Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
By Lloyd’s Woodworking Inc.
What Is Custom Architectural Millwork?
DIRECT ANSWER:
Custom architectural millwork is woodwork designed or fabricated for a particular building, room or architectural requirement rather than purchased solely as a standard off-the-shelf component. It can include molding, trim, paneling, cabinetry, built-ins, doors and specialty wood components.
WHEN THE PIECE YOU NEED DOESN'T EXIST IN A CATALOG, SOMEBODY HAS TO MAKE IT.
That's architectural millwork.
Sometimes the requirement is decorative.
Sometimes functional.
Sometimes an old building simply needs a component nobody manufactures anymore.
COMMON EXAMPLES
Architectural millwork may include:
Molding
Trim
Paneling
Wainscoting
Built-ins
Cabinetry
Door components
Window-related woodwork
Fireplace surrounds
Specialty profiles
Custom architectural details
Replication components
WHAT MAKES IT CUSTOM?
The work may be designed around:
Specific dimensions
Existing architecture
Historic profiles
Unusual spaces
Architect drawings
Contractor requirements
A surviving original component
A particular function
WHY NOT BUY STOCK MOLDING?
Stock products are appropriate for many projects.
Custom millwork becomes useful when stock material:
Does not match
Does not fit
Does not exist
Does not provide the required dimensions
Does not satisfy the design
ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS
Custom millwork can help translate drawings and design intent into physical wood components.
Useful project information can include:
Plans
Elevations
Details
Dimensions
Material specifications
Finish requirements
Site photographs
CONTRACTORS
For contractors, specialty woodwork can solve problems that arise when:
Original material is missing.
A profile must be matched.
An opening is nonstandard.
A custom component is required.
Existing architectural details must continue through new work.
HOMEOWNERS
You do not need architectural drawings before beginning every conversation.
Start with:
Photos
Dimensions
The problem
The existing component
What you want to accomplish
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Older buildings often create millwork requirements because:
Profiles are obsolete.
Dimensions are unusual.
Original components are damaged.
Modern stock products do not match.
Preserving architectural character matters.
COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
Architectural millwork may also serve:
Offices
Churches
Retail spaces
Hospitality environments
Institutional buildings
Other commercial interiors
Project requirements determine the appropriate scope.
Frequently asked questions
IS CABINETRY ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK?
It can be, depending on the project and type of cabinetry.
IS MOLDING CONSIDERED MILLWORK?
Yes, molding and trim are common millwork components.
CAN ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK MATCH HISTORIC TRIM?
Potentially, particularly when an original sample or accurate profile is available.
DO I NEED AN ARCHITECT TO ORDER CUSTOM MILLWORK?
Not necessarily for every project. More complex construction projects may appropriately involve architects, designers or contractors.
CAN LLOYD'S WORK WITH ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS?
Lloyd's offers woodworking services for professional project teams as well as homeowners, churches and businesses.
BEFORE YOU REMOVE IT, LET US SEE IT.
Original doors, trim, molding, built-ins and architectural woodwork may be difficult to replace once they are gone. Send Lloyd's photos before making an irreversible decision.
PREFER TO TALK? Call Lloyd's Woodworking 978-562-9007