Four Steps To Complete Your Custom Project
Every project is unique and different in many ways however many of the same steps are used in custom architectural woodworking. Those four steps start with the Design phase, then onto Fabrication, then onto Finishing and then finally Installation. Although this may seem confusing, it becomes clearer when you see how it is broken down into smaller processes under each phase.
Step 1: Design
- Design Forms and Functionality
- Drafting/Shop Drawings/Engineering
- Project Management
Step 2: Fabrication
- Layout
- Cutout/Milling
- Joinery
- Assembly
Step 3: Finishing
- Finishing
- Re-Assembly if Applicable
- Re-sanding
Step 4: Installation
- Delivery and Site Prep if Necessary
- Install
- Cleanup
Designing Your Custom Project
Noel Woodworks takes pride in the years of experience we have and the years of knowledge we possess. We take that along with our expert craftsmanship and talent to create fully customized works of art from wood.
It all starts with an idea or a vision from you. From there we talk about every little detail with you before beginning your project. This would be considered our design phase.
After our talk, we then create a plan that is going to enable us to bring your vision to reality. Our plan includes either manual drawings, drafts, and/or software created drawings with everything configured in a 3D format.
From our planning, engineering, and drawings we are able to know how much material we need. We are also able to determine all the dimensions and measurements, as well as the functionality of the piece, and how we are going to join, glue, and fasten components. If we do not take the time to do all this, it will slow the project down and cause significant problems along the way.
It all starts with an idea or a vision from you. From there we talk about every little detail with you before beginning your project. This would be considered our design phase.
After our talk, we then create a plan that is going to enable us to bring your vision to reality. Our plan includes either manual drawings, drafts, and/or software created drawings with everything configured in a 3D format.
From our planning, engineering, and drawings we are able to know how much material we need. We are also able to determine all the dimensions and measurements, as well as the functionality of the piece, and how we are going to join, glue, and fasten components. If we do not take the time to do all this, it will slow the project down and cause significant problems along the way.
Fabricating Your Custom Project
Once we know how much material we need, we then go and hand select only the finest hardwoods and veneers available. These include woods such as Cherry, Mahogany, Walnut, and Oak to name a few. We make sure these woods have been properly air dried and kiln dried so they only have a 6-8% moisture content. If the moisture content of the wood is too high, excessive shrinkage may occur, along with risking the problems of unacceptable gaps and cracks in the wood itself. 6-8% is the moisture content for optimal performance and construction.
Now that we have our wood, we begin to create our basic layout. We proceed with cutting the lumber as the plans dictate and performing millwork if needed. Once our lumber has been cut and planed appropriately, we proceed with our joinery process. This can include gluing, dovetails, mortise and tenon, and other various time-honored techniques. Then, we will start assembling the project into its final form and function.
Now that we have our wood, we begin to create our basic layout. We proceed with cutting the lumber as the plans dictate and performing millwork if needed. Once our lumber has been cut and planed appropriately, we proceed with our joinery process. This can include gluing, dovetails, mortise and tenon, and other various time-honored techniques. Then, we will start assembling the project into its final form and function.
Finishing Your Custom Project
The finishing stage is highly important to any kind of project we work on. It beautifies the appearance of the wood and helps to protect the project or piece we are working on. We make sure the wood is prepared properly so that the desired finish can be applied. Sanding the wood and re-sanding the wood correctly enables the stain to soak into the grain evenly while keeping the integrity of the color for years to come.
Sometimes individual components require sanding and staining which in this case reassembly is necessary. Finally we apply appropriate coats of the desired finish needed such as lacquer, shellac etc. This final procedure is to help protect the wood from any kind of damage and to help seal it and make it stronger and more durable. Another benefit is keeping it sanitized by filling in the pores and eliminating bacteria.
Sometimes individual components require sanding and staining which in this case reassembly is necessary. Finally we apply appropriate coats of the desired finish needed such as lacquer, shellac etc. This final procedure is to help protect the wood from any kind of damage and to help seal it and make it stronger and more durable. Another benefit is keeping it sanitized by filling in the pores and eliminating bacteria.
Installing Your Custom Project
Some custom projects we build need no installation. Some smaller custom projects such as a piece of furniture like a table or a credenza may not need to be installed. However, when we build large built-ins like a bookshelf system or a large counter for a hospital or retail store, then installation is required. Noel Woodworks takes the utmost preparation and care, acknowledging that the place where an installation is required is treated like our very own.
We take care of any site preparation if needed, before we make our delivery. We plan the whole process ahead of time to ensure that everything is handled quickly and efficiently. All this is planned at the very beginning. Knowing the size of the entryways and knowing obstacles we’ll face enable us to build everything accordingly to how it will need to be installed. Many times large sections will be delivered and joined together during installation to make one seamless unit.
After installation is completed then a thorough cleanup is performed making sure that your home or business is back to the condition before installation was ever started. We take extreme pride in our work and our customer service. This is just one more reason why Noel Woodworks is loved by our clientele.
We take care of any site preparation if needed, before we make our delivery. We plan the whole process ahead of time to ensure that everything is handled quickly and efficiently. All this is planned at the very beginning. Knowing the size of the entryways and knowing obstacles we’ll face enable us to build everything accordingly to how it will need to be installed. Many times large sections will be delivered and joined together during installation to make one seamless unit.
After installation is completed then a thorough cleanup is performed making sure that your home or business is back to the condition before installation was ever started. We take extreme pride in our work and our customer service. This is just one more reason why Noel Woodworks is loved by our clientele.
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