What custom millwork includes
Custom millwork is any built-in wood or composite piece made to a specific design. Typical examples include reception counters, display units, boardroom credenzas, built-in benches, coat closets and decorative screens. Unlike stock cabinets, each piece is designed to fit its space and match the look of the interior.
Material choice drives both appearance and cost. Plywood with veneer, solid wood, high-pressure laminate, thermofoil and solid surface all behave differently, and the right choice depends on use, budget and the look the client wants.
From drawing to installation
The process begins with shop drawings that show dimensions, materials, joinery, hardware and service openings. Our team reviews them against site conditions and the other trades. This is the point at which errors are cheapest to fix.
Next comes field measurement. Millwork should be measured after walls and floors are in place, not from the original drawings. Our carpenters check plumb, level and square and allow small adjustments so the piece fits cleanly against real walls.
Our electricians and low voltage crew mark the locations of power, data and devices, so openings are cut in the shop where they are accurate and neat. Mechanical work, such as sink rough-ins, is set to suit the cabinet layout.
- Shop drawing review and approval
- Field verification of dimensions
- Factory or shop fabrication
- Installation, scribing and adjustment
- Final finishing and touch-up
What to plan for
Lead time is the main variable. Custom pieces can take many weeks, so approvals should be quick and decisions made early. Site readiness matters too: millwork should not arrive before the room is dry, heated and painted enough to protect it.
Finishes need attention. Stained wood and clear coats show every fingerprint of poor handling, so we plan protection and storage. Alberta's dry winter air can also move wood, so humidity and temperature in the building should be stable before installation.
Ask us about future changes. A removable panel behind a desk or an access door in a credenza can save a lot of trouble when equipment needs service.