The carpentry industry is expansive, involving different forms of construction and woodworking. For anyone interested in commercial cabinetry, understanding the difference between millwork and casework can be helpful before embarking on a woodworking project.
What is Casework?
Institutional casework is one of the most common forms of commercial woodworking. Casework involves producing items that are pre-assembled, pre-measured, and of standard sizes. These items can include:
- Tables
- Desks
- Bookcases
- Credenzas
- Manufactured Cabinetry
When to Choose Casework
Casework is ideal when you are interested in keeping costs down by opting for pre-assembled or ready-made items for your commercial space. If you are investing in ready-made cabinets, storage units, or bookcases, casework makes a lot of sense.
Benefits of Casework
Benefits of choosing casework over millwork include:
- Cost-efficient: Choosing manufactured and ready-made wooden items is highly recommended for anyone who is on a budget, as most mass-produced items are significantly more affordable than custom-made solutions.
- Standard sizing: Casework provides woodworking solutions and products that come in standard sizes for any room or space you are working in.
- Simplified process: Most casework items are pre-assembled or can be assembled easily, simplifying the buying and installation process.
What is Millwork?
Institutional millwork, on the other hand, is much different from casework as it allows for custom designs and embellishment. Millwork items are produced in a mill and are more expensive for customers. Some of the most common items that are created in a mill include:
- Trims
- Custom doors
- Crown moldings
- Wall panels and wall paneling
- Custom flooring
When to Choose Millwork
Opting to use millwork for your next woodworking project can result in one-of-a-kind finished pieces and is ideal if you already have a vision for the specific design or style of the completed project. If you are in search of custom cabinets and storage spaces for your business or if you require branded woodwork and custom wood solutions, choosing millwork is likely your best option.
With millwork, the options are virtually endless, allowing you more creative freedom and flexibility when it comes to designing the layout and look of your commercial space or project. Of course, it is important to understand that custom cabinetry and custom millwork for your commercial project can be more expensive.
Benefits of Millwork
Choosing to go with millwork over casework is a way to truly build the cabinetry, bookshelves, storage units, and other wood items that can truly bring your vision to life. Some of the most notable benefits of millwork include:
- Customization: Customize the wooden products you are interested in without being limited to ready-made items.
- Material: Choose the type of material for your woodworking project to ensure the wood is of sound quality and that it meshes with your commercial space’s current aesthetic.
- Quality: If quality is a top priority to you, millwork typically includes higher quality materials.
Whether you are in the market for custom cabinetry, casework, seating, bars and more for your next commercial project, knowing the difference between casework and millwork can help you to find a solution that is right for you. Hawk Industries is a full-service solution, and our clients know that they can expect industry-leading expertise and high-end work alongside responsiveness and integrity.
If you are looking for support with your next commercial project, reach out to the team at Hawk Industries.
