What is Millwork?
Our Austin Architects Define and Explain the Different Types of Millwork in Our Architectural Glossary
What is millwork? Millwork is one of the most important finishing details in your home. However, if you aren’t an architect, contractor, or carpenter, you may not know what it is or how many different types of finishing pieces fall under this broad category. When choosing finishes for your home and discussing plans with your design team, it is crucial to understand all the items you need to consider. So to help you out, our Austin architects define and explain the different types of millwork in our architectural glossary.
Millwork by DK Studio
What is Millwork?
Whether you are building your first house or planning your first remodel, you will need to select millwork to finish off the interior. Simply put, millwork refers to any piece of woodwork created in a mill. It encompasses everything from trim work to custom built-ins. Millwork is available in many different types of wood, styles, and finishes. The primary purpose of millwork pieces is to add a finishing detail where two materials meet. For example, the space where wallcoverings and flooring touch is trimmed with baseboard.
Architectural Glossary: Defining the Different Types of Millwork
Millwork
Millwork refers to any type of woodwork produced in a mill, including everything from crown molding to flooring.
Decorative Milwork by DK Studio
Types of Millwork
Baseboard
Baseboards are trim pieces installed at the floor and wall seam. This finishing piece ranges in height from three to five inches.
Casing
Casing refers to finishing trim around doors and windows. Standard casing widths span anywhere from two to three inches.
Chair Rail
Chair rails are practical pieces of millwork designed to prevent chairs from backing into and scuffing the wall. However, many homeowners apply them as decoration. Chair rails are installed three feet from the floor.
Column
Wood columns can be structural or decorative, supporting the ceiling or dividing a room. Squared wood columns are popular in Craftsman-style homes.
Crown Molding
Crown molding is trim work that accentuates where the ceiling and wall meet. Crown molding can vary in size and range from simple to ornate.
Crown Molding by DK Studio
Mantel
Wood fireplace mantels come in various styles and are available in standard and custom specifications.
Fireplace Mantel by DK Studio
Picture Rail
Picture railing is a small piece of molding that allows pictures to be hung without nailing directly into the wall. Picture rails are installed between seven and nine feet from the floor and are paired with crown molding.
Stair Railings
Stair railings and banisters offer support and safety when navigating stairways, but they can also serve as beautiful focal points in an entryway. Railings are vertical or horizontal supports, and banisters are handrails.
Trim
Trim refers to any decorative piece of millwork used to frame a wall, door, window, floor, or ceiling. Trim pieces can also serve solely as decorative accents.
Wainscotting
Wainscotting is paneling covering the lower half or the entire span of a wall. Wainscottings are available in many styles and add character to a room.
Casework
Casework is a subcategory of millwork. Casework refers to boxed construction pieces, including cabinets and shelving. Casework is typically made in standard sizes and can be combined with specified millwork for a custom look.
Types of Casework
Bookshelf
Bookshelves are casework pieces that consist of open shelving and closed storage.
Cabinetry
Cabinetry is casework made up of shelves, doors, and drawers. It is used for storage in kitchens and bathrooms.
Cabinets by DK Studio
Custom Built-in
Custom built-ins can be designed to fit any specification or design, making them an excellent choice for awkward spaces or design schemes with a high level of customization.
Built-ins by DK Studio
Different Millwork Styles
Millwork was popularized during the Victorian era. However, today millwork pieces are available to fit any architectural style that is right for you. So whether you want to go traditional and choose moldings made in the Craftsman style or keep things sleek with a modern design, there’s a millwork style out there to fit your needs. While most homeowners select premade trims, remember that custom millwork is always an option! Here are some of the most popular molding and wainscoting styles to keep in mind when shopping for millwork.
Molding Styles
Cove
Cove moldings offer a simpler design featuring a curved slope. They are seen in various design styles from Craftsman to Art Deco to contemporary.
Dentil
Dentil moldings consist of a repeated block pattern, typically associated with the traditional and Colonial styles.
Egg and Dart
Egg and dart moldings feature repeating oval patterns with accented flourishes. This style of molding gives off a formal feel.
Stepped
Stepped moldings are named for a stepping pattern that provides a modern edge.
Wainscotting Styles
Beadboard
Beadboard features small vertical panels with decorative beading in between. It is commonly seen in coastal homes.
Board and Batten
Board and batten paneling features alternating wide panels and narrow wooden strips, called "battens." This type of wainscotting is seen in Craftsman and farmhouse-inspired designs.
Flat Panel
Flat panel wainscotting offers a simple design with less ornamentation, perfect for transitional design schemes.
Raised Panel
Raised panel wainscoting creates a dimensional look and is commonly associated with traditional design schemes.
Millwork Materials
Millwork is made from two main materials, each with pros and cons.
Wood
Wood is a classic option for any millwork or casework piece. It can be stained or painted, and it will stand the test of time when properly maintained. However, wood moldings are typically more expensive and risk splitting when nailed.
MDF
MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard, an engineered wood product formed by pressing wood fibers with binders into a mold. MDF is flexible, making it easy to install, especially around curved walls. While it is less expensive than wood, MDF must be painted and cannot be stained.
Your Go-to Architectural Glossary
Make sure to save our millwork page in your bookmarks, so you can easily reference it at your next home design meeting or shopping trip!