In my 30 years experience as a cabinetmaker, I have seen many changes in the way millwork has been produced in manufacturing plants. One thing that has not changed is the care, skill and attention to detail required to successfully install woodwork so the optimum value is realized in the completed project.
The intent of this article is not to explain how to install millwork, but to provide a set of industry-accepted guidelines that are incorporated in the methods and skills of installation. The methods and skills used during installation are not a secret. There are however, systematic steps to provide the end user with a quality product.
The following are some of the best practises to incorporate in your next installation. You will benefit whether you are an end user (such as a home owner or client) or a contractor, sub trade, project manager, manufacturer, architect or installer.
1. DESIGN AND ENGINEERING: The success of any woodworking installation really begins here. Understanding the scope of work, the intent of usage and site conditions will have a dramatic effect on whether the project runs smoothly with minimal rework and is capable of being used efficiently and ergonomically for the intended purpose.
2. DELIVERY: Before you are asked to deliver your product to the site, you should make sure the site is actually ready to receive the product. Is the concrete work and plaster/paint completed and dry, and are all exterior windows and doors installed with proper HVAC systems operational? Before delivering to the site as well as during and following installation, the building environment must be stabilized.
3. INSTALLING LEVEL AND PLUMB: The millwork trade is often required to address the imperfections of previous construction practices so that in the end, the woodwork has a precise and clean look. This is accomplished through various methods and installing the millwork level and plumb.
4. NON-WOOD ITEMS: Other elements such as glass, mirrors, architectural metal, electrical (locks, slides, lighting), stone, and fabric/upholstery can be incorporated into the millwork. Sometimes this is done in the manufacturing plant, but on occasion, needs to be attached in the field at time of installation.
5. SITE FINISHING AND TOUCH-UPS: Most millwork today is factory-finished but there are some instances where touch-ups are required and usually a finisher will come to the site to perform touch-ups that are equal in quality and performance to the original finish.
6. PUNCH LIST OR DEFICIENCY LIST: Upon completion of the installation or as close as reasonably possible, the client or their representative will do a walk through to inspect the millwork. At this time it cannot be stressed enough that the millwork company representative be present at the walk through.
It is often necessary to coordinate with other on-site trades as their activities can affect the position or components of your millwork. Documentation of meetings and communication between involved parties will keep issues to a minimum, as well as provide clear direction moving forward.
History has shown that wood products perform best, when correct design and construction techniques are used both during manufacture and installation as well as when correct end-use procedures are followed and environmental conditions are maintained. Hopefully, this overview of best practises for millwork installation will provide direction and guidance in your present and future projects. To obtain a copy of the full article, go to:
www.solutionsforwood.com/industry_info/reports.html
Ric Ptak has more than 20 years of experience in implementing numerous improvement initiatives with the millwork industry, having held senior positions with a number of well-known millwork companies in Alberta. As an Industry Advisor for FPInnovations, Ric Ptak provides technical and manufacturing support to the cabinet and millwork industry. He can be reached at (780) 717-8186, or Ric.Ptak@fpinnovations.ca
Partial References: • Installation Handbook, Edition 1, October 1st 2009 Architectural Woodwork Standards. • Architectural Woodwork Standards, Edition 1, October 1st 2009.
