Our Process
At Peak Antler Company, each piece is designed and built to meet the specific structural, spatial, and performance requirements of the project. Every commission moves through a defined process, from initial design and scale planning to fabrication, engineering, and final installation, refined over 30 years of custom antler lighting work.
The Foundation: Sourcing & Selecting Premium Antler
The foundation of any antler fixture is the material itself.
We source naturally shed antlers through a network of collectors across the Rocky Mountains, from Texas to Canada, including mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, moose, and select fallow deer. Each antler is evaluated for structural integrity, density, and visual character before it is approved for use.
Antlers are graded based on moisture content and exposure:
- Fresh brown (A grade) — highest strength and long-term stability
- Hard white (B grade) — structurally sound with natural aging
- Chalk (C grade) — brittle from extended exposure
For large chandeliers and structural builds, we use A-grade antlers to ensure load stability and longevity. Each finished piece is sealed with a UV protective coating to preserve color and structural integrity in interior environments.
Material selection is a structural decision that directly affects the performance and lifespan of the fixture.
Designing for Real Spaces: Scale, Style, & Structural Planning
Every custom piece begins with the requirements of the space it will occupy.
We evaluate ceiling height, fixture placement, available light, architectural style, antler type, finish selections, and access constraints for delivery and installation. These factors determine fixture scale, proportion, and structural configuration.
To establish proper scale, we often use a proportional sizing method based on room dimensions, ensuring the fixture maintains visual balance without overwhelming the space. When needed, we recommend full-scale mock-ups to confirm size and placement prior to fabrication.
Custom design is not formula-driven. Each fixture is developed through measured planning, proportion, and coordination with the project requirements.
Once design and specifications are approved, production begins with a 50% deposit, with final payment due prior to shipment.
Handcrafting the Fixture: From Raw Antler to Final Build
Each fixture is built by hand, beginning with the selection of antlers matched for shape, density, and structural compatibility.
The structure is assembled using heavy-duty fasteners and balanced before wiring begins. Light placement is mapped in advance, and internal channels are drilled to route wiring cleanly through the antlers.
After wiring and socket installation, all drilled areas are filled, textured, and color-matched to the natural surface. The completed fixture is sealed with a UV protective coating.
Each piece is handled by multiple artisans across assembly, wiring, finishing, and quality inspection to ensure consistency and build integrity.
Built to Hang Safely: Engineering, Weight, & Installation
Large custom antler chandeliers must be engineered to hang safely and perform reliably.
Every fixture is weighed, documented, and prepared with a custom mounting canopy prior to shipment. Each project includes a detailed specification sheet outlining fixture weight, electrical components, UL listings, and installation guidance for electricians and contractors.
When additional ceiling reinforcement is required, installers can reference this documentation to prepare appropriate structural support. Our team remains available to coordinate with installers and answer technical questions throughout installation.
Accurate weight, proper scaling, and coordinated mounting ensure the final installation performs as intended both structurally and visually.
Final Approval, Shipping Protection, & Long-Term Care
Final approval is completed during the mock-up phase, where scale, structure, and lighting decisions are confirmed before fabrication begins.
Each finished fixture is photographed for client approval prior to crating. We build custom crates in-house for every shipment, minimizing movement in transit and maintaining a consistently low damage rate.
Indoor fixtures require no routine maintenance due to protective sealing. For outdoor or damp environments, periodic resealing preserves finish integrity, and rawhide elements may be conditioned as needed based on climate.
Custom antler lighting is built for long-term performance, with materials and construction designed to last for decades.
