Millwork (building material)

Millwork building materials include the ready-made carpentry elements usually installed in any building. Many of the specific features in a space are created using different types of architectural millwork: doors, windows, transoms, sidelights, moulding, trim, stair parts, and cabinetry to name just a few. The primary material used in millwork items today are most often produced from softwood or hardwood lumber. Other materials used in millwork products include MDF (medium density fiberboard), finger-jointed wood, composite materials, particle board and fiberglass. Some millwork products like doors, windows and stair parts also incorporate the use of steel, stainless, aluminum and various glass options.

All wood products in millwork require decorative finish coatings. These finishes include stain and a semi-transparent finishes or paint. The finishes protect the wood from decay, warping, splitting and fade. Most millwork building materials can be installed with little or no modification as part of the construction process.

Traditional interior millwork examples. Note the wall covers, as well as the door and window trim, are all custom-styled to complement the central focus point of the room – the fireplace mantle.

Historically, the term millwork applied to building elements made specifically from wood.[2] During the "Golden Age" of millworking (1880–1910), virtually everything in the house was made from wood.[3] During this time, the millwork produced in the United States became standardized nationwide.

Today, the increase in the use of synthetic materials has led many professionals to consider any item that is composed of a combination of wood and synthetic elements to also be properly defined as millwork. This includes products that make use of pressed-wood chips in the design, such as melamine coated shelving.[1]

There are two types of manufacturers of millwork goods. In one, referred to as "stock millwork", commodity fabricators mass-produce trims and building components—with the end product being low cost, interchangeable items for commercial or home builders. In another, the product is custom produced for individuals or individual building projects—usually a costlier option[4] which is referred to as "architectural millwork.[5]

Millwork building materials are used for both decoration and function in buildings. Exterior doors and windows are typically tested by independent agencies and rated for energy efficiency. They can also be impact rated, fire rated and can be specified to reduce sound transference.

Interior millwork products are not rated for energy efficiency. These products are used primarily as a decorative feature but can also serve functions for privacy, storage and sound deadening.

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  "Built-in" room elements (bookcases, entertainment centers, etc.)
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  Cabinetry and Casework
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  Ceiling trims, embellishments, beams, and extensions
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  Chair rails
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  wainscoting
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  Columns and cornices
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  corbels, bracketing
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  Doors
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  window, moldings, sashes, and trims
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  Fireplace mantels
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  Stairway, stair parts, and balustrades
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  Wall crowns, Coves, Casing, Panel Mould, Caps and baseboard moldings
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  Wall covers or cladding, paneling, and corner beads
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  Ceiling center
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  Switch-plates and interior wall access points