Relax… we’ve got you!
Sit down, grab a snack, your favorite drink, and take a gander through our frequently asked questions. You might be surprised to learn something new or alleviate some worries you might have!
Either way, take it easy, we will be with you every step of the way!
WE MAKE THE PROCESS EASY, SOME EVEN SAY FUN!
What should I expect from the process when working with Raw Urth?
A PERSONAL PARTNER IN THE JOURNEY
Expect the easiest, most enjoyable custom experience—seriously, we make this fun! We’re all about personal connections and making sure you love not just your final piece, but the whole journey of bringing it to life.
Here’s how it works: Once you choose us to help you, we get to work on a detailed shop drawing that you can have us tweak, adjust, and obsess over until it’s perfect for you. Once we finalize your drawings and know what we are creating for you, we keep you in the loop every step of the way, updating you as your dream piece comes to life in our shop.
But the best part? When it’s all said and done, you won’t just love what we made together—you’ll love being a part of the Urthling family!
What is your turn around time after I order?
TIME TO CRAFT
Our custom steel range hoods typically take 10-12 weeks from time of deposit. But, not to worry, you are in the queue from day one and we are designing, drawing, and planning while we wait for your turn in the shop. Need it faster? Check out our Evergreen Series. We pre-designed those hoods to shave off some production time when you need it! You can expect closer to 6-8 weeks for the Evergreens. For everything else including fireplace projects, wall panels, sculptures and other custom goodies, expect closer to 12-14 weeks for us to work our magic.
IN IT TOGETHER
Keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll send approval drawings your way, and to keep things moving, we’d love to get your thumbs-up within a week to keep the ball rolling. Need more time? No stress, just know that your ship date might be affected and shift accordingly. Keep us in the loop on your time constraints and we will do our best to make it work!
What is your payment process & what forms of payment do you accept?
TIMING IS EVERTHING
We keep it simple. 50% down gets the project rolling. Then, as we put the final details on your new custom piece, we will shoot you an invoice to get the balance all wrapped up and paid before shipping or delivery. No surprises, just smooth sailing!
HOW? YOUR CALL
We are pretty flexible when it comes to getting paid. ACH, wires, transfers? Yep. Credit cards? Of course. Prefer to kick it old school and mail us a check? We’ll keep an eye on the mailbox and let you know when it arrives. Whatever works best for you, works for us too!
Can I get ahold of a human when I have questions?
UM,…YES PLEASE!
We love to chat, plan, laugh and solve all the fun little conundrums that come with custom home building! Honestly, work gets pretty blah without the phone ringing with problems to solve. If you’ve got questions, need advice, want to brainstorm, or just want to check in… give us a call. We are here for it!
Will you send me a drawing before you build?
BETTER BELIEVE IT
We’re all about being on the same page,… literally! Before we start building, we’ll send you detailed drawings to approve. Want to tweak something? Change a detail? Thought it would have a different scale? Go wild! This is your chance to fine-tune everything so it is exactly what you want.
Once you put your John Hancock on those beauties, we’re off to the races, turning your vision into something you can be proud of. Let’s do this!
Do you have a showroom I can visit?
RU WORLD HEADQUARTERS
- We’d love to have you stop by, give you the grand tour, and roll out the red carpet (figuratively… unless you’re into that, then we will see what we can do!). You’ll meet the incredible humans who bring these pieces to life and see exactly where your custom creating will be made, from the first spark to the final, stunning finish. It makes all the difference when you can see the art behind the beauty!
- If you can give us a heads-up before you swing by, we can pull out all the stops to make sure your visit is the highlight of your building project. If you get a wild hair and come on impulse, that’s fine too! We can’t wait to show you around!
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INSIGHTS ON OUR EVERGREEN RANGE HOODS
Are your Evergreen Hoods different than your Custom Hoods?
SAME GREAT BEAUTIES
Our Evergreen hoods are the exact same handcrafted stunners we build every single day. Designed, crafted and finished with all the love and care you expect from Raw Urth. The only difference? We’ve already drawn, sized and designed them with our most loved styles and design details, making life easier for anyone who needs it to be. You will get your hood a little faster, and might just love it exactly the way you see it,… no need to customize if you don’t want.
SAME SPECTACULAR QUALITY
So, whether you go Evergreen or fully custom, you are getting a one-of-a-kind showstopper that will take your space to the next level. Because, it is as important to us that you look good, as it is to you!
How do I know what size range hood I need?
CHOOSE YOUR HEIGHT
This one is easy since we did the math for you on your Evergreen hood! Simply pick your ceiling height, 8 foot, 9 foot or 10 foot and we will make sure your hood sits 34” above your range. If you have a different ceiling height, no problem, just let us know we need to customize it for you,…it’s kind of our thing!
THEN YOUR WIDTH
Most of the designers we work with like to go a little wider than the range itself because, let’s be real, it just looks better! If you’ve got upper cabinets setting the boundaries, they’ll naturally define the width. But, if your hood is flying solo, we say go bold! About 6” wider than your range, for the win of perfect balance between style and function.
Do your pre-designed hood come with lights, a motor and filters?
LIGHTS, BLOWER, ACTION
You can bet we’ve thought of everything and have you all set up to go with your new Evergreen hood! These hoods are designed to work with specific blower units, so we’ve already done the hard part for you. We include a high-performance Tradewinds unit on your quote to keep things as great inside your hood as they look outside.
SWITCH IT UP
If you prefer to change it up and go a different direction, no problem! We can swap in a Vent-a-hood to the same Evergreen hood, or if you’ve got another brand in mind, just let us know and we can make it happen. We will quote the hood out for you with the custom fit liner and get it built just right for you.
Bottom line? You’ve got options, and we’re here to make it all about you.
How will the patina’d hood look with my stainless appliances?
PICTURE PERFECT
Almost everyone of our hoods hang out above a stainless or painted range. Not a single one sits above a patina’d cook top, and guess what? Every single one still looks drop-dead gorgeous and totally elevates the space! Don’t worry for one minute that metals don’t match perfectly. Do recognize that the mix of metals adds depth and contrast, pulling all the tones of the space together for a custom, high-end feel that is pure magic. Trust us, you are going to love how it all works together!
What if I need a different size than you have listed in the pre-designed?
WE CAN GO OLD SCHOOL
- No problem at all—we’ll just take it old-school and make it custom! If our pre-designed sizes don’t quite work for your space, just tell us what you need, and we’ll work our magic to get it just right—same gorgeous design, perfectly tailored to fit your space. We will do all the heavy lifting, the drawings (maybe even a little math) involved to get you the exact size you need. That’s how we roll!
What if I need to expedite a range hood for my new space?
YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE
We’ve got you! Our Pre-Designed Evergreen Collection is your best bet for a faster turnaround. Since these beauties already have shop drawings ready to roll, we can shave off weeks of production time. Expect your Evergreen hood to ship out within 6-8 weeks from the time of deposit.
Need it even quicker? Give us a call—we’ll see what kind of magic we can work to make it happen for you!
AN INSIDE SCOOP ON OUR CUSTOM METAL RANGE HOODS
Do you build just what’s shown on your website, or can I customize?
CURATE IT LIKE A BOSS
We understand,… you’re not here for just any range hood, you want the range hood. The one that stops people mid-sentence when they walk in the door. The one that makes your kitchen feel like you, and doesn’t exist anywhere else, until we build it specifically because of you.
THE STARTING BLOCK
You can think of the designs on our website as a starting point, a conversation and design starter. Every little detail, shape, finish, trim, patina, scale and nuance can be tailored just for you. This isn’t about what we like, it is about what you love and we are here to make it happen for you.
Tell us what you are thinking so we can help you unUrth a one-of-a-kind range hood you can be ridiculously proud of.
Can I mix ideas from one of your hoods with another one?
ABSOLUTELY! MIX AWAY
Our hood designs are a launching point to conversation and are there to inspire a direction or a style to begin the design. You are welcome to blend details from our designs together, send us a napkin sketch or inspiration photo of some other hood you have dreamed up or seen in the wild. WE will get it quoted and work out the details to make it the perfect hood for you!
What if I have a pitched ceiling, or a beam in the way?
PITCHED CEILING, NO PROBLEM
No matter which way your ceiling pitches, back to front, side to side or all of the above, we’ll make sure your hood fits like a glove. To make sure we get it right, we’ll send you a nifty little digital tool, you’ll pop it on the wall, grab the readout, then toss it back in the pre-labeled mailing tube. That’s it! Pitch perfect.
BEAM CUT OUTS, EASY PEASY
Just give us the details and we’ll custom cut your hood to fit seamlessly around your beams. Our drawings will show the cutout for your approval, but if things get a little trickier or the shape seems a little dicey, send us a template and we will make sure it is flawless for you.
How high should my range hood be over my cook top?
NOT TO HIGH
No one wants to bump their head while cooking, but we also don’t want your hood so high that it looks like tragically short bangs! Plus, the higher it sits, the less draw your blower will be able to pull.
NOT TOO LOW
A good rule of thumb is to aim for 32” to 36” above the range. Lower means better air draw, higher keeps it out of your face. We usually lean into the Goldilocks principle and shoot for 34”, but hey, it is your kitchen, your call. We will make it work the way you would like to see it!
Can I put additional lights underneath my hood?
GO FOR THE GLOW
If you’ve got an extra wide hood, we can easily add puck lights on either side of your blower giving you extra task lighting right where you need it. Want them to turn on with your hood? Done. Prefer to hardwire them to your wall switch for some effortless ambiance? We’ve got you. Either way, your kitchen is about to shine.
What if my builder requires a removable panel for installation?
THEN LET’S ADD IT!
If you need a removable panel, just give us a heads up and we will work our magic to sneak one into your hood, all the while keeping it hidden. Some hood styles lend themselves more easily to a secret door than others, but we’ve got plenty of tricks up our sleeves to make it blend seamlessly.
A CLOSER LOOK AT BLOWERS AND VENTING
What is a Blower?
THE WORK HORSE
Think of the blower as the “guts” of your range hood. It is where the actual work happens! Also called a “liner” or “insert”, this is the powerhouse that houses the lights, filters, and most importantly, pulls all the smoke, grease, smells and cooking gasses from your kitchen.
Basically, it’s the muscle behind your stunning centerpiece, keeping your space fresh while looking fabulous!
How do I know which blower I need for my hood?
GO WITH THE PROS
The best way to know for sure is to check with your HVAC contractor. They are the pros when it comes to these details and we follow their lead! They know the specific ins and outs about your local codes and how your system is set up. But, if you want a general starting point,… here you go!
POWER UP
Blower power is measured in CFM’s (cubic feet per minute it can pull). There are different schools of thought, but a good rule of thumb is, if you’ve got a 42″ or smaller gas range, go for around 600CFM. Bigger range? Got a griddle or grill?… You might want to crank it up closer to 1000CFM.
SIZE MATTERS
Luckily, this part is our job! Pick the range hood you love, and we’ll make sure you get the perfect blower to fit inside! Just leave it to us.
What blower brands do you recommend?
YOUR FAVORITE
We work with every blower brand out there and are happy to build your custom hood around whatever you have already purchased, or one you have your eye on! Or, want it turnkey? Let us know and we will set you up!
OUR FAVORITE
If it is left to us, we do have a couple of faves. Vent-A-Hood and Tradewinds both take the crown for us over here. Both are US owned, operated and fully manufactured, which is totally our vibe. Quality, quiet and built right, just how we like it. If you get one of our Pre-Designed, Evergreen hoods, you can expect one of these brands to be tucked up inside for you.
Can I use my own blower unit, or do I have to use yours?
YOUR CHOICE
Oh, you are totally in the driver’s seat! Custom is what we do, so you tell us what you prefer and we will make it happen. Got one you love? Great, we’ll make it work. Don’t want to mess with it? No problem! We got you covered and will set you up with a top-quality unit, no venting knowledge required. Easy, breezy (literally), and built for what you want and need!
What if I prefer a "remote" motor for my blower?
YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF
Oh, we totally get it, you want the power without the noise. A remote motor moves the noise outside, so all that humming and spinning happens away from your kitchen and your sanity stays intact. If that’s your request, just give us a heads up, and we will design your hood to work perfectly with a remote setup. Peace, quiet, and power? Yes, please.
What is the code about Make Up Air and do I have to plan for that?
QUICK HOOD VOCAB
Make-Up Air is exactly what it sounds like… the air your hood pulls out has to be “made up” by bringing fresh air back in from another location. Because, you know,… science.
DO YOU NEED IT?
Maybe! Best bet, call in the pros to make sure your set up is golden.
Every city, state, and even some neighborhoods have their own rules about Make-Up Air, so we always recommend checking with your HVAC contractor to make sure everthing is perfect before we finalize what you are getting. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Yes or no, we can get you what you need.
A DEEP DIVE INTO FIREPLACES AND WALL PANELS
Is there a size limitation for metal paneling?
THINK BIG
We love thinking big, but the largest single panel we can create, patina and ship is just a hair under 5′ x 10′. That said, with a little creative seam work, the sky’s the limit on total size!
In fact, we actually think those seams make the cladding even more interesting. It’s like giving your wall some extra personality. Dream big, and we can make it happen.
How is seam layout determined, and what do the seams look like?
CLEAN DESIGN
Once we have your measurements, we’ll create a layout that not only works with our size limitations, but also looks balanced and totally design-driven. We’ll send you what we think looks great, then… because custom is what we do, you can mark it up, edit away and help us make it yours.
CLASSY LINES
As for those seams, they are not just a necessity, they are a design feature. Each seam is a sleek 1/4″ wide channel, just enough to add a subtle shadow line, keeping things intentional, and give your installers a little breathing room. Clean, classy and perfectly placed!
Can I order full sheets of the patina’d metal and just cut on site?
YOU CAN, BUT…
We don’t recommend it. Cutting after finishing damages the clear coat, and nobody wants that! Plus, finish can get scratched and/or burned.
LET US DO THE HEAVY LIFTING
Honestly, the way it works the very best is if we work with you on your design, cut each piece perfectly to fit, and finish all the edges so your final install looks flawless. Plus, let’s be real, you don’t need the extra work! We’ve got you on this one.
How do I set up my wall to accept metal panels?
TWO WORDS,… PLUMB & LEVEL
Once we have nailed down your design, we will send you everything you need to know to get your wall prepped and ready. Our panel system is designed to make installation super easy, so you get a flawless finish every. single. time! Just follow our guide, and your panels will be the scene-stealer.
Is installation hard to do for the fireplace mantels, surrounds or paneling?
NOT EVEN A LITTLE
We’ve got this process locked down after years of installing ourselves and working with builders across the country. We’ll set you up for success, giving you everything you need to make installation smooth and stress-free.
Honestly, we hear it all the time… clients worry about the install, only to find out their stress was for nothing! Trust us, it is as important to us, as it is to you that it goes without a hitch!
What is the difference between a Fireplace Surround and Fireplace Cladding?
THE SURROUND
A stand-alone piece that simply surrounds, or frames your firebox opening. It ships to you as one solid unit. You will just lift it out of the crate, attach it to the wall, and presto! You are good to go with an instant fireplace work of art.
THE CLADDING
This is a whole vibe with a system of panels, channel seams, and details that come together on-site, giving you the opportunity to cover much larger and versitile spaces. We’re talking floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall, heck, we’ve even wrapped entire houses.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT PATINA
What is a patina?
PATINA IS A PROCESS, NOT A PRODUCT
Unlike paint, powder coats, or other spray on products, patinas do not sit on the surface hiding the inherent beauty and reflectiveness of the metal. It actually accentuates and highlights all that we love and adore about metals.
Patina is the process of creating a chemical reaction with the metal itself, highlighting the imperfections and organic patterns hidden within the surface, using a variety of acids, alkaline, and bases.
Although totally organic and random in the mottling and patterning of the metal, it is also completely artistic, orchestrating tones and textures by our patina artists. Each artist has their own specific touch on the process much like a painter has with a brush stroke. When looking for something truly special and unexpected, patina is the choice, hands down!
Will my patina look exactly like the photo?
NOT EXACTLY, BUT THAT’S THE BEAUTY OF IT!
You can trust that your patina will have the same tone and mottling style as your inspiration photo, but the final look will be uniquely yours. The patina process is naturally unpredictable, creating organic, one-of-a-kind variations every time. No two are ever identical, but each one turns out stunning in its own way!
Will your patina finishes change over time?
NOT UNLESS YOU WANT THEM TO
For the most part, our patinas are locked in place. We create the patina, then neutralize and clear coat to keep it from changing over time. That means the beauty you see on day one will stay just as gorgeous for years to come.
That said, we love letting a few of our specialty metals do their thing! We prefer to leave our pewter uncoated so it can develop a rich, natural glow. Because of this, that pewter will darken over time, much like sterling silver or vintage pewter. Also like silver, you can always buff it back brighter whenever you would like.
If you’re into evolving-living finishes, we are happy to leave our brass, bronze, or copper uncoated too. Just let us know, and we will let nature do it’s thing!
Can you create a custom patina I saw somewhere else?
YES, BUT WITH A LITTLE WIGGLE ROOM
Because patina isn’t a paint or coating, but a natural chemical process, we can guide the tones in a certain direction, but just can’t control every detail. That’s what makes each piece so distinctive!
The best way to start a custom patina is by choosing one of our standard patina finishes, and from there, we can push and pull the tones and work to create something beautiful, interesting and as close to your vision as possible. Who knows, maybe even a tad better!
Can you paint a hood to match our range or cabinets?
OF COURSE, WE LOVE THAT LOOK TOO
Send us a sample of what you would like us to match, and we will create a custom paint sample for you. We do this to make sure we got it right before we even begin.
Pro-tip: We recommend painting only the body of your hood and letting the trim shine in its natural metal. The contrast creates a stunning two-tone hood full of depth, character and glam.
Can I get a sample or two of finishes I love?
WE INSIST
Since each sample is handcrafted just like your one-of-a-kind Raw Urth hood or fireplace detail, every single sample is unique. We do charge a small fee for samples before you place your order, but once your deposit is in, we’ll send them on the house! Just let us know when you are ready.
One little note: Our samples are specific to our work and used as a communication tool with our clients. Every metal shop has its own secret sauce, and our finishes are what make Raw Urth pieces stand out. So, if you are after our signature look, you are in the right place.
A RUN-DOWN ON SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
Do you ship anywhere across the country?
YOU BET WE DO
But, why stop there? We’ve shipped from coast to coast and even around the world! Hawaii, Central America, Guam, Europe,.. we even have a little piece of Raw Urth living it’s best life in a Moscow kitchen.
Just tell us where you want your masterpiece to go, and we will make it happen! No place is too far for a piece of handcrafted magic.
My project is in Colorado - can I come pick it up, or will you deliver to our site?
YOU’RE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
We will do whatever works best for you! Want to swing by and grab it? Awesome, just make sure you bring a covered trailer to get your beauty home safely. Prefer us to bring it to you? We can do that too. We would simply ask that you have a few sets of hands onsite to help unload.
One little tax tidbit: If you pick up from our studio, Colorado requires us to charge Fort Collins sales tax (8.05%). If we deliver, we will go with your local tax rate instead. Either way, we will make sure your piece get’s where it needs to go, safe and sound.
I’m nervous about shipping, can you tell me what to expect?
NO NEED FOR STRESS!
We do everything in our power to get you your piece in perfect condition! We build a custom crate with the same obsession for perfection that we put into everything we make. Trust us, these crates are bomb.
We also only contract the most reliable LTL carriers on the road, so when your shipment arrives, it is as flawless as it was when it left our dock.
Because we are all about communication over here, we will send you an email with photos of your crate as it is leaving our doc, along with measurements, weights, tracking numbers and all there is to know about your shipment. In addition, we sent your contact info for your carrier along with some fantastic tips on how to receive your shipment so you look like a seasoned pro.
What if my project gets lost or damaged in shipping?
WE’VE GOT YOU, 100%
If on the off chance, that something does go sideways between us and you, we are 100% committed to make it right, immediately.
You are part of the Urthling family, and we never leave family hanging. If we need to, we will build you a new piece, or we will send Stefan on a plane to fix on site or figure out whatever solution keeps you moving forward and proud of your new show stopper. We have happy customers, no matter what,… including when things might not run as smooth as any of us would like. No worries, no stress, just handcrafted goodness coming your way.
How much do you charge for shipping?
LET’S CALCULATE IT
No sneaky surprise charges here. We always include the shipping cost right on your very first quote, because nobody likes a surprise when it comes to cost.
We will quote the cost based on your delivery location and the size/weight of your piece, but most can expect shipping to land somewhere between $800 and $1,200 to most places in the continental U.S. Price includes the custom-built crate that you can upscale into a small potting shed or treehouse for the kids (or you!) because we just build it that tough!
What does your delivery process look like?
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
We’ve got your delivery covered for you from start to finish. Before we head your way, we will confim the time of arrival and your exact location. And, because we are all about keeping you in the loop, our driver will give you a call when he is about 30 minutes out.
We do ask that you have some muscle on site for the unload. Our driver is there to help get it where it needs to go, but is normally too much for him to tackle on his own. Plus, it is just more fun when it’s a party!
If you have any special site issues we need to be aware of, no problem,… just give us a heads up and we will plan ahead!
HASSLE FREE RANGE HOOD INSTALLATION
Do you come to my site to measure for what I need before the job?
WE WISH
We would love an excuse to travel the country, tape measure in hand, but alas, Raw Urth does no do on-site measurements. This is mainly because we ship our beauties all over the country and have figured out how to make it work without being there!
DON’T SWEAT IT
We’ve got this process down to a science. You give us the measurements that we request, we work our magic, and voila! It fits like a glove when it arrives. Trust us, no guesswork, no stress, just jaw-dropping, made-for-you masterpiece that fits.
Do you offer installation of the pieces you build?
DESIGNED FOR EASE
We do not have an install crew, however we have great systems in place to make sure it is easy for the pros on your end! Each project is designed with your installer in mind. We need to keep those guys happy so we make it as easy as possible.
GIVE US A RING
If your installer has questions, needs a little guidance, or just wants to talk shop, we’re only a phone call away. We’re happy to walk them through the process, share our insider tips, and make sure everything goes up smooth as butter.
Do I need to have blocking in order to hang a Raw Urth hood?
ON THE WALL
Most of our wall mounted hoods can be secured to your standard wall studs without the need for additional blocking. As long as you have a minimum of (2) studs running from the top to bottom within the hood profile, then blocking should not be necessary. Our recommendation is to use at least (6) lag bolts, (that we will send with your hood), at the intersections of the hood mounting straps and the wall studs.
ON THE CEILING
We do recommend adding blocking for all ceiling mounted island hoods. Our island hoods are typically bolted to the ceiling along the inside edge of the tip profile of the hood. Blocking will be necessary on all sides for lag bolts to thread into.
How do I plan for cabinets and backsplash that will be tight to the hood?
COZY UP
We love a snug, seamless fit. When it’s time to order your hood, we will ask if your cabinets are cozying up next to it. If they are, we’ll need a solid measurement of the space between them.
We will also want to know if your cabinet doors are inset or if they cover the whole box because trim pieces need to either tuck in or end up just right on the face. No gaps, no awkward edges,… just perfection.
SNUG FIT
And your backsplash? No problem! Whether it stops below the hood or runs behind it, we’ll build your hood to fit the plan. Bottom line? We’ve got this, and we’ve got you!
Do you have someone to talk my installer through the process?
THAT’S WHAT WE’RE HERE FOR
We love jumping on the phone and walking through the process with installers, homeowners, builders, or even just the curious folks. We are here to guide you, cheer you on and make sure all goes just right.
We can even FaceTime you while you are in the thick of it if you want. We’ve got your back and can’t wait to see it all come together.
Do you provide all the hardware needed to install my hood?
INSTALL MADE EASY
Inside your crate, you will find a little goodie bag packed with everything you need to get that beauty installed. Hardware, install guide, cleaning tips, gloves to keep everthing clean and glowing, plus a note from us welcoming you to the Urthling family.
WHEN WE SAY “RAW URTH FOR LIFE”, WE MEAN IT!
What is RU for Life?
IT’S A PROMISE
This is a promise we are really proud of over here. It is our way of saying “don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere”. Not just today, not for a specified amount of time, but for the long haul. Whether you need us in two weeks, or twenty years down the road, we are here, ready to dive in and help with whatever you need.
We say it a lot, but we mean it… once you are a part of the Raw Urth family, you’re in for life. That’s why our clients keep coming back, trusting us and creating their visions with us.
We are in this together.