Commercial Millwork companies may work with a variety of clients, including architects, builders, contractors, and homeowners, to create custom millwork solutions for a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. However, the real question most clients ask us is, what is a millworker and what does a millwork company do?
In this article, we answer all of your top millwork questions and explain exactly what commercial millwork is and isn’t. Starting off first with the #1 custom millwork question that we hear…
What is Commercial Millwork and What Does Commercial Millwork Mean in Construction?
Commercial millwork refers to the design, manufacture, and installation of custom woodwork and other architectural features in commercial buildings. This may include items such as doors, windows, moldings, cabinets, countertops, shelving, and other decorative and functional elements.
Commercial millwork is typically created using a variety of woodworking techniques, including cutting, shaping, sanding, and finishing. The materials used may include solid wood, plywood, particleboard, and other composite materials.
Commercial millwork is often custom-made to meet the specific needs and design requirements of each project. This may involve working with architects, designers, and other stakeholders to create drawings and specifications for the millwork. The millwork may then be fabricated in a workshop and installed on site by trained professionals.
Commercial millwork can be an important element of the overall design and function of a commercial building. It can contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the space and also serve practical purposes such as providing storage or creating a functional workspace.
Are Cabinets Considered Commercial Millwork?
Yes, cabinets are typically considered to be a type of millwork. Millwork refers to custom woodwork and other architectural features that are designed and fabricated to meet specific design requirements. This may include items such as doors, windows, moldings, and cabinets.
Cabinets are an important element of many construction and renovation projects, as they provide storage and organizational solutions for a variety of spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and other areas. Cabinets may be custom-designed and fabricated to fit specific spaces and meet the specific needs of the client.
There are many different types of cabinets, including base cabinets, wall cabinets, tall cabinets, and specialty cabinets. They may be made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or composite materials, and may be finished in a range of styles to suit the design aesthetic of the project.
What items are considered Commercial Millwork?
Some common items that are considered millwork include:
- Doors: This includes doors for entrances, exits, and other areas of the building, as well as door frames, hinges, and other hardware.
- Windows: Commercial millwork may include windows of various sizes and styles, as well as window frames, sills, and other related components.
- Moldings: These decorative features, such as crown molding, baseboards, and chair rails, can add visual interest to a space and help to define the architecture of a building.
- Cabinets: Commercial millwork may include custom cabinets for a variety of purposes, such as storage, display, or countertops.
- Countertops: These may be made of a variety of materials, including wood, stone, or composite materials, and can be custom-designed to fit specific spaces.
- Shelving: Commercial millwork may include freestanding shelving units or built-in shelving that is incorporated into the architecture of the building.
- Reception desks: These may be custom-designed to fit the needs and design aesthetic of a specific business.
- Partitions: These may be used to create separate areas within a larger space, such as offices, conference rooms, or restrooms. Partitions that do not fall within the “millwork” would be things like Glass, certain Acoustic, Demountable partitions, etc.
- Staircases: Commercial millwork may include custom-designed staircases and handrails.
- Other decorative or functional elements: This may include fireplace mantels, wainscoting, and other decorative or functional woodwork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ: What is the difference between Architectural Millwork and Commercial Millwork?
Architectural millwork and commercial millwork are both types of custom woodwork that are designed and fabricated to meet specific design requirements. However, there are some key differences between the two:
- Purpose: Architectural millwork is designed to enhance the aesthetics and architectural character of a building, while commercial millwork is typically more functional in nature, serving practical purposes such as providing storage or creating a functional workspace.
- Materials: Architectural millwork may be made of a wider variety of materials, including solid wood, plywood, MDF, and other composite materials, while commercial millwork is typically made from more practical and durable materials, such as particleboard or laminate.
- Installation location: Architectural millwork is often installed in more visible areas of a building, such as lobbies, public spaces, or offices, while commercial millwork is more likely to be found in functional areas such as kitchens, restrooms, and storage rooms.
- Industry standards: Architectural millwork is typically held to higher industry standards in terms of craftsmanship and finish quality, as it is often a more visible and important element of the overall design of a building. Commercial millwork, on the other hand, may be more utilitarian in nature and may not need to meet the same level of quality standards.
Overall, the main difference between architectural millwork and commercial millwork is the purpose and intended use of the woodwork. Architectural millwork is primarily focused on aesthetics and design, while commercial millwork is more practical and functional in nature.
FAQ: What are the Most Common Materials used in Commercial Millwork?
The most common materials used in commercial millwork are:
- Wood: Solid wood and wood composite materials, such as plywood and particleboard, are commonly used in commercial millwork. Wood is a versatile material that can be finished in a variety of ways to achieve different looks and effects.
- Laminate: Laminate is a composite material made from layers of paper or fabric that have been impregnated with resin and fused together under heat and pressure. Laminate is often used for commercial millwork because it is durable, easy to clean, and relatively inexpensive.
- Metal: Metal, such as aluminum or steel, is sometimes used in millwork for items such as doors, frames, or countertops. Metal is a strong and durable material that can be finished in a variety of ways.
- Glass: Glass may be used in commercial millwork for items such as windows, doors, or display cases. Glass is a transparent material that can be used to create a sense of openness and lightness in a space.
- Plastic: Plastic materials, such as acrylic or PVC, may be used in commercial millwork for items such as light fixtures or countertops. Plastic is a lightweight, durable material that is easy to clean and maintain.
- Stone: Stone, such as granite or marble, may be used for countertops or other decorative elements in commercial millwork. Stone is a natural material that is known for its durability and beauty.
The specific materials used in commercial millwork will depend on the requirements of the project and the intended use of the millwork.
FAQ: What is the Best Wood for Millwork?
The best wood for millwork depends on the specific requirements of the project and the intended use of the millwork. Some factors to consider when selecting wood for millwork include:
- Durability: Some woods are more durable and resistant to wear and tear than others. For example, hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry are known for their durability and are often used in millwork that will receive heavy use.
- Appearance: Different woods have different characteristics in terms of color, grain, and texture, which can affect the overall appearance of the millwork. For example, cherry has a reddish color and a fine, uniform grain, while oak has a more open grain and a distinctive pattern.
- Workability: Some woods are easier to work with than others, which can be important when fabricating custom millwork. For example, softwoods such as pine and spruce are easier to shape and carve than hardwoods.
- Cost: The cost of different types of wood can vary significantly, which may be a factor in selecting the best wood for a particular project. Some woods, such as oak and cherry, are more expensive than others, such as pine or fir.
Overall, the best wood for millwork will depend on the specific needs and budget of the project. It is important to consider a range of factors, including durability, appearance, workability, and cost, when selecting the appropriate wood.
FAQ: What Other Services does a Commercial Millwork Company typically offer?
There are a variety of commercial millwork services that may be offered by companies in the millwork industry, including:
- Design and engineering: This may include services such as creating conceptual designs, developing detailed drawings and specifications, shop drawings and conducting structural analysis.
- Fabrication: This involves cutting, shaping, and assembling the various components of the millwork according to the design specifications.
- Finishing: This may include services such as sanding, staining, painting, or applying other finishes to the millwork to achieve the desired appearance.
- Installation: This involves installing the finished millwork on site according to the design specifications.
- Maintenance and repair: Some millwork companies may also offer services such as refinishing or repairing existing millwork to restore it to its original condition.
- Consultation: This may include providing expert advice and guidance to clients on a variety of millwork-related matters, such as selecting the best materials and finishes for a specific project or troubleshooting problems with existing millwork.
- Project management: This may involve coordinating the various elements of a millwork project, including design, fabrication, delivery, and installation, to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
FAQ: How Much does Commercial Millwork Cost?
The cost of commercial millwork can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including:
- Materials: The cost of the materials used in the millwork, such as wood, metal, or glass, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of the project. Some materials, such as exotic hardwoods or specialty finishes, may be more expensive than others.
- Design complexity: Custom millwork that requires intricate design work or specialized techniques will generally be more expensive than more basic designs.
- Quantity: The number of items being produced as part of the millwork project will also affect the overall cost. Larger quantities may be more cost-effective due to economies of scale.
- Location: The location of the project may also impact the cost of commercial millwork, as certain regions may have higher labor and material costs than others.
Overall, the cost of commercial millwork can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic project to tens of thousands of dollars for more complex or large-scale projects. It is important to work with a millwork company to get a detailed estimate based on the specific needs and requirements of the project.
Conclusion
Commercial millwork is often custom-made to meet the specific needs and design requirements of each project. This may involve working with architects, designers, and other stakeholders to create drawings and specifications for the millwork. The millwork may then be fabricated in a workshop and installed on site by trained professionals.
Commercial millwork can be an important element of the overall design and function of a commercial building. It can contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the space and also serve practical purposes such as providing storage or creating a functional workspace.
About GTA General Contractors Ltd.
GTA General Contractors has been a leading commercial construction company in the Toronto/Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and throughout Ontario for more than 32 years, and we are able to design, manage, and build your project from start to finish. GTA General Contractors is a full-service construction, commercial development and custom millwork company that also provides consultancy services, construction management, design/build services, general contracting, project management, and more. Our team is here to provide our many years of commercial construction experience to deliver your project with award-winning expertise and efficiency. Have a question? Speak with an expert today
