# Millwork Standards

## Casework Types

### AWI Quality Grades
| Grade | Description | Use |
|-------|-------------|-----|
| Economy | Minimum acceptable | Back-of-house, utility |
| Custom | Standard commercial | Office, retail |
| Premium | Highest quality | Executive, high-end |

### Construction Types
| Type | Description | Use |
|------|-------------|-----|
| Frameless (European) | No face frame, full overlay doors | Modern, efficient |
| Face Frame | Traditional frame construction | Traditional, residential |
| Flush | Flat front, concealed hinges | Modern, commercial |

---

## Cabinet Dimensions

### Base Cabinets
| Dimension | Standard | Notes |
|-----------|----------|-------|
| Height | 34-1/2" | Plus 1-1/2" counter |
| Depth | 24" | 25" with door front |
| Toe kick height | 4" | |
| Toe kick depth | 3" | |

### Standard Widths (inches)
```
Base: 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 42, 48
Upper: 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 42, 48
```

### Upper Cabinets
| Dimension | Standard | Notes |
|-----------|----------|-------|
| Height | 30", 36", 42" | Most common: 30" or 36" |
| Depth | 12" | 13" with door front |
| Bottom of cabinet AFF | 54" | 18" above counter |

### Tall Cabinets (Pantry/Utility)
| Dimension | Standard |
|-----------|----------|
| Height | 84", 90", 96" |
| Depth | 12" or 24" |
| Width | 18", 24", 30", 36" |

---

## Counter Heights

### Standard Heights
| Surface | Height AFF |
|---------|------------|
| Kitchen counter | 36" |
| Bathroom vanity | 34" (comfort: 36") |
| Desk | 29"-30" |
| Bar height | 42" |
| ADA counter | 34" max |
| Reception counter | 42"-44" |

### ADA Counter Requirements
- 34" max height work surface
- 36" wide accessible section
- Knee clearance: 27" high, 30" wide, 19" deep

---

## Material Specifications

### Panel Materials
| Material | Use | Cost |
|----------|-----|------|
| Particleboard | Cabinet boxes, economy | $ |
| MDF (medium density fiberboard) | Painted doors/panels | $$ |
| Plywood (veneer core) | High-quality boxes | $$$ |
| Plywood (lumber core) | Premium, thick tops | $$$$ |
| Melamine | Economy, wet areas | $ |
| HPL (high-pressure laminate) | Commercial, durable | $$ |

### Solid Wood Species
| Species | Hardness | Stain | Use |
|---------|----------|-------|-----|
| Oak (red/white) | Hard | Takes stain well | Traditional |
| Maple | Very hard | Blotches (use gel stain) | Contemporary |
| Cherry | Medium | Darkens naturally | Traditional, elegant |
| Walnut | Medium | Usually natural finish | Modern, high-end |
| Birch | Hard | Takes stain well | Economy, paint-grade |
| Poplar | Soft | Paint only | Paint-grade |

### Veneer Cuts
| Cut | Description | Use |
|-----|-------------|-----|
| Rotary | Continuous sheet, wild grain | Economy |
| Plain sliced | Cathedral pattern | Traditional |
| Quarter sliced | Straight grain | Modern, stable |
| Rift cut | Straight, tight grain | Contemporary |

---

## Finish Types

### Factory Finishes
| Finish | Description | Durability |
|--------|-------------|------------|
| Catalyzed lacquer | Clear or pigmented | Excellent |
| Catalyzed varnish | Clear, high build | Excellent |
| UV-cured | Factory applied, very durable | Excellent |
| Pre-catalyzed lacquer | Simpler finish | Good |

### Paint Finishes
| Sheen | Use | Cleaning |
|-------|-----|----------|
| Flat | Never for millwork | N/A |
| Satin | Residential, low use | Good |
| Semi-gloss | Commercial, moderate use | Very good |
| High gloss | High-end, modern | Excellent |

### Stain Guidelines
- Sample on actual material
- Stain + clear coat (3 coats min)
- Consider pre-stain conditioner for softwoods
- Match across all elements (doors, frames, panels)

---

## Hardware Standards

### Hinges
| Type | Use | DOC (Door Opening Capacity) |
|------|-----|-----|
| Concealed European | Frameless, overlay | 95°-165° |
| Barrel | Face frame | 175° |
| Butt | Face frame, traditional | 180° |

### Drawer Slides
| Type | Load | Extension | Use |
|------|------|-----------|-----|
| Epoxy | 75 lbs | 3/4 | Economy |
| Ball bearing | 100 lbs | Full | Standard |
| Soft-close | 100+ lbs | Full | Premium |
| Heavy duty | 200+ lbs | Full | Files, heavy items |

### Pulls and Knobs
| Mounting | Centers |
|----------|---------|
| Knob | N/A (single hole) |
| Pull | 3", 3-3/4", 4", 5", 6", 8", 12" |
| Bar pull | 12", 18", 24" typical |
| Edge pull | N/A (integrated) |

---

## Trim Profiles

### Baseboard Sizes
| Style | Height | Projection |
|-------|--------|------------|
| Contemporary | 3"-4" | 1/2" |
| Traditional | 5-1/4" - 7-1/4" | 3/4" |
| Historic | 8"-12" | 1" + |

### Crown Molding Sizes
| Room Height | Crown Size |
|-------------|------------|
| 8' ceiling | 2-1/4" - 4-1/2" |
| 9' ceiling | 4-1/2" - 6" |
| 10'+ ceiling | 6" - 12" |

### Casing Sizes
| Style | Width | Projection |
|-------|-------|------------|
| Contemporary | 2-1/2" - 3-1/2" | 1/2" |
| Traditional | 2-1/4" - 4" | 3/4" |
| Craftsman | 3-1/2" - 5" | 3/4" |

### Common Profiles
| Type | Use |
|------|-----|
| Chair rail | 32"-36" AFF, wall protection |
| Picture rail | 6" below ceiling, art hanging |
| Panel mold | Applied to flat panels |
| Wainscot cap | Top of wainscot panels |
| Shoe mold | Base to floor transition |
| Cove | Ceiling/wall junction |

---

## Shop Drawing Requirements

### Information to Include
- Plan view with dimensions
- Elevations of each cabinet run
- Sections through cabinets
- Hardware schedule
- Material/finish schedule
- Edge banding specifications
- Counter material and edge
- Toe kick details
- Scribe allowances

### Dimensions to Verify
- Field verify all dimensions before fabrication
- Allow 1/8" scribe at walls
- Note filler locations
- Indicate outlet/switch cutouts
- Show appliance locations and sizes
- Indicate plumbing locations

---

## Installation Standards

### Substrate Requirements
| Cabinet Location | Requirement |
|------------------|-------------|
| Wall hung | Blocking or heavy-duty anchors |
| Base on slab | Shim level, silicone at floor |
| Island | Anchor to floor, level |

### Reveal/Alignment Tolerances
| Feature | Tolerance |
|---------|-----------|
| Drawer fronts | 1/16" reveal |
| Door alignment | 1/16" reveal |
| Level | 1/8" in 8' |
| Plumb | 1/8" in 8' |
| Adjacent faces | Flush within 1/32" |

### Scribe Allowances
- 1/4" to 1/2" at walls
- Scribe strip on exposed ends
- Filler strips at tight conditions
- Cover plate at electrical

---

## Specialty Millwork

### Reception Desks
- Transaction top: 42"-44" (standing)
- Work surface: 29"-30" (seated)
- ADA section: 34" max
- Knee space: 30"W × 27"H × 19"D

### Built-in Bookcases
| Shelf Span | Material/Thickness |
|------------|-------------------|
| Up to 24" | 3/4" minimum |
| 24"-36" | 3/4" with support or 1" |
| Over 36" | Add vertical divider |

### Window Seats
- Height: 18"-20" (seating)
- Depth: 18"-24"
- Hinged top or drawer access
- Support for 300 lbs

### Closet Systems
| Element | Dimension |
|---------|-----------|
| Hanging rod | 66"-72" for long, 42" for double |
| Shelf above rod | 12" deep, 2" above rod |
| Shoe shelf | 12" deep, 8"-12" between |
| Drawer stack | 24"-36" wide |

---

## Cost Factors

### Cost Drivers (High Impact)
- Exotic wood species
- High-gloss or lacquer finish
- Curved or radius work
- Glass doors
- Pull-out accessories
- Soft-close hardware
- Premium hardware (brand name)

### Cost Savers
- Standard sizes
- Frameless construction
- Melamine interiors
- Paint-grade materials
- Standard overlay doors
- Economy hardware
