective, lightweight, offer very high R-values, and can be affixed directly to the container sides with adhesive. Most installations can be completed by our Sovereign Technicians and helpers with a utility knife, glue and a caulk gun.
Alternatively, we like to combine the specifically shaped side wall, end wall and ceiling panels to achieve maximum insulation and air-tightness. This combination of InSoFast Inserts and InSoFast Panels provides a skin-tight framing and insulation to support your drywall finishes and fills up all of the hidden airspace behind the drywall with solid closed cell foam.
InSoFast has designed and engineered these Inserts to close up the container wall’s corrugation air gaps. Once glued in place, the surfaces will be flush and ready for coverage in full InSoFast panels, leaving a smooth surface for installing drywall and other wall finishes.
Q: WHERE DOES SOVEREIGN FIND SHIPPING CONTAINER HOME PLANS?
Sovereign Customs X Design works with a number of Architects, Drafters, and building experts, and these experts collaborate to compile custom drawings by client specification. We also use plans from well known designers, DIYers, and dependable book and website sources in the industry.
CAN I BUILD WITH SHIPPING CONTAINERS IN MY STATE?
Well, almost all states and cities are allowing it or already considering it. Montana, Mississippi, Missouri, Massachusetts, Maine, and Michigan, to mention but a few. These cities have regulations in place governing buildings and container homes. However, what’s more important, is to know if your city or county allows container homes.
Although almost all states in the U.S. allow container homes, some states have stricter laws than others. So, continue reading on to find out which states allow container homes and the container home zoning laws for your area.
Some states are container home-friendly, while others are not. Even for states where shipping container homes are legal, the regulations differ from one state to the other. The regulations also differ between cities. That’s why it’s important to first confirm with your local building authority.
Some states that allow shipping container homes include: Texas, California, Alaska, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oregon. The International Code Council (ICC) will guide you further on acceptable codes and standards for states that permit container homes. So, you can construct your container home provided you comply with the building code and zoning requirements in your area.
Housing regulations are standard building rules that every structure must satisfy. Now, in knowing which states allow container homes, you need to know the core housing regulations. These regulations are building codes, and structure types.
Building Codes
The ICC is responsible for regulating building codes. It focuses on the construction process, with specific requirements that must be met before a permit is issued. Here, it’s important to check the materials you’re using along with the quarter of the container home is in line with the state’s guidelines.
CAN I CHOOSE EVERYTHING ABOUT MY CONTAINER, OR JUST SOME THINGS?
You can choose everything, from the interior floor plan, to the exterior color and design, roof type, water source, power source, septic type, smart home options, Garage doors, Glass walls... We can do whatever you like.
DO I PAY FOR FREIGHT, OR IS THAT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE, AND HOW FAR DO YOU GUYS DELIVER?
We can include freight cost in your quote. The freight is a cost that is the responsibility of the client. We ship nationwide, even to remote areas.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR CONTAINERS?
In the age of Amazon and other sophisticated online sellers, it’s starting to make less and less sense to buy containers with antiquated systems when a modern alternative like this exists that is quick and easy. Our go-to is BoxHub. The fact that BoxHub is likely to save you money is just an added benefit.
If we are working on a project design and for some reason aren’t able to find what our client is looking for with BoxHub, there are a number of companies a bit higher up the food chain than the local dealers in the client's area and who have regional relationships and networks. We are always able to find some of these online and they help us to search a wider area and find the right container for you, although you may give up some ease of use. We try to go as close to the source as possible, seeing as the more parties that are involved in the transaction, the less likely we are to get you a good deal on price.
TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES, GUNS, ETC.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU HAVE A CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH SOVEREIGN CUSTOMS X DESIGN?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.
ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS?
This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.