Architectural woodworking is woodworking that companies custom-design for the customer. These companies may provide architectural woodworking services for commercial applications, such as a curved reception desk or a store display, as well as custom jobs for consumers. With architectural woodworking services, customers don't have to settle for out-of-the-box cabinetry, but instead can request the details that will make their project unique.

Architectural woodworking is a general term that could refer to the manufacture of custom woodworking or the actual work of installing the custom woodwork on the job. In the past, companies would complete custom architectural millwork by hand. Today, carpenters can use computerized machinery in addition to hand tools to create beautiful details that set a building apart from the next.

When looking for information on architectural woodworking, think about the following steps:

1. Expect to pay more for architectural millwork, but realize that you can control costs by choosing a less expensive type of wood.

2. Get detailed quotations of different types of wood, which may save you money.

3. Ask to see samples photos of similar projects that the architectural woodworking company has completed.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about custom architectural woodwork basics

Architectural woodworking requires more skills and investment in education than basic carpentry or general woodworking. A person interested in a career in custom architectural woodwork will most likely need to take classes and apprentice with an experienced finish carpenter.

I recommend: The Census Bureau defines custom architectural woodwork and millwork manufacturing and gives industry classifications. Architectural Woodwork Institute represents more than 4,000 members, offers quality and green certifications and publishes the Quality Standards Illustrated.

Invest in architectural woodworking equipment

Carpenters and millworkers use a variety of tools in custom architectural design. Some of these tools include a router to shape the wood, drills, a lathe, planers and sanders, as well as hand tools including biscuit joiners, glue and clamps, not to mention a large space to complete the work.

I recommend: Shopbot Tools makes computerized tools for architectural woodworking. Freud Tools manufactures architectural woodworking tools and sells through its dealer network.

Check out offerings of different architectural woodworking shops

You can find architectural woodworking suppliers all over the country. Some are large outfits that can service a wider area and handle bigger projects, while other architectural woodwork manufacturers are local craftsmen offering custom cabinetry to a loyal customer base of builders and individuals.

I recommend: Architectural Woodworking supplies New England and New York with architectural wood materials such as moldings. See examples of fine architectural woodwork at the Architectural Woodworking Company in Monterey Park, California.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Referencing architectural books will help you stay true to a style of building, such as Craftsman or Victorian, when thinking about architectural woodwork.

Architectural millwork is a critical component of any building project. At the same time, the industry suffers from a lack of skilled workers. While these factors are in your favor, it can seem as if the competition for projects is holding your business back. As the volume of available work fluctuates, there are several things you can do to ensure a steady demand for your architectural woodworking services.

Grow your architectural millwork business by keeping the following ideas in mind.

1. Many sources for information about architectural woodworking are available to help you improve your skills.

2. Professional certification can give your architectural woodworking company an edge when bidding on projects.

3. The green building movement is a major trend in architectural woodwork, and a major opportunity for you to create a specialized business niche.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Add to your architectural woodworking and general woodworking skills

Continuing education and the new skills it offers can open doors to projects you avoided bidding on or bid unsuccessfully on in the past. From seminars to books to DVDs, there are plenty of ways to increase your knowledge.

I recommend: The Architectural Woodwork Institute offers a large variety of educational opportunities. Wiley Publishers sells "Architectural Woodwork Details for Construction." Written by Stephen P. Major, this book is a complete resource for architectural woodworking companies, architects and designers. Master Woodworking Plans sells a DVD with links to thousands of plans for architectural and general woodworking projects.

Consider professional certification of your architectural woodworking business or projects

Professional certification tells potential customers you're willing to put your time in when it comes to quality workmanship. This extra level of assurance, whether for your business in general or for a specific custom architectural millwork project, can tip the scales in your favor at decision time.

I recommend: The Architectural Woodwork Institute provides certification in fabrication, finishing and installation. The Woodwork Institute offers compliance programs that certify the quality level of specified projects.

Jump into the expanding market for green architectural woodworking services

Green building is not going away, and while the concept presents architectural woodwork suppliers and manufacturers with new challenges, it holds opportunities for expanding your architectural millwork business as well. Get on board now - be in position to ride the trend as it expands.

I recommend: The Architectural Woodwork Institute website has links to several podcasts that discuss the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Get certified via exam from the Green Building Certification Institute. Find exam preparation materials at Green Building Education Services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The art of architectural woodworking has a tendency to attract solitary types who don't mind spending the day alone in their shops. However, networking can be a great way to grow your business. The Internet makes it easier than ever to exchange ideas with peers outside your area of competition, so take a look at your woodwork information networking options online.

You can trace simple or general woodworking back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt and China. Early applications of woodworking encompassed practical purposes. Over the centuries, refined techniques and tools have resulted in a variety of uses and styles, ranging from toy making to cabinetry to complex building projects. Architectural woodworking emerged as a means of meeting custom requests for wood products for commercial applications.

Today, detailed woodworking is becoming somewhat of a lost art. In fact, there are a declining number of vocational programs geared towards cabinetmakers in the United States. Additionally, cabinet shops across the country are losing workers due to retirement. In spite of these factors, there remains a commercial interest and need for custom architectural woodwork. For this reason, there is no better time than now to get involved in architectural woodworking. Invest in architectural woodwork education and training. It will help you develop your business by:

1. Teaching you about the different aspects of general woodworking.

2. Helping you to specialize in a particular aspect of woodworking, such as architectural millwork.

3. Giving you a good working knowledge of woods and basic tools and equipment.

4. Help you expand you business to more advanced levels.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn architectural woodworking from professional association

Gathering woodwork information from different sources can help you decide which direction you want your architectural business to go. There are many aspects of the business. You can specialize in drafting and design, project management, building or installation.

I recommend: New England School of Architectural Woodworking (NESAW) teaches the basics of architectural woodworking, while offering students the opportunity to work directly with members of the community to design, build, and install projects. You may also want to join the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCANA). This alliance actively promotes the advancement of the woodworking industry in the United States and Canada. They have podcasts that can help you learn the latest techniques.

Develop skills for architectural woodworking services

Although there a declining number of vocational schools offering training for cabinetmakers, several woodworking schools in the United States offer training courses and degree programs in a variety of wood industries, including general woodworking and architectural millwork.

I recommend: Join Architectural Woodwork Institute to participate in seminars, renew certification, and purchase products and reference materials. Search the WoodIndustryEd.org database to locate educational opportunities, programs for skill development and industry events. Register for Fineworking.com through Taunton Press. Here you can watch video workshops, order materials and supplies and sign up for magazine and newsletters. Woodworking Training offers free instructions on becoming a woodworker.

Get training to use architectural woodworking equipment

Architectural woodworking involves the use of a variety of tools and equipment. To be safe as well as successful, obtain information and training in architectural woodworking equipment usage.

I recommend: Alabama Center for Advanced Woodworking Technology teaches equipment safety. Kentucky Department of Workplace Standards offers a variety of safety courses. Advanced Training Institute International offers training in machinery usage as well as basic skills.

Architectural woodworking encompasses fulfilling custom requests for wood products for commercial applications. Through architectural woodworking services, customers can request the particulars on projects, catering them to their own individual tastes. Builders can use a variety of woods and techniques in the woodworking process, which may result in varying costs. Therefore, it is important for customers to be familiar with industry terminology when dealing with woodworking services in order to get the best prices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Veneer logs and plywood

Veneer logs are high quality logs that can be used to produce veneer wood. A veneer is a thin layer of wood that is produced by peeling, slicing, or sawing the logs. Veneer wood must be visually appealing, as it is used for facings on furniture as well as the interior decoration of some buildings. Plywood is produced by gluing together several layers of veneer wood.

I recommend: Forest Plywood tells about logs for veneer wood and how they are prepared. Understanding Wood by R. Bruce Hoadley gives an in-depth account of how to fabricate veneer wood and plywood. Sawdust Making 101 explains the difference between soft plywood ad hardwood.

Seasoning

Seasoning is the time it takes for wood to dry, which is usually one year for every inch of thickness. Wood will shrink if it not cut to size before it is seasoned, which will pose a problem for custom woodwork pieces.

I recommend: Curators of the University of Missouri offers an explanation of wood seasoning and how it is done.

Pediment

A pediment is a decorative panel directly above a doorway. It can be peaked or rounded. In classical architecture, a pediment consists of a triangular section positioned above a horizontal structure.

I recommend: For a clear explanation of pediments and their function in an architectural piece go to KIDIPEDE, an online history site for children.

Pilasters

A pilaster is a decorative vertical column projecting from a wall or frame on either side of a doorway. Customers desiring a classical look often request pilasters and pediments as part of their custom design.

I recommend: WiseGeek offers a more in-depth explanation of pilasters.

Louvers

Louvers are fixed or movable slated panels mounted in the upper part of a gable wall for the purpose of providing ventilation. Architects or woodworkers also add lovers to the building design to keep out rain.

I recommend: Refer to Millwork Solutions for an explanation of the various types of louvers.

Story stick

A story stick (or story pole) is used by cabinetmakers and other woodworkers to record dimensions for a project on site. These dimensions can then be taken to a wood shop and fabricated to specifications.

I recommend: Woodpeckers explains the purpose of the story stick. A Woodworker's Notebook gives an in-depth explanation of the story stick and its purpose in woodworking.