Custom woodwork and finish carpentry shape the visible fabric of interiors: built-ins, cabinetry, paneling, trim, doors, stairs, and one-off architectural details. Scope runs from field measurement and shop drawings to material selection—solid lumber, architectural plywood, veneers, and MDF—and joinery strategies matched to use and seasonal movement. Fabrication covers casework construction, edge-banding, veneering, lamination, and component machining; hardware integration for hinges, slides, lighting, and power access; and surface prep for stain, paint, oil, or clear coats. Installation involves templating, scribing to irregular walls and floors, leveling and fastening to structure, and crisp alignment at reveals and shadow lines. The work coordinates with electrical, HVAC, stone, and paint schedules; accounts for clearances, codes, accessibility, and moisture; and plans for humidity through acclimation and expansion gaps.

Areas of practice

• Built-in storage: media walls, libraries, mudroom benches, and window seats
• Cabinetry and vanities: site-built or shop-fabricated casework
• Wall paneling and wainscot: flat, raised, or slatted acoustic treatments
• Doors, frames, and casings: pocket, barn, and concealed doors
• Stairs and rails: treads, risers, handrails, and guard details
• Ceiling elements: beams, coffers, and floating shelves
• Mantels and surrounds: fireplace trims and feature elements
• Trim packages: base, crown, chair rail, window and door trim
• Closet systems: adjustable shelving, drawers, and integrated lighting

Materials and components

• Solid species: white oak, walnut, maple, poplar, and others specified
• Architectural plywood, MDF, and veneer layups for stability
• Edge banding, laminates, and specialty surfaces where needed
• Hardware: concealed hinges, soft-close slides, pulls, and catches
• Integrated elements: LED channels, power grommets, and ventilation grills
• Adhesives, fasteners, and leveling systems suited to the substrate

Process overview

• Site measure and verification of existing conditions
• Shop drawings, mockups, and finish samples for approval
• Material procurement and shop fabrication or site-built work
• Prefinish in shop or coordinated on-site finishing
• Delivery, acclimation, and protection planning
• Installation: templating, scribing, leveling, fastening, and reveal control
• Finishing, touch-ups, and hardware adjustment
• Quality review, documentation, and handover

Installation details

• Stud finding, blocking, and structural fastening where loads require it
• Scribing to out-of-plumb walls and uneven floors for tight fits
• Leveling and shimming to maintain continuous planes
• Concealed fasteners and clean termination at trim and edges
• Expansion gaps and back-venting for seasonal movement
• Dust control, masking, and floor protection during work

Coordination with other trades

• Rough-ins for electrical, lighting, and low-voltage within casework
• Clearances for HVAC registers, returns, and access panels
• Countertop and stone templating for vanities or built-ins
• Paint and stain sequencing to match adjacent finishes
• Door hardware preparation with locksmith or glazing where applicable

Codes and performance

• Fire-rating requirements for paneling or doors where specified
• Egress, door swing, and corridor clearances
• Handrail geometry, guard height, and staircase code checks
• ADA reach ranges and operability where relevant
• Humidity planning (acclimation, 35–55% RH) to limit movement
• Load and weight ratings for shelves, drawers, and wall-hung units

Quality benchmarks

• Consistent reveals and shadow lines
• Grain matching across doors and drawer fronts
• Flush faces, tight miters, and aligned hardware
• Smooth, even finishes with appropriate sheen
• Approved mockup used as the visual standard

Typical timeline

• Measure and drawings: 3–10 days, depending on scope
• Approvals and procurement: 1–3 weeks
• Shop fabrication: 1–4+ weeks based on complexity
• Installation: 2–7 working days for a standard room
• Finishing and adjustments: 1–5 days, plus cure time

Care and maintenance

• Dust with soft cloths; clean with pH-neutral products
• Avoid standing water on wood tops or panels
• Maintain indoor RH around 35–55% to reduce movement
• Use felt pads on furniture and avoid abrasives on finishes
• Periodic hardware adjustments keep doors and drawers aligned

Limitations and considerations

• Active moisture or vapor drive can damage wood assemblies
• Large spans may need hidden steel or additional blocking
• Exotic veneers and specialty finishes extend lead times
• Direct sunlight may require UV-conscious finish selection

Deliverables at completion

• Approved drawings and finish schedule
• Hardware list and adjustment notes
• Care guidance and cleaning recommendations
• Labeled touch-up materials and spare hardware where applicable

Options and enhancements

• Continuous-grain veneer matching and book/sequence layups
• Push-to-open or soft-close hardware systems
• LED task and accent lighting integrated into casework
• Curved work, radius corners, or tambour elements
• Acoustic slat walls and perforated panels
• Stone, solid-surface, or wood tops coordinated with other trades

Well-executed woodwork reads in the details: balanced grain, precise reveals, reliable hardware, and a finish suited to daily use.