Architectural

Woodwork Standards

6
millwork

section
 SECTION 6
Millwork
table of contents
Introductory Information Ornamental Woodwork........................................................................142
Typical Sources...............................................................................142
Guide Specifications............................................................................131
Fire Retardant Solid Lumber...........................................................143
Introduction..........................................................................................132
Sources for Wood Ornamentation...................................................143
Methods of Production.........................................................................132
Working with an Artisan...................................................................143
Flat Surfaces.................................................................................132
Design Ideas........................................................................................144
Molded Surfaces...........................................................................132
Specify Requirements For...................................................................144
Smoothness of Flat and Molded Surfaces...........................................132
Recommendations...............................................................................144
Design and Use of Resources.............................................................132
Examples of Standing and Running Trim and Rail Parts.....................133
Examples of Standing and Running Trim.............................................134
Examples of Standing and Running Trim and Rails.............................135
Radius Moldings..................................................................................136
Solid Machined..............................................................................136
Core Veneered..............................................................................136

6 Laminated Plies.............................................................................136
Block Laminated............................................................................136
Kerfed............................................................................................136
Cross Grain...................................................................................136
Solid Lumber Paneling Patterns..........................................................137
Built up Moldings for Larger Profiles....................................................138
Ceilings..........................................................................................138
Chair Rails.....................................................................................138
Fireplaces......................................................................................139
Doors and Windows......................................................................139
Base..............................................................................................139
Design Ideas........................................................................................139
Built up Cornice and Wall Trim Examples............................................140
Door Frame and Jamb Examples........................................................141
Frame Joinery Examples.....................................................................141
Window Sash and Frame Examples....................................................141
Sash Joinery Examples.......................................................................141
Glazing Examples................................................................................141
Thermal Integrity..................................................................................141
Blinds and Shutters..............................................................................142
Screens................................................................................................142

128 Architectural Woodwork Standards ©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014
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Compliance Requirements Multiple Options...............................................................148
Frame Spread Ratings.....................................................149
GENERAL
Specific Profile.................................................................149
Basic Considerations.....................................................................145
Special Ornamental Detail...............................................149
Grades......................................................................................145
Cathedral..........................................................................149
Economy............................................................................145
Exterior Application..........................................................149
Custom...............................................................................145
Gluing and Laminating.....................................................149
Premium.............................................................................145
Cutouts.............................................................................149
Contract Documents.................................................................145
First Class Workmanship.................................................149
Acceptable Compliance Requirements.....................................145
Material Rules.........................................................................149
Aesthetics Compliance Requirements......................................145
Lumber, Veneered Profile and Sheet Products................149
Exposed Surfaces.....................................................................145
Natural and Manufactured Defects..................................149
Semi-Exposed Surfaces...........................................................145
Figure...............................................................................149
Concealed Surfaces..................................................................145
Warp.................................................................................149
Prevent Telegraphing................................................................145
Radius Woodwork............................................................149
Industry Practices.....................................................................145
Opaque Finish..................................................................150
6
Flame Spread Rated Wood Door Frames..........................145
Transparent Finish...........................................................150
Structural Members............................................................145
Exposed Surfaces............................................................150
Wall, Ceiling and/or Opening Variations.............................145
For Transparent Finish..............................................150
Priming...............................................................................145
Semi-Exposed Surfaces...................................................151
Radius Moldings.................................................................146
Concealed Surfaces.........................................................151
Method of Fabrication..................................................146
Door and Window Frames...............................................151
PRODUCT
Sash.................................................................................151
Scope............................................................................................147
Blinds and Shutters..........................................................152
Typical Inclusions....................................................................147
Screens............................................................................152
Typical Exclusions..................................................................147
Closet and Utility Shelving...............................................152
Default Stipulation.........................................................................148
Glass................................................................................153
Rules.............................................................................................148
Factory Finishing..............................................................153
Errata......................................................................................148
Machining Rules.....................................................................153
Basic Rules.............................................................................148
Exposed Surfaces............................................................153
Aesthetics.........................................................................148
Smoothness...............................................................153
Woodwork........................................................................148
HPDL, PVC, and Prefinished Wood..........................153
Lumber.............................................................................148
Trim..................................................................................154
Sheet Products.................................................................148
Solid Machined and Block Laminated..............................154
Exposed Surfaces............................................................148
Intersections.....................................................................154
Semi-Exposed Surfaces...................................................148
Dadoes.............................................................................154
Concealed Surfaces.........................................................148
Standing and Running Trim..............................................154
Standing and Running Trim..............................................148

©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014 Architectural Woodwork Standards 129
 section 6
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complIance requIrements (continued) Repairs ............................................................................161
product (continued) Installer Modifications......................................................161
Rules (continued) Woodwork .......................................................................161
Machining Rules (continued) These Standards .............................................................161
Window Frames ..............................................................154 Gaps Tests I ....................................................................161
Sash ................................................................................154 Flushness Tests J ............................................................162
Screens ...........................................................................154 Fastening and Fasteners ................................................162
Blinds and Shutters .........................................................155 Glue.................................................................................162
Ornamental Woodwork....................................................155 Equipment Cutouts..........................................................163
Assembly Rules .....................................................................155 Hardware.........................................................................163
Joints at Assembled Woodwork ......................................155 Areas of Installation.........................................................163
Flushness Test D ......................................................155 First Class Workmanship ................................................163
Gap Test A ................................................................156 Product Specific Rules...........................................................163
Gap Test B ................................................................156 Standing and Running Trim.............................................163
Gap Test C ................................................................156 Closet Rods.....................................................................163
6 Flatness or Warp Test E ..................................................156 Door & Window Frames .................................................163
Applied Moldings .............................................................156 Blinds and Shutters .........................................................163
Miter Joints and Caps .....................................................156 Screens ...........................................................................163
Stile and Rail Assemblies ................................................156 Ornamental Millwork .......................................................163
Sheet Products................................................................156
tests
Built up Items ..................................................................156
Basic Considerations....................................................................164
Standing and Running Trim.............................................157
Fabricated and Installed ........................................................164
Door Frames ...................................................................157
Smoothness ....................................................................164
Window Frames ..............................................................157
KCPI ................................................................................164
Sash ................................................................................158
Sanding ...........................................................................164
Blinds and Shutters .........................................................158
Gaps, Flushness, Flatness and Alignment ............................164
Screens ...........................................................................158
Illustrations ......................................................................165
Ornamental Millwork .......................................................158
Miscellaneous Millwork ...................................................159

InstallatIon
Care, Storage and Building Conditions ........................................160
Contractor is Responsible for .......................................................160
Installer is Responsible for ...........................................................160
Rules ............................................................................................160
Errata .....................................................................................160
Basic Rules ............................................................................161
Aesthetics........................................................................161
Transparent Finished ......................................................161

130 Architectural Woodwork Standards ©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014
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Guide Specifications
Are available through the Sponsor Associations in interactive digital format
including unique and individual quality control options.
The Guide Specifications are located at:
6

Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI)

www.awinet.org

Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC)

http://awmac.com/aws-guide-specifications

Woodwork Institute (WI)

www.woodworkinstitute.com/publications/aws_guide_specs.asp

©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014 Architectural Woodwork Standards 131
 SECTION 6
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INTRODUCTION To achieve the smooth surfaces generally smoothed by sanding. Sandpapers come in grits
required, the rough sawn boards are further from coarse to fine and are assigned ascending
Section 6 includes information on standing surfaced by the following methods: grit numbers. The coarser the grit, the faster the
& running trim, door frames, window frames, stock removal. The surface will show the striations
sashes, blinds & shutters, screens, ornamental & • Planing - Sawn lumber is passed through a caused by the grit. Sanding with progressively
miscellaneous millwork composed of solid wood planer or jointer, which has a revolving head finer grit papers will produce smoother surfaces.
and/or sheet products and their related parts. with projecting knives, removing a thin layer of
wood to produce a relatively smooth surface. DESIGN and use of resources
Quality assurance can be achieved by adherence
to the AWS and will provide the owner a quality • Abrasive Planing - Sawn lumber is passed Moldings should be cut from lumber approximately
product at competitive pricing. Use of a qualified through a powerful belt sander with tough, the same size as the finished piece to make the
Sponsor Member firm to provide your woodwork coarse belts, which remove the rough top best use of our natural resources. Designing
will help ensure the manufacturer’s understanding surface. moldings with the size of typical boards in mind
of the quality level required. Illustrations in this Molded Surfaces: has several advantages.
Section are not intended to be all inclusive. Other Sawn lumber is passed through a molder or
engineered solutions are acceptable. In the shaper that has knives ground to a pattern which The typical 1” x 4” (25.4 mm x 101.6 mm) will yield
absence of specifications; methods of fabrication produces the molded profile desired. a very nice 3/4” (19 mm) thick molding, but will
are the manufacturer’s choice. The design not be thick enough to develop a molding which
professional, by specifying compliance to the AWS is a full 1” (25.4 mm) thick in finish dimension.
Smoothness of flat and molded
increases the probability of receiving the product The typical 2” x 4” (50.8 mm x 101.6 mm) piece of
surfaces
quality expected. lumber can be made into moldings about 1-3/4”
6 (44.5 mm) thick in a similar manner.
Planers and Molders: The smoothness of surfaces
Methods of Production which have been machine planed or molded is
Flat Surfaces: determined by the closeness of the knife cuts. The Deep or large moldings are often best cut from
closer the cuts to each other (i.e., the more knife more than one piece and built up to make the
• Sawing - This produces relatively rough final profile. Just as in the manufacturing of single
cuts per inch [KCPI]) the closer the ridges, and
surfaces that are not utilized for architectural moldings, this process minimizes waste and
therefore the smoother the resulting appearance.
woodwork except where a “rough sawn” reduces the tendency of the finished profiles to
Sanding and Abrasives: Surfaces can be further
texture or finish is desired for design purposes. twist, warp, cup, or bow as a result of removing too
much material from either side of the initial board.

3/4" X 3-1/4"
(19 mm x 82.5 mm)

1"
1-3/4" x 3 1/2"
(44.5 mm x 89 mm)
2"
4"
Figure: 6-001

2"
Figure: 6-002
4"

2"

1"

4"
Figure: 6-003

132 Architectural Woodwork Standards ©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014
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EXAMPLES of Standing and Running Trim and Rail Parts

8
4
7
6
5
9
1

9 Newel Post
(see Section 7)
1 Spindle or Baluster
(see Section 7)

3 Crown 4 Handrail
Running Trim

5 Base Combination
2 Crown (Cove, board, shoe)
Running Trim 6 Window Casing Running Trim
Standing Trim

7 Wall Molding Combination 8 Chair Rail Combination

(Cove, board, cove) (Cap, cove & rail)
Standing Trim Running Trim Figure: 6-004

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EXAMPLES of Standing and Running Trim

1
4

5
4

3
6

2 Chair Rail

3 3-piece Base

1 Cornice 4 Casing 5 Panel Molding Figure: 6-005

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EXAMPLES of Standing and Running Trim and Rail

1
2

4 4

3 3

2 Crown

1 Skylight Cornice

3 Panel Molding 4 Handrail

Figure: 6-006

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Radius Moldings • Core Veneered (Illustration B) woodwork • Kerfed (Illustration E) woodwork consists of
consists of core machined from lumber or panel lumber with repeated saw cuts on the back
Both traditional and nontraditional architectural product to which finish material is laminated face of the piece, perpendicular to the bend.
styles often call for radius standing and as an exposed face. This technique is limited The tightness of the radius determines the
running trim either in plan, elevation, or both. to certain profiles; however, it offers the ability spacing and depth of the kerfs. Kerfing allows
In situations where the size of the molding and to minimize glue joints and control grain the piece to be bent to the required radius and
the radius to which it is to be formed is such that directions. then secured in place to hold the bend. Kerfing
a straight molding will not conform to the core, could result in “flats” on the face, which show
the architectural manufacturer can use several • Laminated Plies (Illustration C) woodwork in finishing. When dealing with a large radius, it
methods to fabricate radius moldings. Moldings consists of thin, bendable plies of lumber in is sometimes possible to stop the kerf prior to
applied to radii can be segmented, (typically a form that will hold its shape without having going through an exposed edge. In most cases,
only by direct specification) bent or steam bent, to be secured to another surface. The curved however, the kerf runs through, and the edge
laminated and formed, preshaped, or machined piece can then be milled to the desired profile. must be concealed.
to the radius. Manufacturers will fabricate the The glue lines follow the edge grain and the
moldings in the longest practical lengths, with the curve, thus minimizing their visibility. The Cross Grain in band sawn or laminated members
purpose of minimizing the field joints. species of wood and the tightness of the radius and edges in veneer laminated members or where
determine the maximum thickness of each ply. multiple layers are exposed by shaping may
• Solid Machined (Illustration A) woodwork cause objectionable color variation when finished.
typically starts with a large, often glued up • Block Laminated (Illustration D) woodwork
piece of material, from which several nested is made of solid machined pieces, glued Unless specifically called out, the architectural
pieces can be machined. Characteristically, this up typically in a staggered fashion for width manufacturer will have the option of which
6 method limits the length of pieces that can be and length. When dealing with some cross method to use for fabricating radius molding.
developed without a joint. It also yields a piece sections, it can be advantageous to combine Since the fabrication method determines the final
of material with the grain straight on the face, band sawing and laminating; however, it must appearance of the pieces, especially regarding
not following the curve. Profiles with a flat face be limited to certain profiles. It does, however, the direction of grain and visibility of glue joints,
can be machined from sheet products with an offer the ability to minimize glue joints, is used the architect or designer may wish to specify the
edgeband applied, yielding larger pieces with in radius jambs and often becomes the core for method. It is recommended that an architectural
more consistent grain. core veneered woodwork. woodwork firm be consulted before making a
selection. Mockups may be required to visualize
the end product.

A B C

D E

Chord Segmentation is the process of cutting short lengths

of straight molding and joining them around a curved
substrate and is NOT permitted unless specified.
Figure: 6-007

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Solid Lumber Paneling Patterns Virtually any machinable profile can be custom allowing the design professional to determine the
manufactured. The following profiles are some of scale and proportions most appropriate for the
The variety of solid lumber paneling is only limited the traditional patterns associated with solid board project.
by the imagination of the design professional. paneling. They are not dimensioned intentionally,

Single Bead Beaded Ceiling or Wainscot

Pickwick Paneling
Reveal Detail Options

Tongue and Groove “V” Joint

Beaded Siding Rough Sawn w/ Lap Reveal

Simulated Lap Siding Bevel Siding

Drop/Lap Siding Molded Insert

Beaded Bevel Siding Coved Paneling

Figure: 6-008

©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014 Architectural Woodwork Standards 137
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BuIlt up moldInGs for larGer profIles A series of “built up” moldings would have a • chair rails are a very traditional method of
tendency to make a low ceiling appear even breaking up walls, adding both interest and
Used with permission of the Wood Molding and lower. But if your ceilings are high (10’ [2540 protection. They prevent the wall from being
Millwork Producers Association. mm] or higher), there is no limit to the rich bumped or scuffed by chairs and can also
three dimensional elegance you can add to the be used to separate two types of decorating
• ceilings are the most obvious area for “built room’s appearance with the creative application material such as paneling, wallpaper, and paint.
up” moldings. This is primarily true of rooms of moldings. Below are several suggested Following are some variations of “built up” chair
with high ceilings. In low ceiling rooms (8’ [2438 combinations. Let your imagination create your rail combinations.
mm]), single molding profiles usually work best. own combinations and designs.

base cove
cove cap
base base base
base cap cap
6 base caps mullion
shingles

casing
bed
crown s4s cove

picture base cap picture

astragal half
round s4s
casing coves
s4s coves

base cove
crown crown
cove
dentil dentil wainscot
base base cap
base cap

crown
s4s cove s4s half
base s4s cove round
base cap
Figure: 6-010
bed
stop drip cap
cove s4s
crowns
base cove base cap
Figure: 6-009

138 Architectural Woodwork Standards ©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014
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• Fireplaces highlighted or framed with “built up” • Doors and Windows are most commonly done • Base the elaborate look of elegance can even
moldings is an excellent way to add depth and with single molding profiles, but by adding be carried through to base moldings where
richness. Below are a few creative but simple other patterns, the basic trim can easily be the wall meets the floor, as illustrated in the
to install profile combinations. transformed into a window or door casing of following variations.
classical depth and beauty. Installing plinth
blocks at the bottom of casing further enhances
the traditional look. base base
base
cap
stop
half
round

quarter base shoe stop base + shoe s4s base

shoe
round
base base cove bed
shingle

halfround
s4s

base shoe shingle 6

es s4s cove base shoe
cov Figure: 6-015

s4s DESIGN IDEAS di

Include molding illustrations such as:
• Base and base cap patterns
Figure: 6-011 Figure: 6-013
• Casing patterns

back base • Panel mold patterns

casing casing cap
band
• Crown mold patterns
base
shoe
• Bed mold patterns

casing
base
casing • Handrail patterns
cap half rounds
Figure: 6-012
• Chair rail patterns

Figure: 6-014

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BUILT-UP Cornice and Wall Trim EXAMPLES

Example 4
Example 3

Example 1 Example 2

Example 5

Example 6 Example 7

Example 11

Example 10

Example 8 Example 9
Figure: 6-016

140 Architectural Woodwork Standards ©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014
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DOOR FRAME and JAMB examples: WINDOW SASH and FRAME examples:

1 2 3
Split Jamb Single Rabbet Double Rabbet Half-Lapped Figure: 6-036

GLAZING examples:

Fixed Figure: 6-032

4 5 6 Head Jamb
Applied Stop Cased Opening Ploughed-in Stop Brick Mold Blind Stop
Parting Bead
Figure: 6-030 Single Glaze Figure: 6-037

Casing
FRAME Joinery examples:
Head Section Stop
6
Top Rail

Check Rail Check Rail

Section

Bottom Rail
1 2 Sill Section Stool
Rabbet Dado Apron
Sill Double Glazed Figure: 6-038

THERMAL INTEGRITY:
Operable Figure: 6-033

Wood is a natural insulator that retains heat

SASH Joinery examples:
in winter without a thermal break, resists
conductance of cold temperatures 2000 times
3 4 better than aluminum, and is approximately
Dowel Splined
30% more thermally efficient than comparable
Figure: 6-031
aluminum windows. Wood’s minimal conduction
Labeled (flame spread-rated) jamb assemblies keeps the inside wood surface of windows
are typically available in 20-, 45-, 60-, and warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
90-minute classifications of limited design/ Coped and Mortised Figure: 6-034
Wood windows are available in single-, double-,
species; however, new designs/ratings are in and triple-glazing systems, increasing thermal
ongoing development. Only firms recognized by efficiency.
applicable code officials are authorized to label
a frame assembly. If a label will be required by Performance Testing is applicable only to
the applicable code officials, it is the obligation complete exterior window units and, if required,
of the design professional to so specify, and must be specified and may include all or part of
the obligation of the manufacturer to assure a ASTM E 283, Air Infiltration; E 330, Loading; and/
properly licensed assembly. These standards do Coped and Nailed Figure: 6-035
or E 547, Water Penetration. ASTM tests must be
not cover labeled frames. specified for the current ASTM Grade Level.

©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014 Architectural Woodwork Standards 141
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BlInds and shutters Typical bead detail examples:
Optional Detail
• hardware must be specified, as it dictates the
details of construction.

• manufacturer does not typically supply,

machine for, or install operating hardware,
locking devices, pulls, lifts, etc.

Figure: 6-040

Flat Panel Raised Panel

ornamental WoodWorK:

typical sources of wood ornamentation

are either mass-produced or custom carved
and tooled.

• Mass-produced product is often limited

in available species, sizes, and design,
and is often a variety of historical styles,
which might lack detail; however, can be
appropriate for many applications.

• Custom carved or tooled work has a

special appearance, with depth and
clarity or crispness that machine tooling
often cannot achieve. There will be
Louvered Figure: 6-039
slight irregularities because it is done
by a skilled artisan; however, this is
screens:
deemed desirable as it lends character
• hardware must be specified, as it dictates the and credence to the work, including tool-
details of construction. marked surface, which can be sanded
smooth or left as a texture.
• manufacturer does not typically supply,
machine for, or install operating hardware,
locking devices, pulls, lifts, etc.

Figure: 6-041

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Ornamental WOODWORK (continued) stained glass, ceramic tiles, mosaic, fabric, plaster • When small quantities are specified which
or composition ornament, faux finishes, metal are impractical or too expensive to fabricate
There are four methods of depicting a design in hardware and stone inlays. by computerized methods.
wood:
• Incised: Designs are simply made by shallow Excludes standing and running trim except as • When there is a need to replicate missing
grooves in the surface of the material. incorporated as integral parts of elements. (hand carved) elements for restoration or
renovation.
• Relief: Most architectural carving is carved in Unless required by the details and/or woodwork
relief. The degree to which the design is lifted • When elements of specified dimensions are
specifications, the manufacturer shall not:
off the surface is described as low or high required and unavailable otherwise.
relief. • Provide or prepare for electrical, telephone, • When a particular wood species is required.
mechanical, or plumbing equipment;
• Pierced: Some voids in the design are literally
cut through the material and are termed • When customized logos or lettering is
• Install woodwork or furnish common in wall desired.
pierced carvings. blocking, furring or hanging devices for the
support or attachment of the woodwork; • When patterns are required for casting in
• Sculpture: Carving in-the-round or sculptural
works are incorporated into architectural another material such as plaster, metal, or
• Supply exposed materials other than wood or glass.
surroundings. plastic laminate;
Ornamental woodwork can be considered any • When uniqueness is valued by the customer.
• Factory finish; or
addition to the purely functional and may partly
rely on context for its aesthetic appeal. Among
Hand tooled and carved work has a special 6
• Supply “stock” or specialty products. If they appearance. It has a depth and clarity or
various definitions, the one pertinent here is: are to be supplied, they must be specified by a crispness which machine tooling often cannot
“Something that lends grace or beauty; a manner brand name or manufacturer. achieve. Because it is done by a skilled artisan
or quality that adorns.” Ornamentation is defined
there will be slight irregularities, but this is
as a decorative device or embellishment. A good Fire-Retardant Solid Lumber may affect the
deemed desirable as it lends character and
example is the molding which can have functional finishes intended to be used on the wood,
credence to the work. Whether the surface is
uses such as covering joints, or with a profile, can particularly if transparent finishes are planned.
sanded smooth or the texture of tool marks is left,
be a design element. The profile can be further The compatibility of finishes should be tested
is one of the points of discussion between the
embellished or enriched by decorative carving. before they are applied.
millwork company and carver.
Architectural carving combines the flat surfaces Sources for Wood Ornamentation
Working with an Artisan
and clearly defined lines of geometry with the There are two possible sources for wood
The custom carver usually works by him- or
interpretive modeling of naturalistic forms. ornamentation, machine-produced elements and
herself in a studio situation, but this does not
the custom carver.
necessarily indicate limitations either in quality,
Historic preservation, conservation and restoration • The mass-produced product is often limited
production time or fabrication capability. Work is
disciplines are extensions of ornamental in available species, sizes and design, which
done on a commission basis, so it is common to
woodwork. Aspects of this work include, but are is often a variety of historic styles which may
expect reasonable lead times.
not limited to, stripping, repair, reconstruction, lack detail, however can be appropriate for
reuse of historic material, addition of new material, many applications. Often the detail lacks clarity
What the woodcarver will need to know (from
and special documentation for the work. because of the tooling, sanding or finish.
millwork specifier or customer):
However, the product is relatively inexpensive,
The United States Department of the Interior consistent in appearance and appropriate for • Type of element - molding, capital, bracket, etc.
(www.doi.gov/), the National Park Service (www. many applications.
nps.gov/), and the Historic Sites and Monuments • Sizes - drawings showing elevations and
Board of Canada (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/) • On the other hand, there are a number of Sections are absolutely necessary for accurate
publish documents related to work under their reasons to contact a custom carver. cost estimates, whether provided by the
jurisdiction. The most recent publications from millwork company or drawn by the carver. Often
• When the pieces required are impractical or
these entities will provide valuable information the carver will redraw computer-generated
impossible to shape on conventional factory
for the design professional and the woodwork designs or ones not full sized.
machinery. Examples are tapering profiles as
fabrication, finishing, and installation.
in keystones, acute (interior) corners such as
in Gothic tracery and compound curves as in
There are a number of related arts which are
stair handrails.
incorporated into wood constructions, such as

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 SECTION 6
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di
Ornamental WOODWORK (continued) DESIGN IDEAS RECOMMENDATIONS

Working with an Artisan (continued) Includes illustrations of base, picture, • If FIELD FINISHED, include in Division 09 of
• Species of wood and who will supply the casing, panel, crown, bed, handrail and the specifications:
“blanks”. Finishes (paint grade, gilding, faux chair rail moldings; along with a large number of
finish) should also be discussed. historic ornamental woodwork illustrations. These • Before finishing, exposed portions
design ideas are not exhaustive and are for the of woodwork shall have handling marks or
• Context and/or installed location should be reader to use as a starting guide. effects of exposure to moisture, removed
made clear in order to understand lighting and with a thorough, final sanding over all
the degree of detail necessary. Specify requirements For: surfaces of the exposed portion and shall be
• Intended schedule or completion date. cleaned before applying sealer or finish.
• Flame spread ratings or special code
• Budget if available as the carver can propose compliance. • At concealed surfaces - Architectural
subtle changes in order to oblige a tight budget. woodwork that may be exposed to moisture,
• Window performance testing and/or labeling such as those adjacent to exterior concrete
The millwork company should make reasonable and hardware. walls, etc., shall be primed.
efforts to provide as much information as possible
as to design, and material. If providing blanks, • Glass type and thickness. • REVIEW the GENERAL portion of Sections
effort should be made to fabricate them as 3 and 4 for an overview of the characteristics
accurately as possible. Material should be straight • Wood species for exterior sash, shutters, or
and the minimum acceptable requirements of
grained and contain a minimum of glue lines and screens and frame parts, exposed, semi- lumber and/or sheet products that might be
therefore, grain directional changes. Consultation exposed or concealed shall be of any species
6 concerning what should be provided (sizes, listed in Section 3, suitable for exterior use as
used herein.

species, special fabrication such as turning) with being resistant, moderately resistant, or very • Structural members, grounds, in wall
the carver is essential. resistant. blocking, backing, furring, brackets, or other
anchorage which becomes an integral part
What to expect from the carver: • Closet and utility shelving shelf size, thickness,
of the building’s walls, floors, or ceilings,
and support system needed to meet the load-
• The carver provides skill and knowledge required for the installation of architectural
carrying requirements of the project; otherwise,
through experience. The majority of the cost woodwork are not to be furnished or installed
the minimal requirements of the standards shall
may be in the labor. Carving is a unique by the architectural woodwork manufacturer or
prevail. Shelf deflection information can be
product which adds immeasurably to the installer.
found in Section 10.
character and attractiveness of the overall
project. • At WOOD SASH and WINDOWS, the finish
• ADA or barrier-free compliance design and
coats will be flowed onto the glass area
• The carving should closely resemble what requirements.
approximately 1/16” (1.6 mm) to properly
is represented in drawings and verbal seal against weather, wind, and rain. It is not
descriptions. recommended to use a razor blade to scrape
• The product should be cleanly carved without the glass, as it might break the seal. A broad-
distracting irregularities and chips or fuzz in the blade putty knife is recommended to be used
recesses. The agreed upon surface treatment: to protect the seal between the glass and the
sanded, tool textured, primed or gilded, etc. wood members.
should be consistent throughout.
• Fabrication methodS can affect the
• Work should be done in a timely manner as final appearance, especially regarding the
agreed upon. direction of the grain and the visibility of the
• Quality in artistic handwork is often a glue joints. As a design professional, you may
subjective matter, but proper communication wish to specify the method; however, it is
and agreement among parties should reduce recommended that an architectural woodwork
variance of interpretation. firm be consulted before making a particular
selection. Mock-ups may be required to
visualize the end product.

144 Architectural Woodwork Standards ©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014
 compliance requirements

The COMPLIANCE portion of this

Section has been intentionally
excluded to protect our sale of Grade
Rules, which allows us to provide
these standards free of charge to
Design Professionals.

©2014 AWI | AWMAC | WI 2nd Edition, October 1, 2014 Architectural Woodwork Standards
As may be updated by errata at awinet.org, awmac.com, or aws-errata.com