Custom Millwork Fabrication-new
Elevating Every Space: The Art of Custom Millwork in New Orleans
Unlike typical general contractors, who often rely on third-party shops, we have our own in-house millwork team. This means every project benefits from direct quality control and seamless coordination from design through installation. We are dedicated to preserving the unique charm of New Orleans architecture, and our experience in custom wood fabrication allows us to recreate intricate details that honor the city’s rich history. Whether it’s an ornate wood window frame in a historic building or modern cabinetry for a commercial office, Tuna Construction’s craftsmen deliver quality results that stand the test of time.
The Tuna Construction Millwork Advantage
Doing custom millwork for commercial projects is a unique capability – and a major differentiator for Tuna Construction. Not many contractors can produce custom woodwork in-house, but our specialized millwork department does exactly that. This gives us greater control over timelines, craftsmanship, and final quality. By handling fabrication and installation under one roof, we ensure each piece fits perfectly in its intended space and meets our rigorous standards before it even leaves our workshop.
One of the biggest benefits of our in-house approach is the ability to keep your project on schedule. Many of our projects involve replicating or repairing historic wood elements – think of aged wood windows, custom doors, hand-carved railings, and decorative trim. When working with external vendors, waiting for these custom pieces can introduce delays. With Tuna’s millwork team, there’s no waiting on a third party. We can swiftly craft the needed components to ensure we stay on track, even when facing tight deadlines or complex design changes. This capability is especially valuable when coordinating with oversight agencies in New Orleans. Our team can quickly adjust or recreate elements to satisfy any requirements, ensuring a smooth approval process
Our in-house fabrication is also advantageous when working on projects regulated by the VCC, PRC, or HDLC. Because we control the entire process, we can make on-the-fly modifications to adhere to these agencies’ guidelines without derailing the timeline. The result is a faster, more reliable workflow: you get custom millwork of the highest quality and a final outcome that’s delivered on time and on budget.
Uncompromising Quality and Craftsmanship
At Tuna Construction, we take pride in our craftsmanship. Our millwork shop is staffed by seasoned artisans with decades of combined experience in woodworking and custom fabrication. They bring Old-World attention to detail while leveraging modern tools for precision. We ensure that every piece we create – from a one-of-a-kind reception desk to an entire set of cabinetry – is built to last and tailored to your needs. High quality materials are at the core of our process; we hand-select premium wood and hardware for each build, knowing that superior inputs yield a superior final product.
We treat each millwork component as a work of art. Ensuring perfect joinery, smooth finishes, and architectural accuracy isn’t just a goal – it’s a requirement on every job. Our team approaches every task with a craftsman’s eye, whether it’s turning a detailed baluster on a lathe or carving custom molding to match a historic style. The result is custom millwork that not only looks stunning but also stands up to daily use in busy commercial spaces. Before any piece leaves our shop, it undergoes thorough quality checks and even test assemblies. This meticulous pre-installation process ensures the final installation on-site goes off without a hitch. By the time our work is completed, you’ll have quality millwork that elevates your space and endures for generations.
Ready to Transform Your Space with Custom Millwork?
Have a vision for your property that requires custom millwork? Let us bring it to life.
Contact Tuna Construction today for a free quote and see how our expert millwork team can transform your space with unparalleled craftsmanship. We’re ready to collaborate on your next project – ensuring the result is nothing short of exceptional.
From Design Drawings to Final Installation
Bringing a millwork concept from idea to reality is a multi-step process, and Tuna Construction manages every phase with precision. It begins with a thorough design and planning stage. We work closely with architects, designers, and owners to review the architectural drawings or develop our own detailed shop drawings for the project. These drawings capture every dimension and profile of the custom pieces, ensuring accuracy before a single cut is made. Our collaborative approach at this stage also involves material selection – choosing the right type of wood, finish, and hardware that will achieve the desired look and performance. By providing clear plans and even 3D renderings when needed, we eliminate guesswork up front and can offer a reliable quote and timeline that accounts for the custom millwork scope.
Next comes the fabrication phase, where raw wood and other quality materials are transformed into the components of your project. In our dedicated workshop, we combine state-of-the-art machinery with time-honored woodworking techniques. Whether we’re crafting a curved wooden staircase railing or precision-cutting an intricate lattice panel, our focus is on accuracy and quality at every step. Throughout fabrication, our artisans constantly refer back to the design drawings to ensure each detail is executed exactly as specified. We also welcome client input during this phase – you can even visit our shop to see your pieces taking shape, which is an exciting part of the custom millwork experience.
Finally, we coordinate a meticulous on-site installation. Our same skilled team that built your millwork will often handle installing it, guaranteeing consistency from the workshop to the field. We fit each element into place with care, whether it’s aligning extensive wood paneling in a hotel lobby or hanging a custom-built door in its new frame. Every edge, reveal, and joint is checked and adjusted for a flawless fit. We ensure that the final installation matches the plans and the client’s expectations down to the last detail. Once everything is securely in place and the final finishes or paint are applied, we walk through the completed work with you. This attention to detail from start to finish means you get exactly what was envisioned – a custom result that feels integral to your space rather than an afterthought.
Preserving New Orleans’ Historic Architecture with Millwork
New Orleans is a city of living history, and Tuna Construction is dedicated to preserving its historic architecture and neighborhoods. We have provided custom millwork for many of New Orleans’ treasured landmarks and renovation projects, from classic French Quarter buildings to Victorian homes in the Garden District. In each case, our goal is to honor the original craftsmanship while delivering the structural integrity and quality that modern construction demands. By recreating centuries-old designs with new wood and materials, we help ensure that the city’s heritage shines on for future generations.
Working in historic districts often means navigating additional oversight and regulations. Projects in areas governed by the Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) or the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) must meet strict guidelines to protect New Orleans’ architectural character. Over the years, we’ve developed valuable experience collaborating with these bodies. Our team understands the HDLC guidelines and VCC regulations in depth, and we incorporate those requirements into our millwork plans from the very beginning. We also engage with the Preservation Resource Center (PRC) and other preservation experts when needed, ensuring our methods and materials align with best practices for historic preservation.
Complex Oversight
Historic district projects require adherence to specific regulations and often necessitate obtaining approvals from agencies like the VCC and HDLC. We manage the paperwork, permits, and review process, so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Specialized Expertise
Successful preservation work demands knowledge of traditional building techniques and materials. Our team has the expertise in historic millwork – from matching antique wood profiles to using period-appropriate joinery – ensuring all custom pieces comply with commission guidelines without sacrificing quality.
Collaboration with PRC
Engaging with the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans can provide valuable insights and resources. We frequently collaborate with the PRC and local historians to ensure our restoration and millwork work respects the original character of each space and structure.
Impact on Timelines
Securing approvals from historic commissions can add time to a project’s timeline. We plan accordingly and adjust our schedules to ensure that even with additional review stages, your project stays on track. Our proactive coordination with commission boards helps minimize delays, delivering a beautiful final result on time.
What You Can Expect From Our Custom Millwork Services
When you choose Tuna Construction for custom millwork fabrication, you’re choosing unmatched service and expertise. Here’s what our clients can expect from our team:
A skilled team of craftsmen
with years of experience in custom wood fabrication and architectural millwork.
Collaborative design development
with detailed shop drawings to guide the project and eliminate surprises.
Hand-selected, high-quality materials
(like premium wood species and hardware) for a durable, beautiful outcome.
Precise on-site installation
with careful fitting and finishing, ensuring a perfect final fit in your space.
In-depth knowledge of local historic guidelines
(VCC, HDLC) to ensure compliance on projects in protected districts.
Transparent quotes, clear communication, and reliable scheduling,
so your project stays on budget and on time from start to finish.
Ready to Start Your Custom Millwork Project?
Whether you need custom millwork for a new commercial build-out or a historic renovation, Tuna Construction is ready to deliver. Our dedicated millwork team brings passion, skill, and professionalism to every assignment, ensuring the final product exceeds your expectations.
Contact Tuna Construction today to discuss your custom millwork project and receive a detailed quote. Let’s work together to create something exceptional for your New Orleans property.