Woodworking is essential for both commercial and residential interior design projects. It involves custom Millwork and commercial Casework, which are similar but have distinct differences. Despite being used interchangeably by carpenters, these terms are often mistakenly considered synonyms.
Millwork is custom-made woodwork produced in a mill, while Casework is modular and made with standard blocks for assembly. The article below provides insights into custom Millwork and Casework architecture, aiding decision-making and enabling expert advice from woodworkers or carpenters.
What is Millwork?
Millwork involves creating customized products according to the client’s specifications. Examples of custom Millwork include crown moldings, wall paneling, chair rails, fireplace mantels, stairways, switch plates, and custom cabinetry. However, flooring and ceiling installations are not considered Millwork. Millwork enhances the overall beauty and appeal of the product.
How Custom Millwork Works?
To achieve the final millwork product, follow these steps:
- Record the precise dimensions and geometry of the space.
- Create technical drawings or millwork shop drawings based on these measurements.
- Utilize the designs as a guide for the carpenter during the fabrication process, ensuring accurate results.
- Transport the finished product pieces to the installation site.
- Install the millwork according to the client’s specifications, completing the final product.
What is Casework?
Casework encompasses indoor and outdoor storage furniture characterized by case-like structures. Examples include kitchen cabinets, wall cabinets, storage cabinets, bookcases, cupboards, and shelf units. Essentially, Casework architecture involves manufacturing prefabricated furniture following standard instructions.
Commercial casework can have various features such as exposed exterior or semi-exposed interior surfaces, concealed surfaces, modularity, and options for floor or wall mounting. However, the craftsmanship and technique involved in creating casework architecture are often underappreciated since its beauty lies in its concealed nature as a furnishing element.
Read More: Kitchen Design and Planning Every Designer Should Know
Millwork VS Casework
| Millwork | Casework | |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Millwork is exclusively customized with unique features and limited in production, ensuring that each product is one-of-a-kind and not replicated for other projects. | Casework involves mass production following standardized instructions. For instance, factory-made cabinets typically share similar structures, designs, and wood veneers. |
| Price | Millwork products are priced higher due to their full customization, making them more expensive. The manufacturing process is time-consuming. This is because it takes place at the installation site. | Casework, being mass-produced, is available at a more affordable price range. In other words, it consists of ready-to-assemble pieces of products. |
| Satisfactory Rate | Custom Millwork delivers 100% satisfaction by meeting all your specific requirements. With full customization, it seamlessly integrates with home decor, enhancing the overall beauty of the space without any need for compromise. | Customer satisfaction may be lower in certain cases as clients may have to compromise on their specific needs when it comes to custom Millwork. For instance, the shape, color, and finish of the product may not seamlessly integrate with the existing home decor, leading to dissatisfaction. |
| Flexibility | Millwork products are permanent fixtures that are challenging to remove or replace once installed. | Millwork products offer greater flexibility in terms of swapping and hassle-free replacement of damaged parts. |
Casework or Custom Millwork: Which one is better?
Choosing between Custom Millwork and Casework depends on several factors:
- Project type: Consider the nature and purpose of the project, whether it’s residential or commercial.
- Location: The specific location of the project can influence the choice of woodworking technique.
- Budget: The overall project budget will impact the decision-making process.
Both Custom Millwork and Casework are essential for furnishing residential and commercial projects, and using both techniques can lead to satisfactory results. For example, Commercial Casework is commonly recommended for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. On the other hand, Custom Millwork is often preferred for furnishing living rooms and bedrooms.
Casework can be utilized in both residential and commercial settings, with a focus on meeting basic requirements at a lower cost. In residential projects, semi-custom Casework is commonly favored, particularly for kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room furnishings. Homeowners often choose Casework for kitchens due to the availability of high-quality semi-custom cabinetry at affordable prices. Casework can be conveniently ordered as a product, readily available at home improvement stores and material suppliers.
