Architectural Woodwork Standards
The new Architectural Woodwork Standards (AWS) is one of the most helpful resource tools you will ever use. It’s a must-have for every architect, design professional, specifier and contractor who designs with wood in any size, shape or form.
The Architectural Woodwork Institute, the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada and the Woodwork Institute worked together the create the joint unified standard for the specification of qualities, methods, and workmanship to produce and install architectural millwork.
This first edition of The Architectural Woodwork Standards is a definitive reference manual designed to simplify and clarify guidelines, information and principles required for fabrication, finishing and installation of architectural woodwork. It provides design professionals with a logical and facile means to comprehensively specify woodwork elements.
The AWS includes compliance criteria to ensure that all millwork manufacturers are competing equally when bidding on projects and they are obligated to perform work of equal quality. The Standards, as in both previous publications, encompass three grades of quality: Economy, Custom and Premium. The AWS also includes a comprehensive glossary of terms.
Purchasing the Architectural Woodwork Standards
AWI Members
- A copy of the Architectural Woodwork Standards is included with every AWI Membership.
- AWI Members receive a discount on the purchase of additional copies.
- A single soft cover copy can be purchased at the member rate of $12.50 (shipping not included)
- A case of 10 can be purchased for $93.75 (shipping not included)
AWI Non Members
Becoming a Member vs. Purchasing AWS Copies without AWI Membership
► AWI Membership - AWI offers both company and individual memberships.
For more information on AWI Manufacturing and Supplier Company Memberships -
Click Here
AWI's Affiliate or Individual membership dues are $75.00 for the first year and only $25.00
to renew each year after.
Affiliate Membes include individuals who wish to support the objective of the architectural woodwork industry. (i.e. Architect, General Contractor, Design or Woodwork Professional)
In addition to the Architectural Woodwork Standards, benefits include:
Apply for Membership
- To apply online, click here and create a user and company profile. This online application will prompt you through the application process.
The ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK STANDARDS QUICK START GUIDE
The AWS is the guide for the specification, construction and installation of interior architectural woodwork. To quickly start using the AWS, observe the explanation of its contents below.
NOTE: Any AWS errors and their corrections will be updated on the AWS Errata webpage on an as needed basis. All users of the new AWS are encouraged to check errata prior to beginning the specification of any new project.
► Click Here to view the AWS Errata page
USER’S GUIDE
The User’s Guide in pages 6 through 9 explains the layout, format and content of the AWS. If you are not familiar with that format, take a few minutes to read pages 8 and 9 to understand how the information will be presented in the various sections.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Table of Contents reveals the particular subject of each AWS Section, to aid the reader in quickly finding the specific information that is desired. There are twelve sections, a glossary and two appendices.
PAGE LAYOUT
Pages are written using a numerical outline method. This permits rapid navigation within the document and, more importantly, accurate citations of the part of the Standards which apply to a given situation.
Click Here to view sample pages.
STANDARDS SECTIONS
Each section is broken down into four areas:
1. General: General information on the subject, scope of work, and requirement to the scope in absence of specifications. It includes Basic Considerations and Recommendations to the Design Professional, Acknowledgments of materials or products that might not be readily known, and Industry Practices that would be applicable in the absence of specifications.
2. Product: Material, machining, and assembly requirements for Premium, Custom or Economy Grade.
3. Execution: Installation requirements for each Grade.
4. Compliance: Tests involved in verifying compliance with the standards.
APPENDIX A
Appendix A contains diverse items including conversion tables, guidelines for components, reference sources, glossary and even a guide for testing casework integrity.
APPENDIX B
Appendix B is your educational source area. Its pages of illustrations and instruction provide a tremendous instructive resource on the key elements and details of interior architectural woodwork.
NOTES
Beginning at page 411, the AWS offers 4 MODEL SPECS based on CSI Section 06 41 00. A separate specification is available for:
- Wood & Laminate Casework
- Paneling
- Wood Trim
- Wood Doors
You will notice throughout the specs the phrase “per the requirements of the AWS” is used. This is because if the correct wording is used in the Quality Assurance section of the spec (“work shall be in accordance with Grade or Grades Specified of the Architectural Woodwork Standards”), it requires the performance of the interior architectural woodwork to meet the specified Grade of the AWS. The AWS has already gone into great detail regarding materials and processes that will be acceptable. There is absolutely no need to list those details, unless something additional is desired.
Errata Updates
Any AWS errors and their corrections will be updated on the AWS Errata webpage on an as needed basis. All users of the new AWS are encouraged to check errata prior to beginning the specification of any new project. Click Here to view the AWS Errata page.
Suggestions
The Joint Standard Technical Committee solicits your suggestions for improvements on the AWS. Please download and complete this form and then click here to email it back to AWI.
Technical Assistance
For Technical Inquiries, please click here to email our technical expert.
History of the Architectural Woodwork Standards
The Architectural Woodwork Institute published the initial Quality Standards Illustrated in 1961. The revised and expanded 8th Edition, Version 2.0 of the Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards Illustrated was published jointly for the first time as a united North American Standard by AWI and the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada, AWMAC. 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 its standards.
In 1953, the Woodwork Institute published its first Manual of Millwork, followed in 1959 by the establishment of its Certified Compliance Program (CCP) to give assurance to millwork customers that the fine woodwork specified in their construction documents will comply with the quality grades in the manual.
On August 7, 2007 the three associations – AWI, AWMAC and WI signed an agreement to develop a single architectural woodwork standard.
The new Architectural Woodwork Standards become effective on October 1, 2009. At that point in time if contract documents state a project be specified in accordance with the Quality Standards Illustrated or the Manual of Millwork, then the AWS takes precedence.