There is a good chance that you are familiar with millwork and may have even pondered the question, “What does a commercial millworker do? You may also have wondered whether or not cabinets fall under the category of commercial millwork.
The following provides responses to these questions, as well as an explanation of what this material is in construction, with the goal of assisting readers in acquiring a comprehensive understanding of this critical part of the building process.
What exactly is “Commercial Millwork”?
Commercial Millwork is a subfield of carpentry, which, in turn, is a subfield of the more general craft known as woodworking. This kind of woodwork is produced inside of a mill, where unprocessed lumber is used in the cutting and constructing of various objects. In point of fact, every construction product manufactured in a mill is absolutely eligible for consideration. Cabinetry, crown mouldings, wall panelling, doors, trim, and moulding are all examples of this form of woodwork. Cabinets are also an example. In contrast to the widespread notion, the scope of this woodwork does not include the ceilings or the siding.
Millwork and casework are two distinct types of woodworking, despite the fact that they are frequently confused with one another. Millwork, in contrast to casework, is often fabricated on an individual basis. This specialized woodworking comprises a variety of different parts, including shelves, cabinetry, and other types of bespoke storage, as well as others. In a nutshell, this particular piece of woodwork is entirely modifiable in order to fulfill the more nuanced requirements of a specific location. The completed product is a wonderful match for the aforementioned void. Instead of being considered millwork, an object is considered to be a piece of furniture if its structure does not extend immediately into the room.
Would Commercial Cabinets Be Considered Millwork Products?
Indeed, commercial cabinets are frequently included in the category of commercial millwork. Cabinetry is considered to be a type of this woodwork by the vast majority of contractors, despite the fact that some contractors have a separate category that is specifically allocated for cabinets. Cabinets made of wood are considered part of this category of woodwork because their construction is mostly based on wood. They are made at a mill, and their finished products are tailored to suit within a particular area.
Cabinetmakers need to be absolutely confident that they have obtained a enough quantity of the commercial millwork in question because there is the possibility of variations in production that are directly related to the time of day that it takes place.
The Finishing Stages of Commercial Millwork
Paint, stain, or sealer are the three possible finishing options for commercial millwork. In the end, whether a sealant, paint, or stain will function as a sealer is determined not only by the species of wood in issue but also by the individual preferences of the property owner. Traditionalists favour having all of the property’s components, regardless of the material they are made of, have a coating of the same colour on their surfaces. On the other hand, as time goes on, an increasing number of homeowners are selecting a combination of colours for the commercial millwork finishing on their property, in addition to the wood species that was used to manufacture the material.
Some people go for painted doors while others like to use doors with a stained finish on the door frame. Some people favour using a combination of two separate types of wood, such as cherry and maple, for the millwork rather than sticking with one type of wood for the entire project. To sum things up, when it comes to this particular piece of commercial woodwork, beauty is most definitely in the eye of the beholder.
What is Architectural Millwork?
The terms “architectural millwork” and “architectural woodwork” are synonymous and are frequently substituted for one another in writing and conversation. When you see someone working in this industry, you know the product is made of wood. Architectural millwork is distinct from other types of millwork in that it often incorporates non-wood materials, such as plastic laminates, in addition to wood. On the other hand, the definition of architectural millwork is subjective and is determined by the person who is asked the question.
Architectural woodwork is often defined by academic institutions as the wood that is visible to an individual once a structure has been finished being constructed. Cabinetry, doors, shelving, panelling, and staircases are all types of architectural millwork that can be found in buildings. This means that almost anything made of wood that is a component of a building or that connects to the inside of a building is considered to be architectural millwork.
To qualify as architectural millwork, the item in issue does not necessary have to be constructed directly into a structure in order for it to be considered an eligible candidate. A free-standing piece would be an example of anything that fits the bill. This indicates that an island for the kitchen that is mobile falls under the category of architectural millwork. In addition, the architectural version of this woodwork can be fully customized, partially customized, or stock, which means that it can be purchased as is directly off the shelf.
What are Common Millwork Finishes?
Millwork’s characterization is in accordance with the wood species that makes it. Each wood type has a distinct uniqueness. The material used ultimately shapes its aesthetic as well as its feel. However, some types of wood species are more popular than others. Cedar wood is a common component in commercial millwork as it has a striking red hue along with straight grain. Add in the fact that cedar wood has a cedar scent and holds strong in all types of environments and it is that much easier to understand why it is so popular.
Mahogany is commonplace in commercial millwork as many view it as a luxurious material. This is thanks to its perfectly straight grain aesthetic and eye-catching dark red brown hue. Maple is also popular as it is of comparably high quality and can help build items in either a dark brown or light brown color. Red oak is popular for its strength and luxurious aesthetic. Walnut receives admiration for its durability and rich brown hue.
The Types of Millwork Services
Commercial Millwork, which many people consider to be a comprehensive service, is all-encompassing and involves the material’s production process in its whole. This type of service is often suitable to commercial projects such as restaurants, retail or offices. Despite the fact that standard millwork is the industry standard, individuals that choose a custom profile version are quick to extol the benefits of their decision. The customized versions of this woodwork are of the finest possible quality, which ensures that the end result will leave an everlasting impression while also being able to withstand the test of time. By taking this strategy, the commercial cabinetry or other item will have a distinctive personality, which will ultimately result in an increase in the property’s value.
This material is fabricated with a specific radius in order to provide millwork structure that has curved edges or rounded edges. Some applications of the custom radius variation include curved stairways, circular windows, arches, and handrails. Kitchen counter corners also fall under this category.
How Much Does Commercial Millwork Cost?
Ah… a million dollar question… It is not difficult to explain the costs of anything like retail building services. The cost of new construction against the cost of renovations is another interesting comparison to consider. On the other hand, there is no clear answer to this question when it comes to millwork. In most cases, the price of the finished millwork product will be around two to three times higher than the price of the raw materials used in the construction of the project.
This indicates that the cost of the cabinetry, shelves, or other objects made out of wood will eventually be determined by the materials that were used to construct them. In addition, the complexity of the project as well as its requirements play a role in determining its cost. The price of commercial millwork will be significantly greater if it is especially intricate or extensive.