Millwork estimating turns a set of architectural drawings and a cabinet schedule into priced quantities you can carry into a bid or buyout. If you are a general contractor pricing a Division 06 package, a millwork subcontractor checking a plan before you commit to a number, or an owner comparing bids, you need the same thing: a takeoff that separates cabinet boxes, faces, countertops and trim by unit of measure instead of one lump sum. That is what we produce.
- Deliverable
- Excel estimate + marked-up PDF plans
- Organized by
- CSI MasterFormat section
- Turnaround
- 24–48 hours for most projects
- Pricing
- ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing
- Software
- Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, RSMeans data
We take off architectural woodwork under Division 06, including 06 40 00 Architectural Woodwork, 06 41 00 Architectural Wood Casework, 06 41 13 Wood-Veneer-Faced Casework, 06 41 16 Plastic-Laminate-Faced Casework, 06 41 93 Cabinet Hardware, 06 46 00 Wood Trim and 06 48 00 Wood Paneling. Countertops sit under Division 12 35 30 and 12 36 00, so we break out 12 36 40 Stone Countertops, 12 36 53 Plastic-Laminate-Clad Countertops and 12 36 61 Simulated Stone Countertops as separate lines. Each line carries a quantity in LF, SF, EA or LF of edgebanding, a drawing reference and the spec section it belongs to. We work from your plan set in Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift, apply ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing from RSMeans data, and deliver Excel and PDF files with marked-up plans so you can see exactly where each number came from.
Most projects return in 24–48 hours. Rush turnaround is available when a bid date is close. If you are pricing a full wood package, pair this with our lumber takeoff and framing estimating services so the rough and finish scopes do not overlap.
What the millwork takeoff covers
We measure the casework, countertop and trim scope the way a millwork estimator does — by CSI section, by unit and by face material — so your pricing follows the same breakdown the spec uses. The list below is the standard scope. Anything outside it is noted as an exclusion so you can price it separately or send it back to us.
Cabinet Boxes
Base, wall and tall cabinet boxes measured by LF of run and EA unit count, including end panels and fillers.
LF · EAVanity & Lavatory
Vanity and lavatory cabinets priced by EA, grouped by width and sink configuration, with cutout allowances.
EACabinet Faces
Plastic-laminate, wood-veneer and thermofoil faces measured in SF by face type, including doors and drawer fronts.
SFCountertops
Countertops measured in SF by material, plus LF of edge profile for square, bevel, bullnose and ogee edges.
SF · LFCountertop Cutouts
Sink, cooktop, faucet and soap dispenser cutouts counted by EA, with separate pricing for undermount and drop-in sinks.
EACabinet Hardware
Hinges, slides, pulls and shelf standards counted by EA, including soft-close upgrades and specialty hardware.
EATrim & Molding
Base, shoe, crown, chair rail and picture molding measured by LF by profile, including door and window casing.
LFPaneling & Wainscot
Wood paneling and wainscot measured in SF by panel type, plus trim LF for rails, stiles and caps.
SF · LFWhat every millwork & casework estimating takeoff includes
- Base, wall and tall cabinets — LF run and EA unit count
- Vanity and lavatory cabinets — EA by width and sink configuration
- Plastic-laminate, wood-veneer and thermofoil faces — SF by face type
- Countertops — SF by material, plus LF of edge profile
- Countertop cutouts — sink, cooktop, faucet and soap dispenser, EA
- Cabinet hardware — hinges, slides, pulls and shelf standards, EA
- End panels, finished sides, fillers, scribes and toe kicks — LF or SF
- Base, shoe, crown, chair rail and picture molding — LF by profile
- Door and window casing — LF by width and profile
- Wood paneling and wainscot — SF by panel type, plus trim LF
- Adjustable shelves and shelf pin holes — LF and EA
- Backsplash — SF by height and material
How we take off a millwork package
- Read the cabinet schedule and elevationsWe start with the cabinet schedule and interior elevations, not the floor plan. The schedule gives unit widths, heights and types; the elevations show finished ends, fillers, scribes and toe kick. We note every discrepancy between the two and flag it in the marked-up set before we measure. For example, if the schedule lists a 36" base cabinet but the elevation shows a 42" cabinet with a finished end panel, we mark both sheets and add a query line. We also check that the schedule includes all units shown on the plans, such as vanities, islands and specialty cabinets.
- Measure cabinet runs by typeWe measure base, wall and tall cabinet runs along the face in LF, then count individual boxes in EA where the schedule breaks them out. Corner cabinets, blind corners and diagonal configurations are measured as separate lines because they carry different box and face costs. For a typical kitchen, we separate base cabinets (24" deep, 34.5" high), wall cabinets (12" or 13" deep, 30", 36" or 42" high) and tall cabinets (84", 90" or 96" high). We also note the number of adjustable shelves per cabinet, measured in LF, and the quantity of shelf pin holes in EA.
- Break out faces and edge treatmentFor each cabinet run we calculate SF of face material by type — plastic laminate, wood veneer, thermofoil or melamine — and LF of edge banding or applied edge profile. A cabinet box with a laminate face and a veneer face is two different lines, even if the box is identical. We measure the face area of doors, drawer fronts and finished ends separately, and we note the edge treatment: 3mm PVC edge banding, 1mm edge tape, or applied wood edge. Book-matched veneer requires sequencing and is measured with the grain direction noted.
- Take off countertops and cutoutsCountertops are measured in SF by material — plastic laminate, solid surface, quartz or stone — and the edge profile is measured in LF around the perimeter. Sink, cooktop, faucet and soap dispenser cutouts are counted in EA, with the drilling pattern noted from the plumbing fixture cut sheet. We also measure the LF of backsplash by height (4", 18" or full-height) and note the material. For islands, we measure the countertop SF and the edge LF separately, and we flag any waterfall edges that require mitered corners and a substrate.
- Measure trim and panelingBase, shoe, crown, casing and chair rail are measured in LF by profile and species. Paneling and wainscot are measured in SF by panel type, with trim and reveals excluded from the panel field. We check that trim at cabinet-to-wall, cabinet-to-ceiling and cabinet-to-floor transitions is included. For example, a cabinet run that ends at a wall typically requires a filler and a scribe, measured in LF, and a base molding return. We also count the number of outside corners in EA for corner guards or mitered returns.
- Apply pricing and organize by CSIWe apply ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing from RSMeans data, then organize the takeoff by CSI MasterFormat division — Division 06 for casework, trim and paneling, Division 12 36 00 for countertops. The Excel file carries the quantities; the PDF carries the marked-up plans. Each line includes the CSI section number, a description, the quantity, the unit of measure and a drawing reference. We also provide a separate summary sheet that totals quantities by unit and by CSI section, so you can quickly check the overall scope.
What we need from you
- Architectural drawingsFloor plans, interior elevations and reflected ceiling plans. Elevations are required for cabinet runs and trim heights.
- Cabinet scheduleUnit types, widths, heights, depths and quantities. If the schedule is on a separate sheet, send it.
- Finish specsDivision 06 and Division 12 36 00 sections, plus any finish schedule showing face material and countertop type.
- Hardware specHinge type, slide type, pull style and any soft-close or full-extension requirements. This drives the EA count.
- Countertop cut sheetsSink, cooktop and faucet cut sheets so we can count cutouts and note drilling patterns.
- Bid date and ZIP codeThe bid date sets our turnaround; the ZIP code sets the material and labor pricing adjustment.
Sample casework takeoff
This is the format you receive. Each line carries a CSI section, a quantity, a unit and a drawing reference so you can trace it back to the sheet.
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06 41 16 | Plastic-laminate base cabinet, 24" deep, 34.5" high | 186 | LF | A-501 |
| 06 41 16 | Plastic-laminate wall cabinet, 30" high, 12" deep | 124 | LF | A-501 |
| 06 41 13 | Wood-veneer tall cabinet, 84" high, 24" deep | 18 | EA | A-502 |
| 12 36 53 | Plastic-laminate countertop, 1.25" thick, square edge | 210 | SF | A-503 |
| 12 36 40 | Quartz countertop, 3 cm, ogee edge | 86 | SF | A-503 |
| 06 41 93 | Cabinet hardware — hinges, slides, pulls | 1,240 | EA | A-504 |
| 06 46 13 | Wood base molding, 5.25" profile, paint grade | 340 | LF | A-505 |
| 06 46 16 | Wood door casing, 3.5" profile, paint grade | 210 | LF | A-506 |
| 06 41 16 | Finished end panel, plastic laminate, 24" deep x 34.5" high | 12 | EA | A-501 |
| 06 41 16 | Filler strip, plastic laminate, 3" wide | 48 | LF | A-501 |
| 06 41 93 | Shelf standards and pins, adjustable shelves | 96 | EA | A-504 |
| 12 36 53 | Backsplash, plastic laminate, 4" high | 60 | LF | A-503 |
Units of measure we use
Millwork quantities are not interchangeable. A cabinet run measured in LF does not tell you the SF of face material, and a countertop measured in SF does not include the LF of edge. We report each separately.
| Item | Unit | How it's measured |
|---|---|---|
| Base cabinets | LF | Measured along the front of the cabinet run, excluding fillers and end panels |
| Wall cabinets | LF | Measured along the face, by height (30", 36", 42") and depth (12", 13") |
| Tall and pantry cabinets | EA | Counted individually by height (84", 90", 96") and width |
| Plastic-laminate faces | SF | Face area of doors, drawer fronts and finished ends, by panel |
| Wood-veneer faces | SF | Face area by veneer cut and species, including book-match direction |
| Countertops | SF | Plan area of the top, by material type, plus LF of edge |
| Countertop edge | LF | Perimeter of the top where an edge profile is applied, including islands |
| Countertop cutouts | EA | Each sink, cooktop, faucet hole and soap dispenser counted separately |
| Cabinet hardware | EA | Each hinge, slide, pull, knob and shelf standard counted by type |
| Trim — base, casing, crown | LF | Measured along the wall or opening, by profile and species |
| Paneling and wainscot | SF | Face area of the panel field, excluding trim and reveals |
Worked example: base cabinet run and countertop
This example walks through the quantities for one kitchen base cabinet run and its countertop. All dimensions are illustrative and do not come from a real project.
Scope: A straight run of base cabinets along a 12'-0" wall. Cabinets are 24" deep, 34.5" high, plastic-laminate faced. Countertop is 1.25" plastic laminate with a square edge and a 4" backsplash. One double-bowl sink cutout and one faucet hole.
Step 1 — Measure the cabinet run.
- Wall length: 12'-0".
- Subtract a 3" filler at the left wall and a 3" filler at the right wall: 12'-0" minus 0.5' = 11.5 LF of cabinet run.
- Unit count: assume cabinets come in 24" wide boxes. 11.5 LF × 12 in/ft ÷ 24 in = 5.75, so 6 units (the last unit is a 18" wide cabinet to fit).
Step 2 — Calculate face area.
- Each base cabinet has a door and a drawer front. For a 24" wide unit, door face = 22" wide × 22" high = 484 sq in. Drawer front = 22" wide × 6" high = 132 sq in. Total face per unit = 616 sq in.
- For 6 units: 6 × 616 = 3,696 sq in. Convert to SF: 3,696 ÷ 144 = 25.67 SF.
- Add finished end panel at the exposed right side: 24" deep × 34.5" high = 828 sq in = 5.75 SF.
- Total plastic-laminate face area = 25.67 + 5.75 = 31.42 SF. Round to 32 SF.
Step 3 — Countertop area.
- Top length = 11.5 LF (same as cabinet run). Top depth = 25" (24" cabinet + 1" overhang).
- Area in SF: 11.5 LF × (25 ÷ 12) ft = 11.5 × 2.083 = 23.96 SF. Round to 24 SF.
Step 4 — Edge profile.
- Perimeter of the top: front edge = 11.5 LF. Left end = 25" = 2.08 LF. Right end = 25" = 2.08 LF. Back edge against wall = 0 LF (no edge).
- Total edge LF = 11.5 + 2.08 + 2.08 = 15.66 LF. Round to 16 LF.
Step 5 — Cutouts.
- Sink cutout: 1 EA.
- Faucet hole: 1 EA (some specs require 3 holes; check cut sheet).
- Soap dispenser: 0 EA (not specified).
Step 6 — Backsplash.
- Height = 4" = 0.333 ft. Length = 11.5 LF.
- Area = 11.5 × 0.333 = 3.83 SF. But backsplash is often measured in LF: 11.5 LF.
Step 7 — Hardware.
- Hinges: 2 per door × 6 doors = 12 EA (some cabinets have 3 hinges; check spec).
- Drawer slides: 1 pair per drawer × 6 drawers = 6 pairs, or 12 EA individual slides.
- Pulls: 1 per door + 1 per drawer = 6 + 6 = 12 EA.
- Shelf standards: not applicable for base cabinets.
Step 8 — Waste factor.
- Plastic laminate: typical waste 10% for face material. 32 SF × 1.10 = 35.2 SF.
- Countertop: typical waste 10% for laminate. 24 SF × 1.10 = 26.4 SF.
- Edge banding: typical waste 5%. 16 LF × 1.05 = 16.8 LF.
- We report waste as a separate line, not baked into the measured quantity.
Summary table (sample format — illustrative quantities):
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 41 16 | Plastic-laminate base cabinet, 24" deep, 34.5" high | 11.5 | LF |
| 06 41 16 | Base cabinet units, 24" wide | 6 | EA |
| 06 41 16 | Plastic-laminate face area | 32 | SF |
| 06 41 16 | Finished end panel | 1 | EA |
| 12 36 53 | Plastic-laminate countertop, 1.25" thick | 24 | SF |
| 12 36 53 | Countertop edge, square profile | 16 | LF |
| 12 36 53 | Sink cutout | 1 | EA |
| 12 36 53 | Faucet hole | 1 | EA |
| 12 36 53 | Backsplash, 4" high | 11.5 | LF |
| 06 41 93 | Hinges | 12 | EA |
| 06 41 93 | Drawer slides (pairs) | 6 | PR |
| 06 41 93 | Pulls | 12 | EA |
This is the level of detail you receive. Each line ties back to a drawing sheet and a CSI section.
What drives millwork cost estimating
Relative impact on a typical estimate for this trade, based on estimator judgment. Select a bar for details.
Face material
Plastic laminate, wood veneer, thermofoil and melamine carry different material and labor costs for the same box. Veneer adds sequencing and book-match direction, which raises shop time. Thermofoil requires a membrane press and can be more expensive for small runs. We measure SF by face type so you can price each separately, and we note the edge treatment (3mm PVC, 1mm tape, or applied wood edge) because it affects both material and labor.
Plastic laminate, wood veneer, thermofoil and melamine carry different material and labor costs for the same box. Veneer adds sequencing and book-match direction, which raises shop time. Thermofoil requires a membrane press and can be more expensive for small runs. We measure SF by face type so you can price each separately, and we note the edge treatment (3mm PVC, 1mm tape, or applied wood edge) because it affects both material and labor.
Plastic laminate, solid surface, quartz and stone differ in slab size, edge build-up and fabrication time. Stone and quartz also carry cutout and polishing costs that laminate does not. Solid surface requires a substrate and seams that are glued and sanded. We break out SF by material and LF of edge, and we note the number of seams and the edge profile (square, bullnose, ogee, waterfall) because each adds fabrication time.
A square edge, bullnose, ogee or waterfall edge changes the LF of fabrication and the number of seams. Waterfall edges on islands add mitered corners and often require a substrate. A bullnose edge on a plastic-laminate top is typically applied as a separate strip and then trimmed and filed. We measure edge LF separately from top SF, and we note the edge build-up thickness (1.25", 1.5", 3cm) because it affects material yield.
Soft-close hinges, full-extension slides, pull-outs and trash pull-outs are counted in EA and priced per unit. A hardware upgrade can add hundreds of EA to a mid-size project. For example, a 30-cabinet kitchen might have 60 hinges, 40 slides, 30 pulls and 10 shelf standards. We count each type from the hardware spec, and we note the finish (chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze) because it can affect cost.
Out-of-plumb walls and out-of-level floors drive filler and scribe quantities, which are measured in LF. A job with irregular walls needs more field fitting and more trim. We note where the drawings show conditions that will require extra scribe, such as a wall that is out of plumb by more than 1/4" over 8 feet. We also measure the LF of toe kick and base shoe, which are often affected by floor levelness.
Paint-grade and stain-grade trim carry different material costs, and stain-grade requires touch-up after installation. Exposed wood paneling adds finish SF. For example, stain-grade oak or maple costs more than paint-grade poplar or MDF, and it requires careful handling to avoid scratches. We note the finish requirement on each trim and paneling line, and we separate paint-grade from stain-grade so you can price them correctly.
Large projects with repetitive cabinet types benefit from shop efficiency, while small custom projects with unique configurations cost more per unit. Repetition reduces setup time and material waste. For example, a 200-unit apartment building with identical kitchens will have a lower per-unit cost than a custom home with one-of-a-kind cabinets. We measure quantities by type and note the repetition so you can adjust your pricing accordingly.
Common scope gaps we catch
Millwork bids go wrong when a quantity is measured in the wrong unit or left out of the schedule. These are the gaps we look for on every takeoff.
- Finished end panels and exposed cabinet sides shown on elevations but missing from the cabinet schedule. We compare each elevation against the schedule and add the missing EA.
- Filler strips and scribes at walls, corners and out-of-plumb conditions. These are measured in LF and often left out because they are not a cabinet box.
- Toe kick, toe kick return and base shoe at cabinet runs. The toe kick is measured in LF and is separate from the base molding line.
- Countertop edge profile measured as LF, not SF. A 210 SF top with a 60 LF perimeter needs both numbers to price the edge fabrication.
- Sink, cooktop, faucet and soap dispenser cutouts and drilling. These are counted in EA from the plumbing fixture cut sheets, not from the countertop plan.
- Backsplash height and material — 4", 18" or full-height — and the LF of the run. A full-height backsplash adds SF and often a substrate.
- Hardware upgrades such as soft-close hinges, full-extension slides and pull-outs. These are counted in EA and priced per unit, and they are frequently omitted from the base hardware line.
- Blocking and backing inside walls for cabinet and countertop attachment. This belongs in Division 06 rough carpentry or Division 05, and we flag it as an exclusion.
- Wood trim at cabinet-to-wall, cabinet-to-ceiling and cabinet-to-floor transitions. These are measured in LF and are easy to miss when the trim plan stops at the cabinet line.
- Stain, paint or clear finish on exposed wood trim and paneling. This belongs in Division 09, and we note it so it is not double-priced in the millwork package.
- Access panels and removable panels for plumbing and electrical. These are counted in EA and are often shown only on the plumbing or electrical sheets.
- Freight, crating, delivery and jobsite protection for casework. These are Division 01 or supplier costs, and we list them as exclusions so you can price them separately.
- Fire-rated or moisture-resistant substrates behind tile and stone. These belong in Division 09 and are not part of the countertop or backsplash line.
- Corner cabinets, blind corners and diagonal corner configurations. These are measured as separate lines because they carry different box and face costs.
Face and top materials compared
The same cabinet box can carry different face and top materials. We measure each by its own unit so you can price the material you actually specify.
| Material | Typical use | Unit of measure | What changes in the takeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic laminate | Cabinet faces, countertops, backsplash | SF for faces and tops, LF for edges | Edge treatment (3mm PVC vs. applied wood edge) adds LF; cutouts for sinks and cooktops counted in EA. |
| Wood veneer | High-end cabinet faces, paneling | SF by face area, with grain direction noted | Book-matching and sequencing increase shop time; measure face area and note veneer cut (plain, quarter, rotary). |
| Thermofoil | Cabinet doors and drawer fronts, especially in kitchens and baths | SF of face area | Requires membrane press; small runs may be more expensive; measure face area and note edge profile. |
| Melamine | Cabinet interiors, shelving, utility cabinets | SF of face area | Edge banding is typically 1mm or 3mm PVC; measure LF of edge banding separately. |
| Solid surface | Countertops, integrated sinks, shower walls | SF of top area, LF of edge | Seams are glued and sanded; count seams in LF; cutouts and coved backsplash add cost. |
| Quartz | Countertops, islands, backsplash | SF of top area, LF of edge | Edge profile (square, bullnose, ogee, waterfall) adds LF; cutouts for sink and faucet counted in EA. |
| Granite | Countertops, islands | SF of top area, LF of edge | Slab layout and seam placement affect yield; measure SF and note edge profile and cutouts. |
| Butcher block | Countertops, islands, work tables | SF of top area, LF of edge | Edge treatment often square or rounded; measure LF of edge and note finish (oil, lacquer). |
Codes and standards that affect millwork quantities
Model codes
The International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) govern where millwork is allowed and how it must be installed. The IRC addresses cabinet and countertop installation in dwellings, including clearance to ranges and protection of combustible surfaces. The IBC covers interior finishes and flame-spread ratings for wood paneling in commercial occupancies. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) can affect cabinet depth and insulation around exterior walls. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires receptacles in islands and peninsulas, which may require cutouts in casework. Plumbing codes (IPC/UPC) set sink and faucet rough-in dimensions that drive countertop cutouts. Confirm the adopted code edition with the local building department.
Industry standards
Architectural woodwork is governed by the Architectural Woodwork Standards (AWS), published by AWI, which defines grades (Economy, Custom, Premium) and affects material selection, joinery, and finish. The Woodwork Institute (WI) also publishes manual of millwork standards. For countertops, ASTM C1364 covers solid surface material, and ASTM C615 covers granite. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) publishes guidelines for clearances and work triangles, which can influence cabinet and countertop dimensions. These standards change quantities: a Premium grade may require thicker veneer or more careful matching, increasing SF and LF.
Specification sections
An estimator must read Division 06 sections: 06 40 00 Architectural Woodwork, 06 41 00 Architectural Wood Casework, 06 41 13 Wood-Veneer-Faced Casework, 06 41 16 Plastic-Laminate-Faced Casework, 06 41 93 Cabinet Hardware, 06 46 00 Wood Trim, and 06 48 00 Wood Paneling. Countertops are under Division 12 36 00: 12 36 40 Stone Countertops, 12 36 53 Plastic-Laminate-Clad Countertops, and 12 36 61 Simulated Stone Countertops. Each section specifies materials, fabrication, and installation, which directly affect cost. For example, a spec requiring solid wood drawer boxes instead of particleboard adds material cost and may change hardware selection.
Local amendments
Local jurisdictions may adopt different editions of the IBC, IRC, IECC, NEC, and plumbing codes, and may amend them. For example, some states require additional blocking for cabinet attachment in seismic zones, or have specific requirements for countertop support in commercial kitchens. Amendments can also affect where wood paneling is allowed and what fire ratings are required. Always confirm the adopted code edition and local amendments with the local building department before finalizing your bid. We note code-related exclusions in our takeoff but do not provide code compliance review.
Who uses this millwork estimate for contractors
General contractors
You need a Division 06 and 12 36 00 quantity breakdown to check subcontractor bids and to price the scope if you self-perform. The takeoff gives you LF, SF and EA quantities you can mark up with your own labor and overhead.
Millwork subcontractors
You are bidding a cabinet, countertop and trim package and need to verify the plan quantities before you commit. The takeoff separates face material, edge profile and hardware so you can price each line against your shop rates.
Developers and owners
You are comparing bids and want to know whether the quantities are consistent across bidders. A line-item takeoff shows where one bidder included finished ends and another did not.
Architects
You are checking a contractor's schedule of values or a change order for added casework. The takeoff ties each quantity back to a sheet and a CSI section, so you can see what was measured.