−---
−title: Wood and Laminate Casework
−category: Architectural / Specialties
−toc_depth: 3
−description: >
− When to use: Factory-fabricated architectural casework (cabinetry) and countertops for commercial, institutional, educational, and healthcare buildings — plastic-laminate and wood-veneer base, wall, and tall cabinets; reception desks, nurse stations, service counters, teller lines, and built-in millwork casework; and the countertops, backsplashes, and work surfaces that complete them. Covers the architectural-woodwork quality grade that governs flatness, joinery, hardware, and finish; the construction type (frameless/European or face-frame) and door-and-drawer overlay style; the core material and exposed-surface material (high-pressure decorative laminate, thermally-fused laminate, wood veneer, or solid wood); edgebanding; countertop material (plastic laminate, solid surface, quartz/engineered stone, and resin work surfaces); concealed cabinet hardware (hinges, drawer slides, pulls, and locks); low-emitting (formaldehyde) compliance; and accessibility at sinks and counters.
− Not intended for: Standing and running trim, paneling, and ornamental woodwork specified separately (see [[sync/architectural-wood-trim-and-paneling]]); food-service stainless-steel casework and counters; laboratory fume-hood casework and chemical-resistant lab benches where specified under a separate laboratory casework standard; toilet partitions (see [[sync/toilet-compartments]]); metal storage lockers (see [[sync/metal-lockers]]); solid-surface and stone countertops furnished as part of stone fabrication where not built on casework; and modular systems furniture.
−---
−
−# Scope
−
−This standard covers the furnishing and installation of factory-fabricated architectural casework and the countertops, work surfaces, and backsplashes that complete it, for commercial and institutional buildings. Casework under this standard is the built-in cabinetry of a project: the base, wall, and tall cabinets in workrooms, break rooms, copy rooms, exam rooms, and classrooms; the reception desks, nurse stations, service counters, and teller lines that combine cabinetry with a transaction surface; and the built-in millwork casework that a project schedules as cabinets rather than as freestanding furniture. The scope includes the architectural-woodwork quality grade, the cabinet construction type and overlay style, the core and exposed-surface materials, the edge treatment, the countertop material and edge profile, the concealed cabinet hardware, the factory finish, the low-emitting-material (formaldehyde) compliance, the accessibility provisions at sinks and counters, and the field installation.
−
−The single most consequential decision in this standard is the quality grade. The Architectural Woodwork Standards published jointly by the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC), and the Woodwork Institute (WI), and the successor product standard ANSI/AWI 0641 (Architectural Wood Casework), define three aesthetic grades — Economy, Custom, and Premium — and, in ANSI/AWI 0641, four structural Duty Levels. The grade is not a single line item; it propagates into the allowable flatness of doors and panels, the joinery and assembly tolerances, the edge and face match of veneers, the grade of hardware, and the quality of the factory finish. Specifying the grade correctly is what makes the rest of this standard buildable; specifying it incorrectly either over-builds the casework at needless cost or under-builds it so that it fails to meet the project's appearance and durability expectations.
−
−Casework layout, cabinet types, elevations, dimensions, and quantities shall be [[drawing: as indicated on the casework plans, interior elevations, and millwork details]]. This standard establishes the grade, construction, material, hardware, finish, accessibility, and installation requirements for the casework shown on those drawings. Coordinate this work with [[sync/gypsum-board-assemblies]] and [[sync/unit-masonry]] for in-wall blocking and anchorage backing; with [[sync/doors-frames-and-hardware]] where casework adjoins door openings; with [[sync/plumbing-fixtures]] for sinks, faucets, and the rough-in served by counters; with [[sync/toilet-accessories]] for accessories mounted on or adjacent to casework; and with [[sync/resilient-flooring]] and the base trades for floor and base conditions at cabinet toe kicks.
−
−# Referenced Standards
−
−Materials, fabrication, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted editions of the following standards. Where the contract documents or the adopted building code impose more stringent requirements than a referenced standard, the more stringent requirement shall govern. The Contractor shall resolve conflicts in writing with the Architect before fabrication begins.
−
−| Standard | Title |
−|----------|-------|
−| ANSI/AWI 0641 | Architectural Wood Casework |
−| AWI/AWMAC/WI AWS | Architectural Woodwork Standards (quality grades and general requirements) |
−| ANSI/AWI 0620 | Finish Carpentry / Installation (installation grade requirements) |
−| ANSI/HPVA HP-1 | Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood |
−| NEMA LD 3 | High-Pressure Decorative Laminates |
−| ANSI A135.4 | Basic Hardboard / Composite Wood Panels (particleboard and MDF reference) |
−| ANSI A208.1 | Particleboard |
−| ANSI A208.2 | Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) for Interior Applications |
−| ANSI/KCMA A161.1 | Performance and Construction Standard for Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets |
−| ANSI/BHMA A156.9 | Cabinet Hardware |
−| ASTM E84 | Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (flame spread / smoke developed) |
−| UL 723 | Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (equivalent to ASTM E84) |
−| EPA 40 CFR Part 770 | Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products (TSCA Title VI) |
−| CARB ATCM 93120 | Airborne Toxic Control Measure — Composite Wood Products (Phase 2) |
−| ICC A117.1 | Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities |
−| 2010 ADA Standards | Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards |
−
−# Submittals
−
−## Action Submittals
−
−The following submittals shall be submitted for review and returned before fabrication begins. Submittals shall be complete and internally coordinated before any item is submitted.
−
−**Product Data:** Manufacturer's product data for each core material, exposed-surface material, edgebanding, countertop material, finish system, and hardware item, including thickness, composition, performance ratings, and the applicable formaldehyde-emission compliance documentation.
−
−**Shop Drawings:** Plans, elevations, and sections of each casework run and countertop, drawn to scale, showing cabinet types and dimensions, construction type and overlay style, core and exposed-surface materials, edge treatment, countertop material and profile, backsplash, hardware locations and types, filler and scribe conditions, blocking and anchorage requirements, sink and equipment cutouts, and the location and clearances of all accessible casework. Shop drawings shall identify the AWS/ANSI quality grade for the work.
−
−**Samples:** Color and finish samples for each exposed-surface material and countertop material, an edgebanding sample, a corner sample of cabinet construction showing core and edge treatment for Custom or Premium grade work, and finish samples for site-finished or factory-finished wood veneer.
−
−**Quality Grade Certification:** Documentation of the AWS/ANSI/AWI grade certification for the casework, including AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) certification or equivalent third-party certification where required by the contract documents.
−
−**Formaldehyde Compliance:** TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 compliance documentation for all composite-wood components, including labeling or certificates of conformity.
−
−**Hardware Schedule:** A schedule of hinges, drawer slides, pulls, locks, and accessories keyed to the cabinet types on the shop drawings, with the ANSI/BHMA A156.9 grade and the drawer-slide load rating.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Action Submittals Required
−type: checkbox
−options:
− - "Product data for core, surface, edge, countertop, finish, and hardware"
− - "Dimensioned shop drawings (plans, elevations, sections) per casework run"
− - "Color, finish, edgeband, and construction corner samples"
− - "AWS / ANSI/AWI quality grade certification (AWI QCP or equivalent)"
− - "Formaldehyde compliance documentation (TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2)"
− - "Hardware schedule (BHMA A156.9 grade, drawer-slide load rating)"
−default: "Dimensioned shop drawings (plans, elevations, sections) per casework run"
−```
−
−## Closeout Submittals
−
−At substantial completion the Contractor shall provide the manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions for each exposed-surface and countertop material, the manufacturer's written warranty, the hardware adjustment and replacement-parts data, and an inventory of attic-stock touch-up finish and any specified spare hardware. Care instructions are material-specific; solid surface, quartz, plastic laminate, and wood veneer each tolerate different cleaning chemistries, and the Owner's housekeeping staff shall be given the correct guidance to avoid finish damage.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Closeout Submittals Required
−type: checkbox
−options:
− - "Material-specific care and maintenance instructions"
− - "Manufacturer and installation warranty documentation"
− - "Hardware adjustment and replacement-parts data"
− - "Attic-stock touch-up finish and spare hardware inventory"
−default: "Material-specific care and maintenance instructions"
−```
−
−# Quality Assurance
−
−## Manufacturer Qualifications
−
−The casework manufacturer shall be a firm regularly engaged in the fabrication of architectural casework of the type, grade, and material specified, with documented experience on comparable projects. Where the contract documents require third-party grade certification, the manufacturer shall be a licensed participant in the AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) or an equivalent program, and the casework shall bear the program's certification label.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Grade Certification Program
−type: radio
−options:
− - "AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) certified"
− - "Equivalent third-party woodwork certification program"
− - "Manufacturer's self-certification of grade compliance (where AHJ/Architect accepts)"
−default: "AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) certified"
−```
−
−## Single-Source Responsibility
−
−All casework, countertops, and cabinet hardware within a related scope shall be furnished by a single manufacturer or a single coordinated supplier so that grade, construction, finish, and hardware preparations are compatible. Cabinet hardware preparations (hinge boring, slide drilling, and pull layout) are specific to the manufacturer's case construction; mixing components from different manufacturers voids the fit of factory machining.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Single-Source Responsibility
−type: radio
−options:
− - "All casework, countertops, and hardware from a single manufacturer"
− - "Casework and countertops furnished as a coordinated package by a single supplier"
−default: "All casework, countertops, and hardware from a single manufacturer"
−```
−
−## Mockup
−
−Where required by the contract documents, the Contractor shall provide a full-size mockup of a representative casework unit — typically a base cabinet with a drawer, a door, a countertop section with the specified edge profile, and the specified hardware — for the Architect's review and approval of grade, construction, color, finish, and operation. The approved mockup shall establish the standard of quality for the work and may be incorporated into the finished work if undamaged.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Mockup Required
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Yes — provide one representative casework mockup for approval"
− - "No — mockup not required"
−default: "No — mockup not required"
−```
−
−## Grade Compliance
−
−The casework shall comply in all respects with the requirements of the specified AWS / ANSI/AWI grade for materials, construction, joinery, flatness, hardware, and finish. The specified grade governs wherever this standard is silent. Where this standard establishes a requirement more stringent than the grade minimum, this standard governs.
−
−# Environmental and Service Conditions
−
−## Delivery, Storage, and Acclimation
−
−Casework is dimensionally responsive to moisture. Wood, composite-wood cores, and veneers gain and lose moisture with the surrounding air, and a panel that is installed wetter or drier than its service condition will swell, shrink, cup, or warp after installation — a failure that no quality of fabrication can prevent. For this reason, casework shall not be delivered to the building until wet-work (concrete, masonry, plaster, and gypsum finishing) is complete and dry, the building is enclosed, and the permanent HVAC system is operating and maintaining the interior within the range the casework will experience in service. Casework shall be acclimated in the conditioned space before installation.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Interior Relative Humidity Range for Delivery, Acclimation, and Service
−type: range
−unit: % RH
−options:
− min: 25
− max: 55
− setpoints: [25, 30, 35, 45, 50, 55]
−default: 45
−```
−
−The interior relative humidity at delivery and in service should be maintained within the range the AWS specifies for the geographic region and season, generally between 25% and 55% RH, with extended swings avoided. The narrower and more stable the range, the lower the risk of warping and joint movement after installation.
−
−## Wet and High-Humidity Locations
−
−Casework serving sinks, break rooms, janitor closets, locker rooms, and other wet or high-humidity locations shall use a moisture-resistant (MR) core for the case body, the most exposed shelves, and the sink-base components, so that incidental water and elevated humidity do not swell the core. A standard particleboard or MDF core absorbs water at any unsealed edge or screw hole and swells irreversibly; the MR core resists that swelling and holds fasteners after wetting.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Wet-Area Core Requirement
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Moisture-resistant (MR) core at all sink bases and wet-area casework"
− - "Standard core throughout (dry locations only)"
−default: "Moisture-resistant (MR) core at all sink bases and wet-area casework"
−```
−
−# Quality Grade
−
−The quality grade is the governing decision for the standard. Custom grade is the commercial default and is appropriate for the large majority of commercial and institutional casework: it provides sound construction, good appearance, and durable hardware at a reasonable cost. Economy grade is suitable only for utility and back-of-house casework where appearance and longevity are not priorities. Premium grade is reserved for high-visibility, architecturally significant millwork — lobbies, executive areas, and feature casework — where the tightest tolerances, the best veneer matching, and the highest finish quality are required and the budget supports them.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Architectural Woodwork Quality Grade
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Economy — utility and back-of-house casework"
− - "Custom — standard commercial and institutional default"
− - "Premium — high-visibility architectural millwork"
−default: "Custom — standard commercial and institutional default"
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Structural Duty Level (ANSI/AWI 0641, where specified)
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Duty Level 1 — light residential-type duty"
− - "Duty Level 2 — moderate commercial duty"
− - "Duty Level 3 — heavy commercial / institutional duty"
− - "Duty Level 4 — extra-heavy / high-cycle institutional duty"
−default: "Duty Level 3 — heavy commercial / institutional duty"
−```
−
−The Duty Level is the structural-performance counterpart that ANSI/AWI 0641 separated from the aesthetic grade. It allows the structural requirements (case strength, shelf load, hardware cycle life) to be set independently of appearance, so that a back-of-house workroom can specify a high Duty Level without paying for Premium appearance, and a Premium lobby can specify the Duty Level appropriate to its actual use. Most commercial and institutional casework specifies Duty Level 3.
−
−# Casework Construction
−
−## Construction Type
−
−Casework shall be fabricated as frameless (European, "Type A") or face-frame (American, "Type B") construction. Frameless construction omits the front frame: doors and drawer fronts mount directly to the case sides, the full case opening is available, and the box is assembled from finished panels with concealed fasteners and dowels or confirmat screws. Face-frame construction applies a hardwood or composite face frame to the front of the case, to which doors and drawers are mounted. Frameless is the commercial default because it maximizes usable interior space, simplifies fabrication and hardware (six-way concealed hinges and full-overlay fronts are standard), and produces clean, contemporary reveals; face-frame is selected where a traditional appearance or a face-frame detail is the design intent, and where the frame's added rigidity at the case front is wanted.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Construction Type
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Frameless (European / Type A) — full-overlay, maximized interior"
− - "Face-frame (American / Type B) — applied hardwood face frame"
−default: "Frameless (European / Type A) — full-overlay, maximized interior"
−```
−
−## Door and Drawer-Front Overlay Style
−
−The overlay style sets how doors and drawer fronts cover the case opening and how much of the case or frame is exposed between them. Full overlay (the frameless default) covers the case edge almost completely, leaving only a narrow, uniform reveal between fronts. Reveal (inset-reveal) overlay leaves a wider intentional reveal as a design feature. Flush-inset sets the fronts within the case opening flush with the front edge, a higher-cost detail associated with Premium work. Exposed face-frame (a face-frame-only option) leaves part of the face frame visible around partial-overlay or inset doors.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Door and Drawer-Front Overlay Style
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Full overlay (frameless default)"
− - "Reveal overlay (intentional wider reveal)"
− - "Flush inset (fronts flush within opening — Premium detail)"
− - "Partial overlay / exposed face-frame (face-frame construction)"
−default: "Full overlay (frameless default)"
−```
−
−## Case Body Core Material
−
−The core material carries the case load, holds the fasteners and hardware, and provides the substrate for the exposed surface. Industrial-grade particleboard (ANSI A208.1) is the standard core for laminated casework: it is flat, stable, dimensionally consistent, economical, and holds the specialized cabinet fasteners and concealed-hinge cups well when the correct hardware is used. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF, ANSI A208.2) is denser and smoother, with superior screw-holding at edges and a better surface for painted and thin-laminate finishes, and is preferred for routed and painted door faces. Veneer-core hardwood plywood (ANSI/HPVA HP-1) is lighter, holds screws well in its face and edges, and resists moisture better than particleboard, and is selected for wood-veneer casework, for cases where weight matters, and for higher grades. The selection balances flatness, screw-holding, weight, moisture resistance, and cost.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Case Body Core Material
−type: select
−options:
− - "Industrial-grade particleboard (ANSI A208.1) — standard laminated casework"
− - "Medium-density fiberboard / MDF (ANSI A208.2) — painted and routed faces"
− - "Veneer-core hardwood plywood (ANSI/HPVA HP-1) — wood-veneer and lighter casework"
− - "Moisture-resistant (MR) particleboard or MDF — wet-area casework"
−default: "Industrial-grade particleboard (ANSI A208.1) — standard laminated casework"
−```
−
−## Exposed Surface Material
−
−The exposed surface is the visible face of doors, drawer fronts, end panels, and other surfaces seen in the finished space. High-pressure decorative laminate (HPL) to NEMA LD 3 is the commercial default: multiple resin-saturated kraft layers, a decorative sheet, and a wear overlay fused under high heat and pressure into a hard, durable face bonded to the core, available in a wide color and pattern range. Thermally-fused laminate (TFL, also called melamine) fuses a single resin-impregnated decorative sheet directly to the core under heat and pressure; it is economical and produces a matched interior/exterior panel, but has lower scratch, wear, and impact resistance than HPL and shall be limited to low-wear surfaces and cabinet interiors. Wood veneer provides a natural-wood appearance at Custom and Premium grades and requires a factory or field finish. Solid wood is used for select components (face frames, edges, applied moldings) and for solid-wood casework where the design requires it.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Exterior Exposed Surface Material
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "High-pressure decorative laminate (HPL), NEMA LD 3 (standard)"
− - "Thermally-fused laminate (TFL / melamine) — low-wear surfaces"
− - "Wood veneer (factory- or field-finished)"
− - "Solid wood"
−default: "High-pressure decorative laminate (HPL), NEMA LD 3 (standard)"
−```
−
−The vertical grade of HPL (NEMA LD 3 Grade VGS) is appropriate for cabinet faces and end panels, which are not subject to the wear of a work surface. The horizontal grade (HGS) shall be used for any HPL work surface or counter; specifying a vertical grade on a horizontal wear surface is a specification error that causes premature wear-through.
−
−```datasheet
−label: HPL Grade for Exposed Vertical Surfaces (NEMA LD 3)
−type: radio
−options:
− - "VGS — vertical general-purpose (cabinet faces, end panels)"
− - "HGS — horizontal general-purpose (where face also serves as work surface)"
−default: "VGS — vertical general-purpose (cabinet faces, end panels)"
−```
−
−## Semi-Exposed Surface Material
−
−Semi-exposed surfaces — cabinet interiors, shelf faces, and the inside of doors — are seen only when the cabinet is open. TFL (melamine) is the standard semi-exposed surface because it is durable, cleanable, and economical, and matches or complements the exposed surface. A finished interior shall be provided at the specified grade; an unfinished or sealed interior is acceptable only at Economy grade.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Semi-Exposed (Interior) Surface Material
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Thermally-fused laminate (TFL / melamine) interior (standard)"
− - "HPL interior (where matching the exterior is required)"
− - "Wood veneer interior (Premium wood casework)"
−default: "Thermally-fused laminate (TFL / melamine) interior (standard)"
−```
−
−## Edgebanding
−
−The exposed edges of laminated panels shall be banded to seal the core and resist impact and moisture. PVC (or comparable polymer) edgeband is the standard for laminated casework; a 3 mm thick band shall be used on doors, drawer fronts, and high-impact edges because its thickness, radiused profile, and tough polymer resist the chipping and delamination that a thin band suffers in service, and it can be re-radiused if damaged. A thin (0.5 mm to 1 mm) band is acceptable on low-impact and concealed edges. Wood edge (applied solid-wood edge) is used on wood-veneer casework, and self-edge (the face laminate wrapped onto the edge) is a lower-cost laminate option suitable for light-duty work. Exposed edges of MR-core wet-area casework shall be fully sealed by the edgeband to keep water out of the core.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Edgebanding — Doors, Drawer Fronts, and High-Impact Edges
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "3 mm PVC / polymer edgeband (standard, high impact resistance)"
− - "1 mm PVC / polymer edgeband (moderate-impact edges)"
− - "Applied solid-wood edge (wood-veneer casework)"
− - "Self-edge — face laminate wrapped to edge (light-duty laminate)"
−default: "3 mm PVC / polymer edgeband (standard, high impact resistance)"
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Edgebanding — Concealed and Low-Impact Edges
−type: radio
−options:
− - "0.5 mm to 1 mm PVC / polymer edgeband"
− - "Match exposed-edge banding throughout"
−default: "0.5 mm to 1 mm PVC / polymer edgeband"
−```
−
−# Countertops
−
−The countertop material is a primary decision and shall be selected for the use, exposure, and appearance of each counter. The material, edge profile, and backsplash shall be coordinated with the casework grade and with the fixtures and equipment the counter serves.
−
−## Countertop Material
−
−Plastic laminate (HPL) countertops are the economical default for general work surfaces, break rooms, copy rooms, and back-of-house counters; the horizontal grade (NEMA LD 3 HGS) shall be used. Solid surface (homogeneous filled-polymer sheet) is the institutional default for reception desks, nurse stations, exam-room counters, and healthcare and education work surfaces because it is non-porous, seamless (joints are bonded and sanded invisible), renewable (scratches sand out), and integrates a coved backsplash and a molded sink for a cleanable, hygienic surface. Quartz (engineered stone) provides a hard, scratch- and stain-resistant, low-maintenance natural-stone appearance for high-visibility and high-use counters. Epoxy or phenolic resin work surfaces are chemical- and moisture-resistant surfaces for school science rooms, art rooms, and general wet labs (dedicated laboratory fume-hood and chemical-bench casework is specified separately).
−
−```datasheet
−label: Countertop Material
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Plastic laminate (HPL, NEMA LD 3 HGS) — general work surfaces"
− - "Solid surface — institutional / healthcare counters (default)"
− - "Quartz / engineered stone — high-use, high-visibility counters"
− - "Epoxy or phenolic resin — science, art, and general wet-lab surfaces"
− - "Natural stone (where specified)"
−default: "Solid surface — institutional / healthcare counters (default)"
−```
−
−## Plastic-Laminate Countertop Edge
−
−Where a plastic-laminate countertop is specified, the edge shall be post-formed or self-edged. A post-formed top rolls the laminate in a continuous radius over the front edge and up the integral backsplash, eliminating the front and back seams where water and debris collect; it is the standard for laminate counters that will get wet. A self-edge applies a separate laminate strip to a square front edge, producing a visible seam at the top of the edge; it is acceptable for dry counters and for a square-edge appearance. An applied solid-wood or PVC edge may be specified for impact resistance.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Plastic-Laminate Countertop Edge Treatment
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Post-formed (rolled radius, no front seam) — wet and standard counters"
− - "Self-edge (square edge, applied laminate strip) — dry counters"
− - "Applied solid-wood or PVC edge (impact resistance)"
−default: "Post-formed (rolled radius, no front seam) — wet and standard counters"
−```
−
−## Countertop Edge Profile
−
−```datasheet
−label: Countertop Edge Profile
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Square / eased edge"
− - "Radiused (1/4 in. to 1/2 in. radius)"
− - "Bullnose / half-bullnose"
− - "Beveled"
− - "Built-up (doubled-thickness) edge"
−default: "Radiused (1/4 in. to 1/2 in. radius)"
−```
−
−## Backsplash
−
−```datasheet
−label: Backsplash
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Integral coved backsplash (solid surface / post-formed laminate)"
− - "Applied 4 in. backsplash"
− - "Full-height backsplash to wall cabinets"
− - "No backsplash"
−default: "Applied 4 in. backsplash"
−```
−
−A coved (radiused) intersection between the counter and the backsplash, standard on solid surface and post-formed laminate, eliminates the square crevice at the wall where water and debris collect and is preferred in healthcare, food-handling, and wet locations for cleanability. Where a separate applied backsplash is used, the joint between the counter and the backsplash shall be sealed with a flexible sealant.
−
−# Cabinet Hardware
−
−Cabinet hardware governs how the casework operates and how long it lasts. Hardware shall conform to ANSI/BHMA A156.9 at the grade appropriate to the casework Duty Level and service. Concealed hinges and the better grades of drawer slide are the commercial default because they operate cleanly, adjust easily, and outlast surface hardware in high-cycle use.
−
−## Hinges
−
−Doors shall be hung on concealed (European cup) hinges providing six-way (height, depth, and side) field adjustment, so that doors can be aligned for uniform reveals after installation and re-adjusted over the life of the casework. Concealed hinges with an integral or add-on soft-close mechanism should be specified for commercial and institutional casework to eliminate slamming and the wear it causes. Exposed (surface-mounted) hinges are used only where a face-frame or traditional appearance requires them.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Hinge Type
−type: select
−options:
− - "Concealed six-way adjustable, soft-close (standard)"
− - "Concealed six-way adjustable, standard close"
− - "Exposed / surface-mounted (face-frame or traditional appearance)"
−default: "Concealed six-way adjustable, soft-close (standard)"
−```
−
−## Drawer Slides
−
−Drawers shall run on metal drawer slides selected for extension, mounting, and load. Undermount, full-extension, soft-close slides are the commercial and institutional default: they are concealed below the drawer, allow full access to the drawer interior, dampen the close, and carry the rated load smoothly. Side-mount slides are an economical alternative for utility casework. The slide load rating shall match the drawer use — a standard rating for general drawers and a heavy-duty rating for file drawers, equipment drawers, and pull-out work surfaces.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Drawer Slide Type
−type: select
−options:
− - "Undermount, full-extension, soft-close (standard)"
− - "Side-mount, full-extension, soft-close"
− - "Side-mount, 3/4-extension (utility casework)"
−default: "Undermount, full-extension, soft-close (standard)"
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Drawer Slide Load Rating
−type: radio
−unit: lb
−options:
− - "75 lb — standard drawers"
− - "100 lb — heavy general / file drawers"
− - "150 lb and up — equipment drawers, pull-out work surfaces"
−default: "75 lb — standard drawers"
−```
−
−## Pulls
−
−```datasheet
−label: Door and Drawer Pulls
−type: select
−options:
− - "Wire / bar pulls, satin stainless or aluminum"
− - "Edge / continuous reveal pull (integral, no projecting hardware)"
− - "Knobs"
− - "Recessed / flush pulls"
−default: "Wire / bar pulls, satin stainless or aluminum"
−```
−
−Pulls shall be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist where the casework serves an accessible function, in accordance with the operable-hardware requirements of ICC A117.1. Loop, bar, and edge pulls satisfy this requirement; knobs that require pinching do not where accessible operation is required.
−
−## Locks
−
−```datasheet
−label: Cabinet Locks
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "No locks (standard)"
− - "Cam locks at designated lockable cabinets and drawers"
− - "Keyed-alike cam locks within a room or department"
− - "Gang/ganged drawer lock (single lock secures a stack of drawers)"
−default: "No locks (standard)"
−```
−
−# Finishes
−
−## Wood-Veneer and Solid-Wood Finish
−
−Wood-veneer and solid-wood casework shall be finished with a factory-applied finish system meeting the requirements of the specified AWS / ANSI/AWI grade. A factory-applied catalyzed (conversion-varnish or comparable two-component) finish system is the commercial default because it is harder, more chemical- and moisture-resistant, and more uniform than a field-applied finish, and it is cured under controlled conditions before delivery. The finish system, sheen, and color shall be as scheduled.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Wood Finish System
−type: select
−options:
− - "Factory catalyzed / conversion-varnish system (standard)"
− - "Factory UV-cured finish system"
− - "Factory pre-catalyzed lacquer (lighter-duty)"
− - "Field-applied finish (where factory finishing is not feasible)"
−default: "Factory catalyzed / conversion-varnish system (standard)"
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Finish Sheen
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Satin"
− - "Semi-gloss"
− - "Matte / flat"
− - "Gloss"
−default: "Satin"
−```
−
−## Flame Spread
−
−Where the casework's exposed finish or panel is regulated as an interior finish, the exposed surface shall meet the flame-spread and smoke-developed classification required for the occupancy and location under ASTM E84 (or UL 723). A Class A (flame-spread index 25 or less, smoke-developed index 450 or less) classification shall be provided where required by the building code for the location.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Exposed-Surface Flame-Spread Classification (ASTM E84)
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Class A — flame spread 0-25, smoke developed 0-450"
− - "Class B — flame spread 26-75 (where AHJ accepts for the location)"
− - "Not regulated as interior finish at this location"
−default: "Not regulated as interior finish at this location"
−```
−
−# Low-Emitting Materials Compliance
−
−All composite-wood components of the casework — particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood — shall comply with the formaldehyde emission standards of EPA TSCA Title VI (40 CFR Part 770) and CARB ATCM 93120 (Phase 2), which set identical emission limits, and shall be labeled or certified accordingly. Compliance is mandatory for composite-wood products sold in the United States; it is not optional. Where the project pursues a low-emitting-materials credit (such as a green-building certification) or serves a sensitive occupancy (healthcare, schools, childcare), no-added-formaldehyde (NAUF / NAF) or ultra-low-emitting-formaldehyde (ULEF) composite wood should be specified to further reduce indoor formaldehyde, and the finish and adhesives should likewise be low-VOC.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Composite-Wood Formaldehyde Compliance
−type: radio
−options:
− - "TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 compliant (mandatory baseline)"
− - "No-added-formaldehyde (NAUF / NAF) composite wood"
− - "Ultra-low-emitting-formaldehyde (ULEF) composite wood"
−default: "TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 compliant (mandatory baseline)"
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Low-VOC Finishes and Adhesives Required
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Yes — low-VOC finish and adhesives (green-building / sensitive occupancy)"
− - "No — standard finish and adhesives"
−default: "No — standard finish and adhesives"
−```
−
−# Accessibility
−
−Casework that serves an accessible function — sinks, counters, work surfaces, and transaction counters required to be accessible — shall comply with the adopted accessibility standard (ICC A117.1 and the 2010 ADA Standards). The location and extent of accessible casework shall be [[drawing: as indicated on the casework plans and accessibility compliance documents]]; the Architect is responsible for confirming the count and configuration from the accessibility compliance path.
−
−At an accessible sink or counter, knee and toe clearance shall be provided beneath the counter: a knee space at least 27 in. high, 30 in. wide, and 19 in. deep, with the counter surface mounted no higher than 34 in. above the finished floor. Providing this clearance means the sink base at an accessible location is an open knee space (or a removable-front cabinet) rather than a standard base cabinet, and the cabinetry shall be detailed accordingly on the shop drawings. Exposed water-supply and drain piping beneath an accessible sink shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact, as coordinated with [[sync/plumbing-fixtures]].
−
−```datasheet
−label: Accessible Counter / Work Surface Height
−type: range
−unit: in. AFF
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− min: 28
− max: 34
− setpoints: [28, 30, 32, 34]
−default: 34
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Accessible Knee Clearance Provided at Sinks and Counters
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Yes — knee space 27 in. high min, 30 in. wide min, 19 in. deep min; counter 34 in. AFF max"
− - "Not applicable — no accessible casework at this location"
−default: "Yes — knee space 27 in. high min, 30 in. wide min, 19 in. deep min; counter 34 in. AFF max"
−```
−
−# Fabrication
−
−Casework shall be fabricated to the requirements of the specified grade and Duty Level, with components machined, assembled, and finished in the shop to the maximum extent practicable so that field work is limited to installation, fitting, and field joints. Doors and drawer fronts shall be flat within the tolerance allowed by the grade. Exposed surfaces of a continuous run shall be color- and pattern-matched; wood veneers shall be matched (book, slip, or random match as scheduled) within the grade requirements. Edges shall be banded and the bands radiused or eased so there is no sharp or open edge. Cases shall be assembled square and rigid with the manufacturer's fasteners and joinery appropriate to the core and Duty Level. Cutouts for sinks, fixtures, grommets, and equipment shall be made in the shop from the approved shop drawings wherever the dimensions are fixed; field cutouts shall be sealed at the cut edge.
−
−# Installation
−
−## General
−
−Casework shall be installed after the space is enclosed, conditioned, and dry, after wet finishes are complete, and after the casework has acclimated to the interior conditions. The Contractor shall install casework to the requirements of the specified installation grade (ANSI/AWI 0620 or the AWS installation grade), plumb, level, true, and securely anchored, with uniform reveals and tight, properly fitted joints.
−
−## Blocking Coordination
−
−The Contractor shall verify before installation that solid in-wall blocking has been provided at every wall-hung cabinet, every wall-anchored base and tall cabinet, and every countertop support and bracket location. Blocking is furnished and installed under the wall trades and coordinated on the casework shop drawings; the Contractor shall confirm its presence and location and shall notify the Architect of missing or mislocated blocking before proceeding. Wall cabinets and counters anchored to gypsum board without blocking will pull loose under load and shall not be permitted.
−
−```datasheet
−label: In-Wall Blocking Verified Before Installation
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Yes — blocking verified at all wall-hung and wall-anchored locations"
− - "Not applicable — no wall-anchored casework at this location"
−default: "Yes — blocking verified at all wall-hung and wall-anchored locations"
−```
−
−## Leveling, Scribing, and Anchoring
−
−Base and tall cabinets shall be set level and plumb on the floor and shimmed as required; floors are rarely flat, and an unleveled run telegraphs into misaligned doors, drawers, and counters. Exposed cabinet ends, fillers, and counters that meet walls shall be scribed to fit the wall contour so the joint is tight and uniform. Cabinets shall be anchored to the wall blocking and to one another with the manufacturer's fasteners; the anchorage shall develop the load of wall-hung cabinets and the lateral load on base and tall cabinets. Fasteners shall be concealed or located where they are not visible in the finished work.
−
−## Filler and Closure
−
−Fillers, scribe pieces, end panels, toe-kick closures, and trim shall be provided to close the gaps between cabinets and between cabinets and adjacent construction, finished to match the casework. Fillers shall be cut and scribed in the field, not left as raw gaps.
−
−## Countertop Seaming and Sealing
−
−Countertops shall be installed level and supported continuously by the cabinets and by the required brackets or supports at knee spaces and overhangs. Field joints in solid surface and quartz tops shall be made at the manufacturer's locations, bonded with the manufacturer's adhesive, and finished flush and inconspicuous. The joint between the countertop and the wall or backsplash, and around sinks and fixtures, shall be sealed with a flexible, mildew-resistant sealant to keep water out of the counter, the casework, and the wall.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Countertop Perimeter and Penetration Sealing
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Seal counter-to-wall, backsplash, and sink/fixture joints with flexible mildew-resistant sealant"
− - "No sealant required (dry counter, no wall or fixture interface)"
−default: "Seal counter-to-wall, backsplash, and sink/fixture joints with flexible mildew-resistant sealant"
−```
−
−## Sink and Fixture Cutouts
−
−Sink, faucet, and fixture cutouts not made in the shop shall be cut in the field from the approved fixture rough-in, with the cut edges sealed against moisture (and, in solid surface and quartz, with cutout corners radiused to prevent stress cracking). Undermount sinks shall be supported and bonded per the countertop manufacturer's requirements. Cutout coordination shall be confirmed with [[sync/plumbing-fixtures]] before cutting.
−
−# Field Quality Control
−
−After installation the Contractor shall inspect the casework and countertops for grade compliance, alignment, operation, and finish. Doors and drawers shall be checked for uniform reveals, smooth operation, and proper soft-close action; counters shall be checked for level, tight joints, and sealed perimeters; and exposed surfaces shall be checked for damage. Casework that does not meet the specified grade, that is out of alignment, or that is damaged shall be corrected or replaced.
−
−# Adjusting, Cleaning, and Protection
−
−After installation the Contractor shall adjust all hardware so that doors hang with uniform reveals and close properly, drawers run smoothly and close under the soft-close action, and locks operate. All exposed surfaces and counters shall be cleaned with the method appropriate to each material. Protective coverings shall be installed over completed countertops and casework and shall remain until substantial completion to protect the work from damage by other trades. Damaged, scratched, or delaminated components shall be repaired to an invisible condition where the grade permits, or replaced; field repairs that remain visible at the specified grade shall not be accepted.
−
−# Warranty
−
−```datasheet
−label: Casework and Countertop Warranty Period
−type: select
−options:
− - "1 year from substantial completion — standard"
− - "2 years from substantial completion"
− - "5 years from substantial completion (Premium / institutional programs)"
−default: "1 year from substantial completion — standard"
−```
−
−The manufacturer shall warrant the casework, countertops, and hardware against defects in materials and workmanship for the specified period, including warping beyond the grade tolerance, delamination, finish failure, and hardware failure under normal use. The warranty shall exclude damage caused by abuse beyond the rated Duty Level, by improper cleaning chemicals, by moisture exposure beyond the rated service condition (where an MR core or moisture-resistant material was not specified for a wet location), and by modifications made without the manufacturer's authorization.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Contractor Installation Warranty
−type: select
−options:
− - "1 year from substantial completion"
− - "2 years from substantial completion"
−default: "1 year from substantial completion"
−```
−
−The Contractor shall warrant the installation — including correct blocking verification, anchorage, leveling, scribing, hardware adjustment, countertop seaming and sealing, and compliance of accessible casework with the dimensional requirements of the accessibility standard — for the specified period. Deficiencies attributable to installation workmanship shall be corrected by the Contractor at no cost to the Owner.
+---
+title: Wood and Laminate Casework
+category: Architectural / Specialties
+toc_depth: 3
+description: >
+ When to use: Factory-fabricated architectural casework (cabinetry) and countertops for commercial, institutional, educational, and healthcare buildings — plastic-laminate and wood-veneer base, wall, and tall cabinets; reception desks, nurse stations, service counters, teller lines, and built-in millwork casework; and the countertops, backsplashes, and work surfaces that complete them. Covers the architectural-woodwork quality grade that governs flatness, joinery, hardware, and finish; the construction type (frameless/European or face-frame) and door-and-drawer overlay style; the core material and exposed-surface material (high-pressure decorative laminate, thermally-fused laminate, wood veneer, or solid wood); edgebanding; countertop material (plastic laminate, solid surface, quartz/engineered stone, and resin work surfaces); concealed cabinet hardware (hinges, drawer slides, pulls, and locks); low-emitting (formaldehyde) compliance; and accessibility at sinks and counters.
+ Not intended for: Standing and running trim, paneling, and ornamental woodwork specified separately (see [[sync/architectural-wood-trim-and-paneling]]); food-service stainless-steel casework and counters; laboratory fume-hood casework and chemical-resistant lab benches where specified under a separate laboratory casework standard; toilet partitions (see [[sync/toilet-compartments]]); metal storage lockers (see [[sync/metal-lockers]]); solid-surface and stone countertops furnished as part of stone fabrication where not built on casework; and modular systems furniture.
+---
+
+# Scope {toc}
+
+## This standard covers the furnishing and installation of factory-fabricated architectural casework and the countertops, work surfaces, and backsplashes that complete it, for commercial and institutional buildings. {note}
+## Casework under this standard is the built-in cabinetry of a project: the base, wall, and tall cabinets in workrooms, break rooms, copy rooms, exam rooms, and classrooms; the reception desks, nurse stations, service counters, and teller lines that combine cabinetry with a transaction surface; and the built-in millwork casework that a project schedules as cabinets rather than as freestanding furniture. {note}
+## The scope includes the architectural-woodwork quality grade, the cabinet construction type and overlay style, the core and exposed-surface materials, the edge treatment, the countertop material and edge profile, the concealed cabinet hardware, the factory finish, the low-emitting-material (formaldehyde) compliance, the accessibility provisions at sinks and counters, and the field installation. {note}
+
+## The single most consequential decision in this standard is the quality grade, which propagates into flatness, joinery, veneer matching, hardware, and finish and must be specified correctly. {note}
+
+## Casework layout, cabinet types, elevations, dimensions, and quantities shall be [[drawing: as indicated on the casework plans, interior elevations, and millwork details]].
+
+## This standard establishes the grade, construction, material, hardware, finish, accessibility, and installation requirements for the casework shown on those drawings.
+
+## This work shall be coordinated with [[sync/gypsum-board-assemblies]] and [[sync/unit-masonry]] for in-wall blocking and anchorage backing, with [[sync/doors-frames-and-hardware]] where casework adjoins door openings, with [[sync/plumbing-fixtures]] for sinks, faucets, and the rough-in served by counters, with [[sync/toilet-accessories]] for accessories mounted on or adjacent to casework, and with [[sync/resilient-flooring]] and the base trades for floor and base conditions at cabinet toe kicks.
+
+# Referenced Standards {toc}
+
+## Materials, fabrication, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted editions of the following standards.
+
+| Standard | Title |
+|----------|-------|
+| ANSI/AWI 0641 | Architectural Wood Casework |
+| AWI/AWMAC/WI AWS | Architectural Woodwork Standards (quality grades and general requirements) |
+| ANSI/AWI 0620 | Finish Carpentry / Installation (installation grade requirements) |
+| ANSI/HPVA HP-1 | Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood |
+| NEMA LD 3 | High-Pressure Decorative Laminates |
+| ANSI A135.4 | Basic Hardboard / Composite Wood Panels (particleboard and MDF reference) |
+| ANSI A208.1 | Particleboard |
+| ANSI A208.2 | Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) for Interior Applications |
+| ANSI/KCMA A161.1 | Performance and Construction Standard for Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets |
+| ANSI/BHMA A156.9 | Cabinet Hardware |
+| ASTM E84 | Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (flame spread / smoke developed) |
+| UL 723 | Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (equivalent to ASTM E84) |
+| EPA 40 CFR Part 770 | Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products (TSCA Title VI) |
+| CARB ATCM 93120 | Airborne Toxic Control Measure — Composite Wood Products (Phase 2) |
+| ICC A117.1 | Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities |
+| 2010 ADA Standards | Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards |
+
+## Where the contract documents or the adopted building code impose more stringent requirements than a referenced standard, the more stringent requirement shall govern.
+
+## The Contractor shall resolve conflicts in writing with the Architect before fabrication begins.
+
+# Submittals {toc}
+
+## Action Submittals {toc}
+
+### The following submittals shall be submitted for review and returned before fabrication begins, complete and internally coordinated before any item is submitted.
+
+- **Product Data:** Manufacturer's product data for each core material, exposed-surface material, edgebanding, countertop material, finish system, and hardware item, including thickness, composition, performance ratings, and the applicable formaldehyde-emission compliance documentation.
+- **Shop Drawings:** Plans, elevations, and sections of each casework run and countertop, drawn to scale, showing cabinet types and dimensions, construction type and overlay style, core and exposed-surface materials, edge treatment, countertop material and profile, backsplash, hardware locations and types, filler and scribe conditions, blocking and anchorage requirements, sink and equipment cutouts, and the location and clearances of all accessible casework, and identifying the AWS/ANSI quality grade for the work.
+- **Samples:** Color and finish samples for each exposed-surface material and countertop material, an edgebanding sample, a corner sample of cabinet construction showing core and edge treatment for Custom or Premium grade work, and finish samples for site-finished or factory-finished wood veneer.
+- **Quality Grade Certification:** Documentation of the AWS/ANSI/AWI grade certification for the casework, including AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) certification or equivalent third-party certification where required by the contract documents.
+- **Formaldehyde Compliance:** TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 compliance documentation for all composite-wood components, including labeling or certificates of conformity.
+- **Hardware Schedule:** A schedule of hinges, drawer slides, pulls, locks, and accessories keyed to the cabinet types on the shop drawings, with the ANSI/BHMA A156.9 grade and the drawer-slide load rating.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Action Submittals Required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - "Product data for core, surface, edge, countertop, finish, and hardware"
+ - "Dimensioned shop drawings (plans, elevations, sections) per casework run"
+ - "Color, finish, edgeband, and construction corner samples"
+ - "AWS / ANSI/AWI quality grade certification (AWI QCP or equivalent)"
+ - "Formaldehyde compliance documentation (TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2)"
+ - "Hardware schedule (BHMA A156.9 grade, drawer-slide load rating)"
+default: "Dimensioned shop drawings (plans, elevations, sections) per casework run"
+```
+
+## Closeout Submittals {toc}
+
+### At substantial completion the Contractor shall provide the following:
+
+- Material-specific care and maintenance instructions for each exposed-surface and countertop material
+- Manufacturer and installation warranty documentation
+- Hardware adjustment and replacement-parts data
+- Attic-stock touch-up finish and spare hardware inventory
+
+```datasheet
+label: Closeout Submittals Required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - "Material-specific care and maintenance instructions"
+ - "Manufacturer and installation warranty documentation"
+ - "Hardware adjustment and replacement-parts data"
+ - "Attic-stock touch-up finish and spare hardware inventory"
+default: "Material-specific care and maintenance instructions"
+```
+
+### Care instructions are material-specific, and the Owner's housekeeping staff must be given the correct guidance to avoid finish damage. {note}
+
+# Quality Assurance {toc}
+
+## Manufacturer Qualifications {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Grade Certification Program
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) certified"
+ - "Equivalent third-party woodwork certification program"
+ - "Manufacturer's self-certification of grade compliance (where AHJ/Architect accepts)"
+default: "AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) certified"
+```
+
+### The casework manufacturer shall be a firm regularly engaged in the fabrication of architectural casework of the type, grade, and material specified, with documented experience on comparable projects.
+
+### Where the contract documents require third-party grade certification, the manufacturer shall be a licensed participant in the AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) or an equivalent program, and the casework shall bear the program's certification label.
+
+## Single-Source Responsibility {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Single-Source Responsibility
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "All casework, countertops, and hardware from a single manufacturer"
+ - "Casework and countertops furnished as a coordinated package by a single supplier"
+default: "All casework, countertops, and hardware from a single manufacturer"
+```
+
+### All casework, countertops, and cabinet hardware within a related scope shall be furnished by a single manufacturer or a single coordinated supplier so that grade, construction, finish, and hardware preparations are compatible.
+
+### Cabinet hardware preparations (hinge boring, slide drilling, and pull layout) are specific to the manufacturer's case construction; mixing components from different manufacturers voids the fit of factory machining. {note}
+
+## Mockup {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Mockup Required
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Yes — provide one representative casework mockup for approval"
+ - "No — mockup not required"
+default: "No — mockup not required"
+```
+
+### Where required by the contract documents, the Contractor shall provide a full-size mockup of a representative casework unit — typically a base cabinet with a drawer, a door, a countertop section with the specified edge profile, and the specified hardware — for the Architect's review and approval of grade, construction, color, finish, and operation.
+
+### The approved mockup shall establish the standard of quality for the work and may be incorporated into the finished work if undamaged.
+
+## Grade Compliance {toc}
+
+### The casework shall comply in all respects with the requirements of the specified AWS / ANSI/AWI grade for materials, construction, joinery, flatness, hardware, and finish.
+
+### The specified grade governs wherever this standard is silent.
+
+### Where this standard establishes a requirement more stringent than the grade minimum, this standard governs.
+
+# Environmental and Service Conditions {toc}
+
+## Delivery, Storage, and Acclimation {toc}
+
+### Casework is dimensionally responsive to moisture, and a panel installed wetter or drier than its service condition will swell, shrink, cup, or warp after installation. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Interior Relative Humidity Range for Delivery, Acclimation, and Service
+type: range
+unit: % RH
+options:
+ min: 25
+ max: 55
+ setpoints: [25, 30, 35, 45, 50, 55]
+default: 45
+```
+
+### Casework shall not be delivered to the building until wet-work (concrete, masonry, plaster, and gypsum finishing) is complete and dry, the building is enclosed, and the permanent HVAC system is operating and maintaining the interior within the range the casework will experience in service.
+
+### Casework shall be acclimated in the conditioned space before installation.
+
+### The interior relative humidity at delivery and in service should be maintained within the range the AWS specifies for the geographic region and season, generally between 25% and 55% RH, with extended swings avoided.
+
+### The narrower and more stable the humidity range, the lower the risk of warping and joint movement after installation. {note}
+
+## Wet and High-Humidity Locations {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Wet-Area Core Requirement
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Moisture-resistant (MR) core at all sink bases and wet-area casework"
+ - "Standard core throughout (dry locations only)"
+default: "Moisture-resistant (MR) core at all sink bases and wet-area casework"
+```
+
+### Casework serving sinks, break rooms, janitor closets, locker rooms, and other wet or high-humidity locations shall use a moisture-resistant (MR) core for the case body, the most exposed shelves, and the sink-base components, so that incidental water and elevated humidity do not swell the core.
+
+### A standard particleboard or MDF core absorbs water at any unsealed edge or screw hole and swells irreversibly; the MR core resists that swelling and holds fasteners after wetting. {note}
+
+# Quality Grade {toc}
+
+## The quality grade is the governing decision for the standard. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Architectural Woodwork Quality Grade
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Economy — utility and back-of-house casework"
+ - "Custom — standard commercial and institutional default"
+ - "Premium — high-visibility architectural millwork"
+default: "Custom — standard commercial and institutional default"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Structural Duty Level (ANSI/AWI 0641, where specified)
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Duty Level 1 — light residential-type duty"
+ - "Duty Level 2 — moderate commercial duty"
+ - "Duty Level 3 — heavy commercial / institutional duty"
+ - "Duty Level 4 — extra-heavy / high-cycle institutional duty"
+default: "Duty Level 3 — heavy commercial / institutional duty"
+```
+
+## Custom grade is the commercial default and is appropriate for the large majority of commercial and institutional casework, providing sound construction, good appearance, and durable hardware at a reasonable cost. {note}
+
+## Economy grade is suitable only for utility and back-of-house casework where appearance and longevity are not priorities. {note}
+
+## Premium grade is reserved for high-visibility, architecturally significant millwork where the tightest tolerances, the best veneer matching, and the highest finish quality are required and the budget supports them. {note}
+
+## The Duty Level is the structural-performance counterpart that ANSI/AWI 0641 separated from the aesthetic grade, allowing case strength, shelf load, and hardware cycle life to be set independently of appearance; most commercial and institutional casework specifies Duty Level 3. {note}
+
+# Casework Construction {toc}
+
+## Construction Type {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Construction Type
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Frameless (European / Type A) — full-overlay, maximized interior"
+ - "Face-frame (American / Type B) — applied hardwood face frame"
+default: "Frameless (European / Type A) — full-overlay, maximized interior"
+```
+
+### Casework shall be fabricated as frameless (European, "Type A") or face-frame (American, "Type B") construction.
+
+### Frameless construction omits the front frame: doors and drawer fronts mount directly to the case sides, the full case opening is available, and the box is assembled from finished panels with concealed fasteners and dowels or confirmat screws. {note}
+
+### Face-frame construction applies a hardwood or composite face frame to the front of the case, to which doors and drawers are mounted. {note}
+
+### Frameless is the commercial default because it maximizes usable interior space, simplifies fabrication and hardware, and produces clean reveals; face-frame is selected where a traditional appearance or face-frame detail is the design intent and where the frame's added rigidity at the case front is wanted. {note}
+
+## Door and Drawer-Front Overlay Style {toc}
+
+### The overlay style sets how doors and drawer fronts cover the case opening and how much of the case or frame is exposed between them. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Door and Drawer-Front Overlay Style
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Full overlay (frameless default)"
+ - "Reveal overlay (intentional wider reveal)"
+ - "Flush inset (fronts flush within opening — Premium detail)"
+ - "Partial overlay / exposed face-frame (face-frame construction)"
+default: "Full overlay (frameless default)"
+```
+
+### Full overlay (the frameless default) covers the case edge almost completely, leaving only a narrow, uniform reveal between fronts. {note}
+
+### Reveal (inset-reveal) overlay leaves a wider intentional reveal as a design feature. {note}
+
+### Flush-inset sets the fronts within the case opening flush with the front edge, a higher-cost detail associated with Premium work. {note}
+
+### Exposed face-frame (a face-frame-only option) leaves part of the face frame visible around partial-overlay or inset doors. {note}
+
+## Case Body Core Material {toc}
+
+### The core material carries the case load, holds the fasteners and hardware, and provides the substrate for the exposed surface. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Case Body Core Material
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Industrial-grade particleboard (ANSI A208.1) — standard laminated casework"
+ - "Medium-density fiberboard / MDF (ANSI A208.2) — painted and routed faces"
+ - "Veneer-core hardwood plywood (ANSI/HPVA HP-1) — wood-veneer and lighter casework"
+ - "Moisture-resistant (MR) particleboard or MDF — wet-area casework"
+default: "Industrial-grade particleboard (ANSI A208.1) — standard laminated casework"
+```
+
+### Industrial-grade particleboard (ANSI A208.1) is the standard core for laminated casework: it is flat, stable, dimensionally consistent, economical, and holds the specialized cabinet fasteners and concealed-hinge cups well when the correct hardware is used. {note}
+
+### Medium-density fiberboard (MDF, ANSI A208.2) is denser and smoother, with superior screw-holding at edges and a better surface for painted and thin-laminate finishes, and is preferred for routed and painted door faces. {note}
+
+### Veneer-core hardwood plywood (ANSI/HPVA HP-1) is lighter, holds screws well in its face and edges, and resists moisture better than particleboard, and is selected for wood-veneer casework, for cases where weight matters, and for higher grades. {note}
+
+## Exposed Surface Material {toc}
+
+### The exposed surface is the visible face of doors, drawer fronts, end panels, and other surfaces seen in the finished space. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Exterior Exposed Surface Material
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "High-pressure decorative laminate (HPL), NEMA LD 3 (standard)"
+ - "Thermally-fused laminate (TFL / melamine) — low-wear surfaces"
+ - "Wood veneer (factory- or field-finished)"
+ - "Solid wood"
+default: "High-pressure decorative laminate (HPL), NEMA LD 3 (standard)"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: HPL Grade for Exposed Vertical Surfaces (NEMA LD 3)
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "VGS — vertical general-purpose (cabinet faces, end panels)"
+ - "HGS — horizontal general-purpose (where face also serves as work surface)"
+default: "VGS — vertical general-purpose (cabinet faces, end panels)"
+```
+
+### High-pressure decorative laminate (HPL) to NEMA LD 3 is the commercial default: a hard, durable face of resin-saturated kraft layers, a decorative sheet, and a wear overlay fused under high heat and pressure and bonded to the core, available in a wide color and pattern range. {note}
+
+### Thermally-fused laminate (TFL, also called melamine) fuses a single resin-impregnated decorative sheet directly to the core; it is economical and produces a matched interior/exterior panel but has lower scratch, wear, and impact resistance than HPL and shall be limited to low-wear surfaces and cabinet interiors.
+
+### Wood veneer provides a natural-wood appearance at Custom and Premium grades and requires a factory or field finish. {note}
+
+### Solid wood is used for select components (face frames, edges, applied moldings) and for solid-wood casework where the design requires it. {note}
+
+### The vertical grade of HPL (NEMA LD 3 Grade VGS) is appropriate for cabinet faces and end panels, which are not subject to the wear of a work surface.
+
+### The horizontal grade (HGS) shall be used for any HPL work surface or counter; specifying a vertical grade on a horizontal wear surface causes premature wear-through.
+
+## Semi-Exposed Surface Material {toc}
+
+### Semi-exposed surfaces — cabinet interiors, shelf faces, and the inside of doors — are seen only when the cabinet is open. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Semi-Exposed (Interior) Surface Material
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Thermally-fused laminate (TFL / melamine) interior (standard)"
+ - "HPL interior (where matching the exterior is required)"
+ - "Wood veneer interior (Premium wood casework)"
+default: "Thermally-fused laminate (TFL / melamine) interior (standard)"
+```
+
+### TFL (melamine) is the standard semi-exposed surface because it is durable, cleanable, and economical, and matches or complements the exposed surface. {note}
+
+### A finished interior shall be provided at the specified grade; an unfinished or sealed interior is acceptable only at Economy grade.
+
+## Edgebanding {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Edgebanding — Doors, Drawer Fronts, and High-Impact Edges
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "3 mm PVC / polymer edgeband (standard, high impact resistance)"
+ - "1 mm PVC / polymer edgeband (moderate-impact edges)"
+ - "Applied solid-wood edge (wood-veneer casework)"
+ - "Self-edge — face laminate wrapped to edge (light-duty laminate)"
+default: "3 mm PVC / polymer edgeband (standard, high impact resistance)"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Edgebanding — Concealed and Low-Impact Edges
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "0.5 mm to 1 mm PVC / polymer edgeband"
+ - "Match exposed-edge banding throughout"
+default: "0.5 mm to 1 mm PVC / polymer edgeband"
+```
+
+### The exposed edges of laminated panels shall be banded to seal the core and resist impact and moisture.
+
+### A 3 mm thick PVC (or comparable polymer) edgeband shall be used on doors, drawer fronts, and high-impact edges because its thickness, radiused profile, and tough polymer resist the chipping and delamination that a thin band suffers in service, and it can be re-radiused if damaged.
+
+### A thin (0.5 mm to 1 mm) band is acceptable on low-impact and concealed edges.
+
+### Wood edge (applied solid-wood edge) is used on wood-veneer casework, and self-edge (the face laminate wrapped onto the edge) is a lower-cost laminate option suitable for light-duty work. {note}
+
+### Exposed edges of MR-core wet-area casework shall be fully sealed by the edgeband to keep water out of the core.
+
+# Countertops {toc}
+
+## Countertop Selection {toc}
+
+### The countertop material is a primary decision and shall be selected for the use, exposure, and appearance of each counter.
+
+### The material, edge profile, and backsplash shall be coordinated with the casework grade and with the fixtures and equipment the counter serves.
+
+## Countertop Material {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Countertop Material
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Plastic laminate (HPL, NEMA LD 3 HGS) — general work surfaces"
+ - "Solid surface — institutional / healthcare counters (default)"
+ - "Quartz / engineered stone — high-use, high-visibility counters"
+ - "Epoxy or phenolic resin — science, art, and general wet-lab surfaces"
+ - "Natural stone (where specified)"
+default: "Solid surface — institutional / healthcare counters (default)"
+```
+
+### Plastic laminate (HPL) countertops are the economical default for general work surfaces, break rooms, copy rooms, and back-of-house counters, using the horizontal grade (NEMA LD 3 HGS). {note}
+
+### Solid surface (homogeneous filled-polymer sheet) is the institutional default for reception desks, nurse stations, exam-room counters, and healthcare and education work surfaces because it is non-porous, seamless, renewable, and integrates a coved backsplash and a molded sink for a cleanable, hygienic surface. {note}
+
+### Quartz (engineered stone) provides a hard, scratch- and stain-resistant, low-maintenance natural-stone appearance for high-visibility and high-use counters. {note}
+
+### Epoxy or phenolic resin work surfaces are chemical- and moisture-resistant surfaces for school science rooms, art rooms, and general wet labs (dedicated laboratory fume-hood and chemical-bench casework is specified separately). {note}
+
+## Plastic-Laminate Countertop Edge {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Plastic-Laminate Countertop Edge Treatment
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Post-formed (rolled radius, no front seam) — wet and standard counters"
+ - "Self-edge (square edge, applied laminate strip) — dry counters"
+ - "Applied solid-wood or PVC edge (impact resistance)"
+default: "Post-formed (rolled radius, no front seam) — wet and standard counters"
+```
+
+### Where a plastic-laminate countertop is specified, the edge shall be post-formed or self-edged.
+
+### A post-formed top rolls the laminate in a continuous radius over the front edge and up the integral backsplash, eliminating the front and back seams where water and debris collect; it is the standard for laminate counters that will get wet. {note}
+
+### A self-edge applies a separate laminate strip to a square front edge, producing a visible seam at the top of the edge; it is acceptable for dry counters and for a square-edge appearance. {note}
+
+### An applied solid-wood or PVC edge may be specified for impact resistance.
+
+## Countertop Edge Profile {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Countertop Edge Profile
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Square / eased edge"
+ - "Radiused (1/4 in. to 1/2 in. radius)"
+ - "Bullnose / half-bullnose"
+ - "Beveled"
+ - "Built-up (doubled-thickness) edge"
+default: "Radiused (1/4 in. to 1/2 in. radius)"
+```
+
+### The countertop edge profile shall be as scheduled and as indicated on the drawings.
+
+## Backsplash {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Backsplash
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Integral coved backsplash (solid surface / post-formed laminate)"
+ - "Applied 4 in. backsplash"
+ - "Full-height backsplash to wall cabinets"
+ - "No backsplash"
+default: "Applied 4 in. backsplash"
+```
+
+### The backsplash type shall be as scheduled and as indicated on the drawings.
+
+### A coved (radiused) intersection between the counter and the backsplash, standard on solid surface and post-formed laminate, eliminates the square crevice at the wall and is preferred in healthcare, food-handling, and wet locations for cleanability. {note}
+
+### Where a separate applied backsplash is used, the joint between the counter and the backsplash shall be sealed with a flexible sealant.
+
+# Cabinet Hardware {toc}
+
+## Cabinet hardware governs how the casework operates and how long it lasts. {note}
+
+## Hardware shall conform to ANSI/BHMA A156.9 at the grade appropriate to the casework Duty Level and service.
+
+## Concealed hinges and the better grades of drawer slide are the commercial default because they operate cleanly, adjust easily, and outlast surface hardware in high-cycle use. {note}
+
+## Hinges {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Hinge Type
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Concealed six-way adjustable, soft-close (standard)"
+ - "Concealed six-way adjustable, standard close"
+ - "Exposed / surface-mounted (face-frame or traditional appearance)"
+default: "Concealed six-way adjustable, soft-close (standard)"
+```
+
+### Doors shall be hung on concealed (European cup) hinges providing six-way (height, depth, and side) field adjustment, so that doors can be aligned for uniform reveals after installation and re-adjusted over the life of the casework.
+
+### Concealed hinges with an integral or add-on soft-close mechanism should be specified for commercial and institutional casework to eliminate slamming and the wear it causes.
+
+### Exposed (surface-mounted) hinges are used only where a face-frame or traditional appearance requires them.
+
+## Drawer Slides {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Drawer Slide Type
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Undermount, full-extension, soft-close (standard)"
+ - "Side-mount, full-extension, soft-close"
+ - "Side-mount, 3/4-extension (utility casework)"
+default: "Undermount, full-extension, soft-close (standard)"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Drawer Slide Load Rating
+type: radio
+unit: lb
+options:
+ - "75 lb — standard drawers"
+ - "100 lb — heavy general / file drawers"
+ - "150 lb and up — equipment drawers, pull-out work surfaces"
+default: "75 lb — standard drawers"
+```
+
+### Drawers shall run on metal drawer slides selected for extension, mounting, and load.
+
+### Undermount, full-extension, soft-close slides are the commercial and institutional default: they are concealed below the drawer, allow full access to the drawer interior, dampen the close, and carry the rated load smoothly. {note}
+
+### Side-mount slides are an economical alternative for utility casework. {note}
+
+### The slide load rating shall match the drawer use — a standard rating for general drawers and a heavy-duty rating for file drawers, equipment drawers, and pull-out work surfaces.
+
+## Pulls {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Door and Drawer Pulls
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Wire / bar pulls, satin stainless or aluminum"
+ - "Edge / continuous reveal pull (integral, no projecting hardware)"
+ - "Knobs"
+ - "Recessed / flush pulls"
+default: "Wire / bar pulls, satin stainless or aluminum"
+```
+
+### Door and drawer pulls shall be as scheduled and as indicated on the drawings.
+
+### Pulls shall be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist where the casework serves an accessible function, in accordance with the operable-hardware requirements of ICC A117.1.
+
+### Loop, bar, and edge pulls satisfy the accessible-operation requirement; knobs that require pinching do not where accessible operation is required. {note}
+
+## Locks {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Cabinet Locks
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "No locks (standard)"
+ - "Cam locks at designated lockable cabinets and drawers"
+ - "Keyed-alike cam locks within a room or department"
+ - "Gang/ganged drawer lock (single lock secures a stack of drawers)"
+default: "No locks (standard)"
+```
+
+### Cabinet locks shall be provided as scheduled and as indicated on the drawings.
+
+# Finishes {toc}
+
+## Wood-Veneer and Solid-Wood Finish {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Wood Finish System
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Factory catalyzed / conversion-varnish system (standard)"
+ - "Factory UV-cured finish system"
+ - "Factory pre-catalyzed lacquer (lighter-duty)"
+ - "Field-applied finish (where factory finishing is not feasible)"
+default: "Factory catalyzed / conversion-varnish system (standard)"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Finish Sheen
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Satin"
+ - "Semi-gloss"
+ - "Matte / flat"
+ - "Gloss"
+default: "Satin"
+```
+
+### Wood-veneer and solid-wood casework shall be finished with a factory-applied finish system meeting the requirements of the specified AWS / ANSI/AWI grade.
+
+### A factory-applied catalyzed (conversion-varnish or comparable two-component) finish system is the commercial default because it is harder, more chemical- and moisture-resistant, and more uniform than a field-applied finish, and it is cured under controlled conditions before delivery. {note}
+
+### The finish system, sheen, and color shall be as scheduled.
+
+## Flame Spread {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Exposed-Surface Flame-Spread Classification (ASTM E84)
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Class A — flame spread 0-25, smoke developed 0-450"
+ - "Class B — flame spread 26-75 (where AHJ accepts for the location)"
+ - "Not regulated as interior finish at this location"
+default: "Not regulated as interior finish at this location"
+```
+
+### Where the casework's exposed finish or panel is regulated as an interior finish, the exposed surface shall meet the flame-spread and smoke-developed classification required for the occupancy and location under ASTM E84 (or UL 723).
+
+### A Class A (flame-spread index 25 or less, smoke-developed index 450 or less) classification shall be provided where required by the building code for the location.
+
+# Low-Emitting Materials Compliance {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Composite-Wood Formaldehyde Compliance
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 compliant (mandatory baseline)"
+ - "No-added-formaldehyde (NAUF / NAF) composite wood"
+ - "Ultra-low-emitting-formaldehyde (ULEF) composite wood"
+default: "TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 compliant (mandatory baseline)"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Low-VOC Finishes and Adhesives Required
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Yes — low-VOC finish and adhesives (green-building / sensitive occupancy)"
+ - "No — standard finish and adhesives"
+default: "No — standard finish and adhesives"
+```
+
+## All composite-wood components of the casework — particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood — shall comply with the formaldehyde emission standards of EPA TSCA Title VI (40 CFR Part 770) and CARB ATCM 93120 (Phase 2), and shall be labeled or certified accordingly.
+
+## Compliance is mandatory for composite-wood products sold in the United States; it is not optional. {note}
+
+## Where the project pursues a low-emitting-materials credit or serves a sensitive occupancy (healthcare, schools, childcare), no-added-formaldehyde (NAUF / NAF) or ultra-low-emitting-formaldehyde (ULEF) composite wood should be specified, and the finish and adhesives should likewise be low-VOC.
+
+# Accessibility {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Accessible Counter / Work Surface Height
+type: range
+unit: in. AFF
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ min: 28
+ max: 34
+ setpoints: [28, 30, 32, 34]
+default: 34
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Accessible Knee Clearance Provided at Sinks and Counters
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Yes — knee space 27 in. high min, 30 in. wide min, 19 in. deep min; counter 34 in. AFF max"
+ - "Not applicable — no accessible casework at this location"
+default: "Yes — knee space 27 in. high min, 30 in. wide min, 19 in. deep min; counter 34 in. AFF max"
+```
+
+## Casework that serves an accessible function — sinks, counters, work surfaces, and transaction counters required to be accessible — shall comply with the adopted accessibility standard (ICC A117.1 and the 2010 ADA Standards).
+
+## The location and extent of accessible casework shall be [[drawing: as indicated on the casework plans and accessibility compliance documents]], with the Architect responsible for confirming the count and configuration from the accessibility compliance path.
+
+## At an accessible sink or counter, knee and toe clearance shall be provided beneath the counter: a knee space at least 27 in. high, 30 in. wide, and 19 in. deep, with the counter surface mounted no higher than 34 in. above the finished floor.
+
+## The sink base at an accessible location shall be an open knee space (or a removable-front cabinet) rather than a standard base cabinet, detailed accordingly on the shop drawings.
+
+## Exposed water-supply and drain piping beneath an accessible sink shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact, as coordinated with [[sync/plumbing-fixtures]].
+
+# Fabrication {toc}
+
+## Casework shall be fabricated to the requirements of the specified grade and Duty Level, with components machined, assembled, and finished in the shop to the maximum extent practicable so that field work is limited to installation, fitting, and field joints.
+
+## Doors and drawer fronts shall be flat within the tolerance allowed by the grade.
+
+## Exposed surfaces of a continuous run shall be color- and pattern-matched, and wood veneers shall be matched (book, slip, or random match as scheduled) within the grade requirements.
+
+## Edges shall be banded and the bands radiused or eased so there is no sharp or open edge.
+
+## Cases shall be assembled square and rigid with the manufacturer's fasteners and joinery appropriate to the core and Duty Level.
+
+## Cutouts for sinks, fixtures, grommets, and equipment shall be made in the shop from the approved shop drawings wherever the dimensions are fixed; field cutouts shall be sealed at the cut edge.
+
+# Installation {toc}
+
+## General {toc}
+
+### Casework shall be installed after the space is enclosed, conditioned, and dry, after wet finishes are complete, and after the casework has acclimated to the interior conditions.
+
+### The Contractor shall install casework to the requirements of the specified installation grade (ANSI/AWI 0620 or the AWS installation grade), plumb, level, true, and securely anchored, with uniform reveals and tight, properly fitted joints.
+
+## Blocking Coordination {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: In-Wall Blocking Verified Before Installation
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Yes — blocking verified at all wall-hung and wall-anchored locations"
+ - "Not applicable — no wall-anchored casework at this location"
+default: "Yes — blocking verified at all wall-hung and wall-anchored locations"
+```
+
+### The Contractor shall verify before installation that solid in-wall blocking has been provided at every wall-hung cabinet, every wall-anchored base and tall cabinet, and every countertop support and bracket location.
+
+### The Contractor shall confirm the presence and location of blocking and shall notify the Architect of missing or mislocated blocking before proceeding.
+
+### Wall cabinets and counters anchored to gypsum board without blocking will pull loose under load and shall not be permitted.
+
+## Leveling, Scribing, and Anchoring {toc}
+
+### Base and tall cabinets shall be set level and plumb on the floor and shimmed as required.
+
+### Exposed cabinet ends, fillers, and counters that meet walls shall be scribed to fit the wall contour so the joint is tight and uniform.
+
+### Cabinets shall be anchored to the wall blocking and to one another with the manufacturer's fasteners, and the anchorage shall develop the load of wall-hung cabinets and the lateral load on base and tall cabinets.
+
+### Fasteners shall be concealed or located where they are not visible in the finished work.
+
+## Filler and Closure {toc}
+
+### Fillers, scribe pieces, end panels, toe-kick closures, and trim shall be provided to close the gaps between cabinets and between cabinets and adjacent construction, finished to match the casework.
+
+### Fillers shall be cut and scribed in the field, not left as raw gaps.
+
+## Countertop Seaming and Sealing {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Countertop Perimeter and Penetration Sealing
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Seal counter-to-wall, backsplash, and sink/fixture joints with flexible mildew-resistant sealant"
+ - "No sealant required (dry counter, no wall or fixture interface)"
+default: "Seal counter-to-wall, backsplash, and sink/fixture joints with flexible mildew-resistant sealant"
+```
+
+### Countertops shall be installed level and supported continuously by the cabinets and by the required brackets or supports at knee spaces and overhangs.
+
+### Field joints in solid surface and quartz tops shall be made at the manufacturer's locations, bonded with the manufacturer's adhesive, and finished flush and inconspicuous.
+
+### The joint between the countertop and the wall or backsplash, and around sinks and fixtures, shall be sealed with a flexible, mildew-resistant sealant to keep water out of the counter, the casework, and the wall.
+
+## Sink and Fixture Cutouts {toc}
+
+### Sink, faucet, and fixture cutouts not made in the shop shall be cut in the field from the approved fixture rough-in, with the cut edges sealed against moisture and, in solid surface and quartz, with cutout corners radiused to prevent stress cracking.
+
+### Undermount sinks shall be supported and bonded per the countertop manufacturer's requirements.
+
+### Cutout coordination shall be confirmed with [[sync/plumbing-fixtures]] before cutting.
+
+# Field Quality Control {toc}
+
+## After installation the Contractor shall inspect the casework and countertops for grade compliance, alignment, operation, and finish.
+
+## Doors and drawers shall be checked for uniform reveals, smooth operation, and proper soft-close action; counters shall be checked for level, tight joints, and sealed perimeters; and exposed surfaces shall be checked for damage.
+
+## Casework that does not meet the specified grade, that is out of alignment, or that is damaged shall be corrected or replaced.
+
+# Adjusting, Cleaning, and Protection {toc}
+
+## After installation the Contractor shall adjust all hardware so that doors hang with uniform reveals and close properly, drawers run smoothly and close under the soft-close action, and locks operate.
+
+## All exposed surfaces and counters shall be cleaned with the method appropriate to each material.
+
+## Protective coverings shall be installed over completed countertops and casework and shall remain until substantial completion to protect the work from damage by other trades.
+
+## Damaged, scratched, or delaminated components shall be repaired to an invisible condition where the grade permits, or replaced; field repairs that remain visible at the specified grade shall not be accepted.
+
+# Warranty {toc}
+
+## Manufacturer Warranty {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Casework and Countertop Warranty Period
+type: select
+options:
+ - "1 year from substantial completion — standard"
+ - "2 years from substantial completion"
+ - "5 years from substantial completion (Premium / institutional programs)"
+default: "1 year from substantial completion — standard"
+```
+
+### The manufacturer shall warrant the casework, countertops, and hardware against defects in materials and workmanship for the specified period, including warping beyond the grade tolerance, delamination, finish failure, and hardware failure under normal use.
+
+### The warranty shall exclude damage caused by abuse beyond the rated Duty Level, by improper cleaning chemicals, by moisture exposure beyond the rated service condition (where an MR core or moisture-resistant material was not specified for a wet location), and by modifications made without the manufacturer's authorization.
+
+## Contractor Installation Warranty {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Contractor Installation Warranty
+type: select
+options:
+ - "1 year from substantial completion"
+ - "2 years from substantial completion"
+default: "1 year from substantial completion"
+```
+
+### The Contractor shall warrant the installation — including correct blocking verification, anchorage, leveling, scribing, hardware adjustment, countertop seaming and sealing, and compliance of accessible casework with the dimensional requirements of the accessibility standard — for the specified period.
+
+### Deficiencies attributable to installation workmanship shall be corrected by the Contractor at no cost to the Owner.