Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
Can Discontinued or Missing Millwork Be Recreated?
DIRECT ANSWER:
Potentially, yes. When a stock molding, trim profile or architectural wood component is no longer available, custom fabrication may be possible using an original sample, matching component, detailed dimensions, drawings, photographs or other reliable reference material.
THE SUPPLIER SAYS:
"THEY DON'T MAKE THAT ANYMORE."
THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY END THE PROJECT.
In an existing building, "close enough" millwork can stand out immediately.
Sometimes the answer isn't finding another catalog.
It's recreating what the building already has.
THE BEST REFERENCE IS OFTEN THE BUILDING ITSELF
Look for matching material:
In another room
On another floor
Around another door
Around another window
Inside a closet
Behind later construction
In storage
In an attic or basement
A surviving original may provide the information needed.
SAVE DEMOLITION SAMPLES
Before disposing of removed woodwork, save representative examples.
Label:
Room
Location
Orientation
Date removed
Related drawing reference if applicable
Do not assume damaged material is useless.
WHAT INFORMATION HELPS?
Useful information may include:
Physical sample
Cross-section profile
Overall dimensions
Species if known
Drawings
Photographs
Quantity
Required lengths
Finish requirements
Installation context
Project schedule requirements
PROFILE IS ONLY PART OF THE QUESTION
Also consider:
Thickness
Width
Projection
Material
Grain
How components intersect
Relationship to existing work
RENOVATIONS ARE WHERE THIS OFTEN MATTERS
A project may need matching material because of:
Door changes
Window work
Wall removal
Additions
Water damage
Fire damage
Mechanical work
Accessibility modifications
Partial demolition
Historic rehabilitation
Tenant improvements
Frequently asked questions
CAN OLD MOLDING BE COPIED FROM A SAMPLE?
Potentially, if the sample provides sufficient information.
WHAT IF ONLY A SMALL PIECE REMAINS?
A representative section may still be useful.
CAN YOU MATCH A PROFILE FROM A PHOTOGRAPH?
Photographs can help, but physical samples or accurate dimensions generally provide better information.
CAN NEW WOOD BE MADE TO LOOK EXACTLY LIKE AGED WOOD?
Exact visual matching should not automatically be promised because wood and finishes change with age.
HAVE DRAWINGS, PHOTOS OR A SAMPLE?
LET'S LOOK AT THE PROJECT.
Send Lloyd's the relevant drawings, photographs, dimensions, quantities and project information to begin the conversation.
Lloyd's Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts · Serving customers since 1969.