Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
By Lloyd’s Woodworking Inc.
What Should I Measure Before Asking About Custom Built-Ins?
DIRECT ANSWER:
You do not need professional drawings to start a custom built-in conversation. Basic wall width, approximate ceiling height, photographs, locations of doors and windows and a description of what you need the built-in to accomplish are often enough for an initial discussion. Final dimensions should be verified before fabrication.
YOU DON'T NEED TO DRAW THE CABINET.
SHOW US THE PROBLEM.
START WITH PHOTOS
Send:
The complete wall
The room from farther back
Both corners
Ceiling
Floor
Nearby doors
Windows
Existing trim
Outlets and vents
BASIC MEASUREMENTS
Helpful initial dimensions include:
Wall width
Approximate ceiling height
Available depth
Window width and height
Door locations
Major architectural features
DON'T WORRY IF THE WALL ISN'T SQUARE
Especially in older homes, preliminary homeowner measurements are simply a starting point.
Final dimensions for custom work should be appropriately verified.
TELL US WHAT HAS TO FIT
This can be more important than perfect measurements.
Examples:
Television
Books
Records
Printer
Computer monitors
Board games
China
Serving pieces
Shoes
Coats
Collectibles
PHOTOGRAPH THE THINGS TOO
If an object must fit inside the cabinetry, photographs and approximate dimensions can help communicate the requirement.
SHOW US WHAT YOU LIKE
Inspiration images can communicate:
Style
Proportion
Door treatment
Shelving
Overall feel
They are references—not instructions to copy someone else's design exactly.
Frequently asked questions
DO I NEED ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS?
Not for every initial conversation.
DO MY FIRST MEASUREMENTS HAVE TO BE PERFECT?
They should be reasonably accurate for discussion, but final project dimensions should be verified.
SHOULD I SEND PHOTOS?
Yes.
WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE BUILT-IN SHOULD LOOK LIKE?
Start by explaining what the space needs to do.
PHOTOS + ROUGH DIMENSIONS + THE PROBLEM.
THAT'S ENOUGH TO START.
Send Lloyd’s a photo of the space, approximate dimensions and an explanation of what the finished piece needs to do.
START A CUSTOM PROJECTCALL 978-562-9007ONE ROOM CAN INVOLVE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF WOODWORK.
A project may combine:
- Custom cabinetry
- Built-ins
- Architectural millwork
- Furniture
- Trim
- Doors
- Historic woodwork
Rather than treating each component independently, the woodworking can be considered as part of the room as a whole.