Plastic laminate
over particleboard or MDF: common and economical
Division 06, Millwork
Millwork Estimating Services for Casework & Architectural Woodwork
Millwork is built in a shop, to drawings, to a quality grade, and every one of those factors changes the price. A run of plastic laminate base cabinets and a custom walnut reception desk might occupy the same floor space, but they don't belong in the same line of an estimate.
Our millwork estimating services take off casework, countertops, paneling, and custom architectural woodwork from interior elevations and details, organized so fabricators and GCs can price fabrication and installation accurately.
06 40 00Casework and countertops
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
ZIP-code pricedLocal material and labor rates
24 to 48 hoursTypical turnaround
What We Take Off
Casework
- Base, wall, and tall cabinets by type and linear foot
- Drawer banks, open shelving, and adjustable shelving
- Lockers and storage units, if specified as casework
Countertops
- Plastic laminate, solid surface, quartz, stone, and stainless
- Backsplashes, side splashes, and edge profiles
- Sink and cooktop cutouts
Architectural woodwork
- Wall paneling and wainscot
- Window stools and aprons
- Running trim specified as architectural woodwork
- Wood ceilings or feature walls, where in scope
Custom pieces
- Reception desks, nurse stations, and service counters
- Built-in seating and banquettes
- Display fixtures
Hardware
- Hinges, pulls, slides, locks, and grommets, when furnished by the millwork contractor
Quality Grade Changes the Price
Many specifications reference the Architectural Woodwork Standards, which define three quality grades: Economy, Custom, and Premium. The grade affects tolerances, materials, joinery, and finish, and therefore cost. Custom is the most common for commercial work; Premium is used for high-visibility spaces and costs more.
We read the specified grade for each area and note when the drawings call for details above or below it.
Materials and Finishes
Thermally fused laminate (melamine)
often for cabinet interiors
Wood veneer
species, cut, and matching requirements affect cost
Solid wood
for edges, trim, and premium pieces
Finishing
shop-applied finishes, stain, and clear coats
Countertop material is often the largest single cost driver in a casework package, so it's broken out separately.
Custom Pieces, Broken Down
A reception desk shouldn't be one lump sum with no backup. We break custom pieces into components (substrate, panels, countertop, transaction top, base, lighting provisions, and hardware) so the price can be checked and adjusted when the design changes.
Shop Drawings, Field Measuring & Installation
Costs often left out of millwork bids:
Shop drawings
and revisions for approval
Field measuring
before fabrication
Delivery and handling
, including protection
Installation
labor, scribing, and adjustments
Blocking
in walls: usually by the framing or drywall sub, but worth confirming Drywall estimating →
Who Uses Millwork Estimating
- Architectural woodwork and casework fabricators
- Millwork installers
- General contractors pricing Division 06/12
- Kitchen and bath contractors on larger projects
Checklist
What to Send
- Floor plans and interior elevations
- Millwork details and sections
- Specifications (grade, materials, hardware)
- Finish schedule
Send Your Files
Upload the drawings through our quote form, share a Google Drive or plan-room link, or email them. Large sets travel best as a shared folder.
Upload Your Plans →Or email info@primeestimation.com.
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
Deliverables
What You Receive
- Casework by type and linear foot
- Countertop areas by material, with edges and cutouts
- Custom piece breakdowns
- Hardware counts
- Material, fabrication, and installation pricing
- Marked-up elevations
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How is millwork estimated?
Casework is measured by linear foot and type, countertops by area and edge length, paneling by area, and custom pieces broken into components. Material, quality grade, and finish set the unit costs.
What's the difference between millwork and finish carpentry?
Millwork is fabricated in a shop to drawings. Finish carpentry is mostly installed and cut on site: trim, doors, and similar work.
Do you include installation?
If it's in your scope, yes.
Do you account for quality grade?
Yes. The specified grade affects the unit pricing.
Ready to Get Started?
Price Casework and Custom Pieces With Backup
Send your interior elevations and details. We'll quote the takeoff and delivery date.