What Is Millwork and How Does It Enhance Home Design?

When you think of the elements that make a house feel complete, you might picture beautifully crafted trim, custom closets, or elegant doors. But did you know these elements all fall under the category of millwork? At Riverside Millwork Group, we specialize in designing and crafting a wide range of millwork products, from baseboards and crown moulding to custom-built closets and doors. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what millwork is, why it’s important, and how it can enhance your home’s design.

What Is Millwork?

Millwork refers to any wood-based product that is produced in a mill and used in construction or home design. Unlike mass-produced products, millwork is custom-made to fit specific dimensions and design requirements, making it an integral part of any home improvement project. Common examples of millwork include:

Trim (baseboards, casing, crown moulding, and architraves)
Interior and exterior doors
Custom-built closets and storage solutions
Wall paneling and wainscoting
Table tops and built-in shelving

Because of its custom nature, millwork not only adds functionality to a home but also elevates its overall aesthetic. At Riverside Millwork Group, our products are designed to meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and seamlessly integrate into your home’s interior design.

Are Doors and Trim Considered Millwork?

Yes! Interior doors, exterior doors, and decorative trim are among the most popular types of millwork. These elements not only serve practical purposes, like defining entryways or protecting walls, but also contribute to the overall design and flow of a home.

Here are some examples of how millwork products like doors and trim can enhance your home:

Interior Doors: Our doors, available in hollow or solid core options, are crafted for easy installation and superior performance. Solid core doors offer better sound insulation and a premium look, while hollow core doors are lightweight and budget-friendly.
Baseboards and Crown Moulding: These decorative trim elements add depth and character to any room while providing protection against scuffs and damage.
Casing: Door/window casing and trim are both decorative elements used to finish a door. Casing specifically refers the piece that goes over the jamb and drywall to finish the opening. Trim is the more decorative moulding installed to enhance the look of the door
Architrave: Architrave moulding is a decorative trim or moulding used to highlight the area around doors, windows, or other openings, and is specific to the lintel or beam area. .

Whether you’re installing new doors as part of a renovation or upgrading your trim for a more polished look, custom millwork can make a big impact.

Custom Millwork for Closets

One of the most functional and sought-after applications of custom millwork is in closets. At Riverside Millwork Group, we design custom closets that maximize storage while complementing your home’s design. Our custom closets are crafted from durable melamine and often feature thermofoil cabinet doors, offering both practicality and elegance.

Custom closet solutions include:

Walk-in closets: Built for luxury and organization, with features like adjustable shelving, built-in drawers, and shoe racks.
Wardrobe closets : Ideal for bedrooms or Mudrooms: ideal for entryways, providing efficient storage with a clean, custom look.
Reach-in closets: Perfect for smaller spaces, designed to make the most of every inch of storage.

Whether you need a complete custom closet system or a few built-in shelves, our millwork experts will work with you to create the perfect solution.

Millwork Finishing Options

The finishing touches are what truly bring millwork to life. The way you finish your doors, trim, or closets can drastically change the look and feel of your space. Common finishes for millwork include:

Paint: Creates a clean, smooth finish, ideal for modern interiors or minimalist designs.
Stain: Highlights the natural wood grain, perfect for traditional or rustic spaces.
Sealant: Protects wood surfaces while enhancing their natural beauty.

For example, you could pair white-painted baseboards and trim with solid wood doors stained in a warm walnut hue for contrast. Or, opt for a fully painted look for a seamless and contemporary feel.

Architectural Millwork

Architectural millwork refers to custom-designed woodwork that goes beyond trim and doors to include larger and more intricate features. These elements are often the focal points of a room, combining both functionality and visual appeal.

Examples of architectural millwork include:

Wall paneling and wainscoting: Adds texture and depth to walls, making any space feel more refined.
Built-in shelving and storage: Custom solutions for books, décor, or everyday essentials.
Coffered or Faux Beam Ceilings: A decorative ceiling treatment that uses beams and panels to add dimension and elegance to living rooms, home offices, or dining areas.
Table tops: Crafted to fit dining areas, kitchen islands, or workspaces.

Architectural millwork is where form meets function, allowing you to customize your space with design features that are both beautiful and practical.

Common Materials Used in Millwork

The materials you choose for your millwork can greatly influence its durability, appearance, and cost. At Riverside Millwork Group, we work with a variety of high-quality materials, including:

Maple: A durable, versatile hardwood commonly used for doors and trim.
Walnut: Offers a luxurious, rich brown finish, ideal for custom doors or table tops.
Oak: Known for its strength and distinct grain, perfect for classic or traditional designs.
Poplar: An increasingly popular choice due to its affordability and availability. Poplar is easy to work with, has a smooth surface for painting, and stains well, making it a go-to for custom trim and doors.
Pine: Valued for its warm, natural grain, Pine is often used in baseboards and doors but is now less common due to the rising popularity of Poplar.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): A cost-effective material ideal for painted baseboards and crown moulding.
Melamine: Used in our custom closets for its durability and clean finish.
Thermofoil: A practical, low-maintenance option for closet and cabinet doors.

How Much Does Millwork Cost?

The cost of millwork varies depending on the materials, complexity, and scope of the project. Custom baseboards, crown moulding, and doors will typically cost more than stock or modular options, but they provide long-term value through superior craftsmanship and design.

For example, custom trim or solid wood doors will be more expensive than off-the-shelf options but will offer better durability, insulation, and visual appeal. Similarly, a custom closet system tailored to your specific needs will cost more upfront but will provide lasting functionality and add to your home’s resale value.

Enhance Your Home with Riverside Millwork Group

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your trim, install custom doors, or design a new closet system, Riverside Millwork Group has the expertise to bring your vision to life. Our custom millwork solutions are crafted with care and designed to enhance both the beauty and functionality of your home.