As woodwork and design go, there are many options for the consumer. Let’s go through casework and millwork to help you decide what type of work is best for your home or business.
The Difference is in the Custom Work
The most significant difference between the two is how original the production is. With millwork, a craftsman takes a specific customer’s unique needs into account when custom making a piece in a mill. No two pieces are the same as each will be individually created with a different client in mind.
The other option is casework. Casework pieces have a factory production to turn out a mass of units built based on a template. With casework, the pieces should resemble each other; the more similar the pieces are, the more successful the work is. Think of casework as the type of work like Ikea, ready-made pieces for general shoppers. General casework includes elements such as chairs, desks, and tables.
Architectural Casework and Millwork
Millwork includes armoires and mantels that are cut in a mill based on a specific design. It can also include moldings and trim work that accent surfaces inside and outside a building. Here at the Ferrante Manufacturing Company, we produce functional, decorative furnishings and artistic installations. This architectural millwork is often done on-site. With many houses and commercial buildings seemingly “cut from the same cloth,” millwork can be your way to differentiate yourself.
With no specific customer in mind, casework can be pushed out more quickly, often at a rushed pace to keep up with quotas. Casework, by necessity, lacks the precise care that comes from millwork. There won’t be time for the exactness that comes with unique craftsmanship.
And Then There’s the Price and Quality
Most purchases come down to the price. Millwork is typically more expensive than casework. The quality, individualized product of millwork calls for much more attention, time, and expertise leading to a higher price. The functional artistry millwork produces builds a different experience than casework.
Some aspects of construction may be right for casework. The cheaper price point may help with some items around the house or business that will provide enough room in the budget to invest in millwork for other areas.
Ferrante Manufacturing Company is a Detroit based design and millwork business that partners with businesses in many sectors to bring beautiful accents to their buildings. Are you deciding between casework and millwork for your business? Give us a call at (313) 571-1111 to chat through your options.