Architectural Woodwork Standards - Murphy Company

636 Pages·2009·31.8 MB·English

introduction / user’s Guide
Adopted And published Jointly by
tAble of contents ArchitecturAl WoodWork institute
ArchitecturAl WoodWork MAnufActurers AssociAtion of cAnAdA
WoodWork institute
PrefAce
1 subMittAls
2 cAre And storAGe
3 luMber
4 sheet Products
5 finishinG
6 interior And exterior MillWork
7 stAirWork And rAils
8 WAll surfAcinG
Edition 1
9 doors
10 cAseWork A
rchitecturAl
11 countertoPs W
oodWork
12 historic restorAtion Work
S
tAndArdS
APPendix A
GlossAry
APPendix b
Highlighted links provide access to the AWS and CDS drawings.
Also included on this CD are the CAbinet Design series drawings (CDs) in
“DWg”, “DXF”, and “reVit” format.
A reverence for Wood cds Access
A REVERENCE FOR WOOD
by Teresa Bell
There is a special appreciation for the unique qualities of wood
among those of our craft. One cannot fashion a piece of wood
into fine cabinetry, furniture, or paneling without developing
an admiration for the unique pattern of the grain, the rich
color revealed through the finishing process, and the singular
expression that the character of each piece of wood lends to the
project.
As he ran a worn hand over the smooth surface of his latest
undertaking, one old woodworker aptly described it as a “reverence
for wood.”
Accordingly, we also place high value on this precious natural
resource and are committed to the responsible management of
that resource.
We encourage the use of wood that is sourced from under-utilized
species as part of the solution, as well as the use of recycled and
low-VOC products.
We support the use of responsible forest management practices
to conserve this valuable resource for the future.
Architectural Woodwork Standards
1st Edition
A Specification of Qualities, Methods, and Workmanship
Requisite to the Production and Installation of Architectural Millwork
Adopted and Published Jointly, Effective October 1, 2009,
As the Successor, Replacement, and Latest Edition of:
AWI/AWMAC's Quality Standards Illustrated (QSI), and
WI's Manual of Millwork (MM)
By:
Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI)
46179 Westlake Drive, Suite 120, Potomac Falls, VA 20165
Phone: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
www.awinet.org
Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers
Association of Canada (AWMAC)
516 - 4 Street West, High River, Alberta, T1V 1B6, Canada
Phone: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
www.awmac.com
Woodwork Institute (WI)
P. O. Box 980247, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0247
Phone: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
www.woodworkinstitute.com
Joint Standards Committee Members:
Dan Wendell - Chair M Myron Jonzon - Vice Chair M Randy Estabrook - Secretary
AWI WI AWMAC
Michael Bell - Kentucky Bill Fenstermacher - California Myron Jonzon - Alberta
Randy Jensen - Alabama Mike Hansen - California Al Sparling - Ontario
Dan Wendell - Kansas Dick McClure - California Jim Taylor - British Columbia
William Munyan - North Carolina - Alt. Bruce Humphrey - California - Alt. Vince Parolin - Ontario - Alt.
Executive Editor:
Stanley R. (Rob) Gustafson, CAE, CSI, AIA
(associate)
CEO - Woodwork Institute
© 2009 jointly by the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC), and
Woodwork Institute (WI). All rights reserved under Pan American and International Copyright Conventions.
Price: $125.00
The Associations
I
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
Like all architectural components of the construction process, woodwork design and configuration possibilities are limited only
by the creativity of the design professional. We have included architectural wood products which through evolution have become
fixtures of our daily lives and have developed a measurable guideline to ensure these products meet these standards.
It is the intent of these standards to assist the design professional to specify a variety of millwork products which meet the functional
and esthetic requirements of their clients. Encompassing all products in these standards is not possible; but by understanding and
applying these standards and implementing the services provided by the signatory associations, the design professional will best
serve their client needs and can be confident their quality criteria will be achieved.
When design professionals reference the Architectural Woodwork Standards for their projects, they also assume the obligation that
the quality standards are met.
Disclaimers
The Associations shall not be responsible to anyone for the use of or reliance upon these standards. The Associations shall
not incur any obligation nor liability for damages, including consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the use,
interpretation of, or reliance upon these standards.
These Architectural Woodwork Standards provide the minimum criteria for the concept, design, fabrication, finishing, and installation
of architectural woodwork. Provisions for mechanical and electrical safety have not been included. References to life-safety
requirements are included for information only. Governmental agencies or other national standards-setting organizations provide
the standards for life-safety requirements.
Illustrations are intended to assist in understanding the standards and may not include all requirements for a specific product or
unit, nor do they show the only method of fabrication. Such partial drawings shall not be used to justify improper or incomplete
design and/or construction.
Unless otherwise referenced, Appendixes A and B are not considered an integral part of these standards. The appendixes are
provided as an additional resource to the manufacturer, design professional, educators, user, or certifying organization and shall
not be interpreted as legal advice or code-compliance language.
If a conflict is found in these standards, the least restrictive requirement shall prevail until addressed by errata.
(cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141)
Architectural Woodwork Institute
(AWI)
The Architectural Woodwork Institute, a not-for-profit trade association of architectural woodwork manufacturers,
industry suppliers, and design professionals, was established in 1953 as an expansion of the Millwork Cost Bureau and
is dedicated to the goals of:
• Improving architectural woodwork standards
• Providing technical education for members and the design community
• Researching innovative materials and methods of engineering, fabrication, finishing, and installation
The bedrock of the association is its nationwide network of over twenty-five chapters, built on the principle of sharing
knowledge, education, and networking that includes:
• Seminars and workshops for AWI members, construction professionals, and design professionals by
award of AIA Continuing Education System (CES) credits
• Publications, including:
o Design Solutions magazine
o AWI Cost Book
o Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards Illustrated, Editions 1-8
o A wide range of member-centric industry information and resources
In 1995, AWI established its Quality Certification Program (QCP) to give the assurance and the expectation to millwork
customers that fine woodwork, specified as QCP in construction documents, will comply with the quality grades in
these standards. The QCP has been officially adopted by the General Services Administration (GSA) for its woodwork
specifications and is endorsed by the American Subcontractors Association (ASA).
46179 Westlake Drive, Suite 120, Potomac Falls, VA 20165 Ph: 571-323-3636 Fax: [phone] www.awinet.org
2 © 2009, AWI, AWMAC, WI - Architectural Woodwork Standards - 1st Edition, October 1, 2009
As may be updated by errata at www.awinet.org, www.awmac.com, or www.woodworkinstitute.com/awserrata/
The Associations
I
Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association
of Canada (AWMAC)

The Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC)/Association des Manufacturiers de la
Menuiserie Architecturale du Canada has its roots in the 1920s millwork industry in Vancouver, Canada. Evolving from
regional associations, it has become a nonprofit national registered association. AWMAC’s strength is the linkage between
the national association, the regional AWMAC Chapters, and the manufacturer, supplier, educational, associate, and
design professional members. Today, AWMAC is the national voice of the Canadian architectural woodwork industry
and is committed to:
• Partnering with other associations to define and improve architectural woodwork standards
• Collaborating with educational institutions to enhance the apprentice and technical programs and to ensure a
quality human resource for the architectural woodwork industry
• Communicating the traditional, new, and innovative architectural woodwork assembly methods and materials
to governments, industry, design professionals, and their associations
• Publishing The Sounding Board, a newsletter, and the Salary/Business Conditions Survey
In conjunction with AWMAC, AWMAC Chapters provide:
• Seminars from raw “green” products to installed architectural woodwork for architects, designers, and
members
• Annual Awards that celebrate the best in quality, service, and design for manufacturers, associates, and
design professionals
• Administration of the Guarantee and Inspection Service (GIS); initiated in 1990, the GIS Program (when
specified by the design professional) monitors and guarantees projects that specify AWMAC standards
For further information and correct GIS specification wording, contact your local AWMAC Chapter or AWMAC.
516-4 St. West, High River, Alberta, T1V 1B6, Canada Ph: 403-652-7685 Fax: [phone] www.awmac.com
(cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141) (cid:141)
Woodwork Institute
(WI)

The Woodwork Institute, a regional, not-for-profit trade association of architectural woodwork manufacturers and
industry suppliers, was established in 1951 and is dedicated to the goals of:
• Promoting information relative to the uses, advantages, and utility of architectural millwork products
• Providing the leading architectural woodwork standards
• Providing unbiased industry consultation and quality assurance programs
The basic principals of WI are its dedication to standards setting, quality assurance, recognition, workforce education,
and networking that includes:
• Industry-based seminars, offering AIA Continuing Education System (CES) credits
• CE Bernhauer Scholarship Foundation grants
• Bernie B. Barber Awards of Excellence and the Ralph B. McClure Craftsmanship Awards
• Publications, including:
o Details Newsletter
o Archetype magazine
o Manual of Millwork, Editions 1-11
o A wide range of member-centric industry information and resources
In 1953, WI published its first Manual of Millwork, followed in 1959 by the establishment of its Certified Compliance
Program (CCP) to give the assurance to millwork customers that the fine woodwork specified in their construction
documents will comply with the quality grades in these standards. In 2001, WI expanded its quality assurance options
with the establishment of its Monitored Compliance Program (MCP).
P. O. Box 980247, West Sacramento, CA 95798 Ph: 916-372-9943 Fax: [phone] www.woodworkinstitute.com
© 2009, AWI, AWMAC, WI - Architectural Woodwork Standards - 1st Edition, October 1, 2009 3
As may be updated by errata at www.awinet.org, www.awmac.com, or www.woodworkinstitute.com/awserrata/
The Associations
I
THE FOLLOWING ASSOCIATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED:
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
American Institute of Architectural Students (AIAS)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
American Subcontractors Association (ASA)
Association for Retail Environments (ARE)
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA)
Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA)
Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA)
Composite Panel Association (CPA)
Construction Specifications Canada (CSC)
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
The Engineered Wood Association (APA)
Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association (HPVA)
Interior Design of Canada (IDC)
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
International Solid Surface Fabricators Association (ISSFA)
International Wood Products Association (IWPA)
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)
Laminating Materials Association (LMA)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA)
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
National Research Council Canada (NRC-CNRC)
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIG)
Scientific Equipment & Furniture Association (SEFA)
Stair Manufacturer Association (SMA)
Temperate Forest Foundation (TeFF)
Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF)
Western Wood Products Association (WWPA)
Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA)
Wood Moulding and Millwork Producers (WMMPA)
4 © 2009, AWI, AWMAC, WI - Architectural Woodwork Standards - 1st Edition, October 1, 2009
As may be updated by errata at www.awinet.org, www.awmac.com, or www.woodworkinstitute.com/awserrata/
Architectural
Woodwork Standards
USER'S GUIDE
User's Guide (Page 1 of 4)

U
USER'S GUIDE
Sponsored by the Architectural Woodwork Institute, the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers
Association of Canada, and the Woodwork Institute (hereinafter called the Associations), these
new joint standards represent the best of what all three organizations had to offer in defining
the minimum requirements of material and workmanship for the fabrication and installation of
architectural woodwork. The joint standards are based on three definitive levels of work: Economy,
Custom, and Premium Grade.
These standards are a combination and refinement of what the Associations previously offered
individually. They are different and distinctly new in their layout, requirements, etc., and nothing
should be assumed to have transferred across unaltered. It is advised, whether you are a design
professional, manufacturer, or installer, to thoroughly review these standards.
These standards are both a voluntary and a definitive document, intended to spell out the requirements
for satisfactory performance when referenced as part of contract documents. The document is
intended to be used in total, not in part. For example, if a project specification requires compliance
with Section 10, then compliance with the Preface and the Product, Execution, and Compliance
portions of Sections 1-5 (along with Appendix A and the Glossary as referenced) is also required,
as applicable. The Introduction, Table of Contents, Suggestion Form, General portions of Sections
1-12, and the Appendixes are generally not part of these standards for compliance purposes.
STANDARDS DOCUMENT is divided as follows:
Introduction Section 6 - Interior & Exterior Millwork
User's Guide Section 7 - Stairwork & Rails
Suggestion Form Section 8 - Wall Surfacing
Table of Contents Section 9 - Doors
Preface Section 10 - Casework
Section 1 - Submittals Section 11 - Countertops
Section 2 - Care & Storage Section 12 - Historic Restoration Work
Section 3 - Lumber Appendix A
Section 4 - Sheet Products Glossary
Section 5 - Finishing Appendix B
USER'S GUIDE is intended as a tool to enhance your understanding of the philosophy
behind the layout of these standards.
SUGGESTION FORM is provided as a common means for the users of these standards to
submit comments and suggestions for improvement. The form is located at the end of this
User's Guide.
PREFACE covers those areas of importance to be reviewed in advance of using the
standards.
SECTION 1 addresses minimum submittal requirements, including shop drawings, samples,
etc.
SECTION 2 addresses minimum care and storage (environmental condition) requirements
to be maintained before, during, and after the delivery, storage, and installation of product.
6 © 2009, AWI, AWMAC, WI - Architectural Woodwork Standards - 1st Edition, October 1, 2009
As may be updated by errata at www.awinet.org, www.awmac.com, or www.woodworkinstitute.com/awserrata/
User's Guide (Page 2 of 4)
U
USER'S GUIDE
SECTIONS 3-5 address the minimum acceptable performance and appearance
characteristics of lumber panel and finishing materials to be used within the standards'
product sections (Sections 6-12). These sections do not attempt to establish raw material
grades. They define the minimum characteristics for these materials when used in a product
governed by Sections 6-12 based on the specified Grade of work (Economy, Custom, or
Premium).
SECTIONS 6-12 address minimum acceptable millwork product fabrication and installation
requirements based on the specified Grade of work (Economy, Custom, or Premium).
APPENDIX pages provide guidance and information related to the work and should be
reviewed in advance of using the standards.
GLOSSARY provides definitions of terms used throughout these standards.
EACH SECTION is organized into four areas of importance:
GENERAL - covers general information about the subject matter, the scope of work, and
the requirements applicable to the scope of work in the absence of specifications. The
general information portion of Part I contains: Basic Considerations (important information
for a design professional), Recommendations (for consideration by design professionals),
Acknowledgments (of materials or products relative to this section that might not otherwise be
readily known), and Industry Practices (methods of work and material selections applicable
to the sections in the absence of specifications).
PRODUCT - covers minimum material, machining, and assembly (manufacturing)
requirements for the Grade of work selected or required.
EXECUTION - covers minimum installation requirements for the Grade of work selected or
required.
COMPLIANCE - covers ways of verifying compliance with the standards.
SECTION TEXT is laid out in a numerical, indented, outline format, wherein each statement, issue,
or rule becomes a specific, uniquely referenced item. Additional discussion or qualifications to an
item are indented to the right, immediately below, creating a columnar effect.
In the PRODUCT and EXECUTION portions of each section, an additional table format
illustrates particular requirements that are applicable only to a particular Grade or Grades
of work.
The concept of "UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE" is a significant aspect of these
standards. When referenced in contract documents, these standards shall establish the
minimum contractual compliance requirements for materials, fabrication, installation, and
workmanship - in the absence of any specific contractual requirement to the contrary. If
there is a conflict between the plans, specifications, and these standards, the PLANS and
SPECIFICATIONS SHALL PREVAIL.
© 2009, AWI, AWMAC, WI - Architectural Woodwork Standards - 1st Edition, October 1, 2009 7
As may be updated by errata at www.awinet.org, www.awmac.com, or www.woodworkinstitute.com/awserrata/
User's Guide (Page 3 of 4)
U
USER'S GUIDE
As a rule of thumb, unless otherwise noted, the statements or rules contained within the GENERAL,
COMPLIANCE, and the beginning of the EXECUTION portions of each section are equally applicable
to all Grades of work, as shown in the following format example taken from Section 7:
1.2 BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
1.2.1 ACCEPTABLE REQUIREMENTS of lumber and/or sheet products used within this woodwork product section
are established by Sections 3 and 4, unless otherwise modified herein.
1.2.2 CONTRACT DRAWINGS and/or SPECIFICATIONS, furnished by the design professional, shall clearly indicate
or delineate all material, fabrication, installation and applicable building code/regulation requirements.
1.2.3 CROSS GRAIN in band-sawn or laminated members might cause objectionable color variation when
finished.
1.2.4 EDGES in veneer-laminated members or where multiple layers are exposed by shaping might cause
objectionable color variation when finished.
OTHERWISE, within the PRODUCT or EXECUTION portions, when a rule applies specifically
to a particular Grade or Grades of work, it is shown with a bullet mark in one of the right-hand
columns. These columns are both color-coded and headed with an E, C, or P to indicate
Economy, Custom, or Premium Grade, respectively. A sample from the Section 7 PRODUCT
portion is shown below:
DESCRIPTION E C P
 MATERIAL (continued)
 At EXPOSED SURFACES (continued)
4.2  For TRANSPARENT FINISH (continued)
4.2.12
4.2.12.7.10 Have visible panel EDGES, REVEALS, and/or SPLINES, when appropriate, that are:
4.2.12.7
4.2.12.7.10.1 Full length.
M
4.2.12.7.10.2 MILL-OPTION. M
A
4.2.12.7.10.3 MATCH species of panel face. M M
T
4.2.12.7.10.4 COMPATIBLE for color and grain. M
E
4.2.12.7.10.5 WELL-MATCHED for color and grain. M
R
A minimum of 0.020" (0.5 mm) nominal THICKNESS
I 4.2.12.7.10.6 M M
that precludes show-through of core.
A
4.2.13 At SEMI-EXPOSED SURFACES:
L
4.2.13.1 For OPAQUE finish, permits natural and manufacturing defects, provided the surface is filled solid.
The ARROW in the above example is used on a page-by-page basis to indicate where there is
additional coverage of a topic on a previous or a subsequent page. The following description shown
is included at the beginning of each table:
 
ARROWS INDICATE TOPIC IS CARRIED FROM OR ONTO ANOTHER PAGE.
Where space allows, VERTICAL TITLES are also provided within the first three left-hand columns
of the tables to help keep track of subject areas.
8 © 2009, AWI, AWMAC, WI - Architectural Woodwork Standards - 1st Edition, October 1, 2009
As may be updated by errata at www.awinet.org, www.awmac.com, or www.woodworkinstitute.com/awserrata/