Custom millwork has the power to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. Whether it’s a Manhattan hotel lobby, a Brooklyn brownstone kitchen, or a retail boutique in SoHo, custom woodwork is often the defining element that sets the space apart. At New York Custom Interior Millwork, we’ve built our reputation on bringing design visions to life with unmatched craftsmanship. But what does that process actually look like? From our workshop in Astoria to final installation on-site, every stage of custom millwork is a careful balance of artistry, precision, and collaboration.
The Design and Consultation Phase
Every project begins with a conversation. During the consultation phase, clients meet with our team to discuss goals, styles, and functional needs. Whether it’s a luxury apartment renovation or a large-scale commercial build-out, we listen carefully to understand the vision. At this stage, we also review inspiration images, architectural drawings, and design concepts to align expectations. This process ensures that we’re not simply building cabinetry or paneling – we’re creating millwork that enhances the personality of the space.
What sets New York Custom Interior Millwork apart from other millwork companies in NYC is our dedication to samples. We provide material swatches, stain finishes, and even mock-ups so clients can see exactly how their final product will look and feel. This early collaboration prevents surprises later and gives clients confidence that every detail has been accounted for.
Shop Drawings and Engineering
Once the design is established, our in-house drafting team produces shop drawings. These detailed plans are far more precise than standard architectural drawings. Shop drawings account for dimensions, joinery, material thickness, and every functional requirement. They also ensure coordination with other trades, like electricians, plumbers, and general contractors, so that our millwork integrates seamlessly with the broader project.
This engineering phase is where the artistry of design meets the science of construction. By the time shop drawings are approved, both the client and our craftsmen have a roadmap that guarantees accuracy and efficiency.
Material Selection and Preparation
High-quality custom millwork begins with high-quality materials. In our workshop, we source premium hardwoods like walnut, oak, maple, and mahogany, along with engineered materials like veneer and MDF for specific applications. Each piece of lumber is inspected for grain consistency, durability, and finish potential. Choosing the right material is critical because it not only affects aesthetics but also determines how the millwork will perform over time.
Preparation involves cutting raw materials to size and treating them for stability. This ensures that once the wood is fabricated into paneling, cabinetry, or moldings, it will maintain its form and withstand the demands of daily use.
Fabrication in the Workshop
The fabrication stage is where the magic begins. Using a combination of CNC machinery and traditional woodworking techniques, our craftsmen cut, shape, and assemble each piece. Every joint, groove, and panel is carefully crafted to exact specifications.
This is also the stage where specialty details are incorporated. Recessed paneling, fluted tambour, crown moldings, or curved banquettes require additional attention and skill. Each element is dry-fit before finishing to ensure perfect alignment. Unlike mass-produced cabinetry, every piece of custom millwork is unique and made specifically for the space it will inhabit.
Finishing Touches
After fabrication, millwork pieces move into the finishing stage. Finishing is as much an art as it is a science. Our team applies stains, paints, or lacquers depending on the client’s preference. Each finish is applied in controlled conditions to achieve consistency and durability.
For residential millwork, finishes may be chosen to complement existing furnishings or bring warmth to a space. In commercial millwork projects, finishes must balance aesthetics with performance, resisting scratches, stains, and heavy wear. At NYCIM, we take pride in achieving finishes that elevate the overall design while ensuring long-lasting quality.
Quality Control
Before anything leaves our workshop, it undergoes rigorous inspection. Our founder, Elizabeth Lagos-Molinari, personally checks each project to ensure it meets our exacting standards. This level of oversight ensures that only flawless pieces make it to the job site. Every panel, joint, and surface must align with both the shop drawings and the client’s vision.
Installation on Site
The final step is installation, where millwork truly comes to life. Even the best-fabricated millwork must be installed with precision to achieve a seamless result. Our installation teams bring the same level of craftsmanship to the field that our carpenters bring to the workshop. They ensure that paneling aligns perfectly, cabinetry fits flush, and moldings meet cleanly at every corner.
In New York City, installation often comes with added challenges – tight staircases, uneven walls, and strict building schedules. Our team is experienced in navigating these complexities, ensuring that even the most difficult spaces are transformed with elegance. The result is a finished project that feels like it was always meant to be there.
Why the Process Matters
The journey from workshop to installation demonstrates why custom millwork is worth the investment. Every stage is intentional, from the initial consultation to the final polish on site. Unlike prefabricated cabinetry or stock furnishings, custom millwork is designed for your specific space, ensuring a perfect fit and a personalized touch.
Whether you’re building a sleek modern kitchen, a timeless hotel lobby, or a one-of-a-kind retail environment, custom millwork creates a sense of cohesion and personality that cannot be replicated with standard options.
Your Partner in Custom Millwork NYC
At New York Custom Interior Millwork, we pride ourselves on being more than just fabricators. We’re collaborators, problem solvers, and artisans. From consultation to installation, we bring decades of experience to every project, ensuring your space not only looks beautiful but also functions flawlessly.
If you’re ready to begin your own custom millwork journey, contact us today at (718) 392-1600 or email liz@nycmillwork.com.
