The simple answer is that you can find all the AWI Standards documents online, along with the Architectural Woodwork Standards. But what do these standards cover, and how do they all fit together?
An Overview of the Architectural Woodwork Standards
The AWS were first produced with the collaboration of three North American trade associations: the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), the Woodwork Institute (WI, formerly the Woodwork Institute of California), and the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC).
Since then, the AWI has created new publications that address certain sections of the Standards as an association. These are called the AWI Standards (more on that in the section below).
The Architectural Woodwork Standards still recognized by QCP include the following:
- Section 5: Finishing
- Section 6: Millwork
- Section 7: Stairwork & Rails
- Section 8: Wall/Ceiling Surfacing and Partitions
- Section 9: Doors
- Section 10: Casework
- Section 11: Countertops
- Section 12: Historic Restoration Work
If you’re an AWI member, you can also request a hard copy of the AWS here.
An Overview of the AWI Standards
The Architectural Woodwork Institute has recently published their own set of standards which, as we’ve mentioned, supplant some of the sections in the AWS. These sections cover submittals (AWI 100), care & storage (AWI 200), materials (AWI 300), finish carpentry and installation (ANSI/AWI 0620), and architectural wood casework (ANSI/AWI 0641). QCP recognizes these AWI sections when licensing woodworking firms and certifying projects that have been specified QCP.
View all the AWI Standards here
AWI has produced these Standards in collaboration with ANSI process (the American National Standards Institute), a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of standards among trade organizations. This includes standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel of companies in the US, and they help to establish industry-wide consensus and transparency in the standards development process.
To find out more about how the Standards fit together, here’s a handy roadmap to AWI Standards.
Why Develop new Standards?
The new AWI Standards use performance-based measures, rather than prescriptive requirements, that provide design professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and users with more flexibility, value, and room for innovation. Changes have been made to reflect improvements in technology and methodologies, as well as the changes in market dynamics. Some changes are subtle, but have a significant impact on the overall quality of work and aesthetics of a project.
To ensure up-to-date compliance during the transitionary period, specifiers should specify compliance with “AWI Standards, Current Edition.
How to Access the AWI Standards
The AWI Standards are divided into several sections that cover different aspects of woodwork, casework, and millwork. Woodworking grades, such as economy grade, custom grade, and premium grade are for aesthetics, and duty levels cover casework and performance duties.
You can download each AWI Standard here:
- AWI 100 – Submittal
- AWI 200 – Care & Storage
- AWI 300 – Materials
- ANSI/AWI 0620 – Finish Carpentry/Installation
- ANSI/AWI 0641 – Architectural Wood Casework
Want to get started? Apply for a QCP license or register a project for QCP certification.
